Pakistan Cultural Forum launches Hasan Akhtar Gardezi’s book ‘Masnavi Pir Changi’

ISLAMABAD, Aug 07 (APP): Pakistan Cultural Forum hosted the launching ceremony of the book ‘Masnavi Pir Changi’, authored by eminent journalist, distinguished Pakistan Movement activist, intellectual and diplomat Hasan Akhtar Gardezi, at the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) here on Friday.

Presiding over the event, Sardar Masood Khan said that quality books enrich the intellectual capital of any society. He described Hasan Akhtar Gardezi’s work as a valuable addition to Urdu literature that would encourage the younger generation to develop a habit of reading.

He said the book narrates the author’s life journey, covering both the Pakistan Movement and his distinguished career in journalism. He added that Hasan Akhtar devoted his entire life to the service of Pakistan and was remembered as a compassionate, soft-spoken and affectionate personality.

Guest of Honour Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Director General of the National Language Promotion Department, said that the institution remained committed to promoting scholarly, literary, research and cultural contributions of writers, besides advancing the national language, Urdu.

He observed that such events not only introduce quality books but also strengthen literary discourse. He remarked that Hasan Akhtar Gardezi’s autobiography was, in fact, a biography of the Pakistan Movement, reflecting both the struggle for Pakistan and the author’s personal journey. He expressed hope that the book would serve the academic needs of readers, researchers and literary scholars.

President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Afzal Butt, said that compiling Hasan Akhtar Gardezi’s scattered writings into a single volume was a remarkable achievement by his brother.

He suggested that Gardezi’s interviews with prominent personalities should also be compiled and published. He added that the book would provide valuable guidance to today’s journalists by illustrating the professional challenges he faced throughout his career.

Speaking on the occasion, Ijaz Shafi Gilani said that Hasan Akhtar Gardezi was born in Tehsil Nurpur, District Kangra, which did not become part of Pakistan after Partition, but Gardezi himself became an integral part of Pakistan and served the country with complete dedication. He said Hasan Akhtar possessed not only a bright vision but also a progressive outlook.

Syed Hasan Javed Gardezi said that his elder brother was like a father to him. He described him as a courageous, honest, dutiful and highly responsible individual who always remained committed to his professional obligations.

He said he had learned a great deal from him and recalled that Hasan Akhtar took great pleasure in witnessing Islamabad’s development, including the construction of Metro Bus infrastructure, and Pakistan’s progress.

His grandnephew, Syed Moosa Hasan Gardezi, said it was heartening to see so many senior members of the family gathered at the event, adding that even after Hasan Akhtar Gardezi’s passing, his legacy and influence continued to grow.

Earlier, Chairman of the Pakistan Cultural Forum, Zafar Bakhtawari, welcomed the guests and said that Masnavi Pir Changi presents a first-hand account of the Pakistan Movement during 1945, 1946 and 1947.

He said the book documents the history of the freedom movement while reflecting Hasan Akhtar Gardezi’s experiences. He also noted that Gardezi had worked with several distinguished personalities, interviewed many eminent figures and upheld the dignity and integrity of journalism throughout his life.

A large number of Hasan Akhtar Gardezi’s family members, writers, poets, intellectuals, journalists, teachers, students and literature enthusiasts attended the ceremony.