A Memorable Literary Evening with Story Writer Akhlaq Ahmed in Washington
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
Photographs by Afzal Usmani
The Global Beat Foundation organized a literary event featuring Akhlaq Ahmed, a renowned fiction writer, journalist, and former chief editor of the weekly Akhbar-e-Jahan from Pakistan. Many lovers of literature participated in the event held at the Arlington Central Library in Arlington, VA on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
Sarfraz Hussain, Press Minister, Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, DC, presided over the ceremony. In his presidential address, Hussain emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the national language of Pakistan among the new generation growing up in America. He praised the ongoing efforts to safeguard the language, culture, and social values of Pakistan. He also commended Akhlaq Ahmed for his storytelling skills, noting that Ahmed's simple language effectively conveyed the complexities of life, emotions, and perspectives.
Akhlaq Ahmed expressed his happiness that various literary organizations in the United States are dedicated to promoting Urdu literature. He also appreciated the expatriate community's understanding of the significance of poetry and prose writing. Ahmed narrated a short story titled "Martin Quarter ka Master" and engaged with the audience through a question-and-answer session.
Kashif Raza, a well-known anchor, translator, and writer from Pakistan, discussed the stories of Akhlaq Ahmed. Firoza Salahuddin read a story titled "Fasle ka Faisla," and Zulekha Yusuf provided commentary on two stories by Akhlaq Ahmed.
President Shahid Iqbal, Talat Owais, and Kanwal Bashir of the Indus Arts Council appreciated the efforts of the Global Beat Foundation for arranging good-quality literary events. The Indus Arts Council, based in Houston, focuses on connecting the new generation in America with the Urdu language and Pakistani culture, with emphasis on teaching Urdu. Also in attendance were Tahira Aziz, who is engaged in teaching Urdu in the Washington DC Metro area, Asfar Imam of the VOA, Abida Waqar of Peace Drama, Kokab Farshori, former Urdu chief of Voice of America, Ali Hasan Shoaib and Noor Naghmi.
Nuzaira Azam, the president of The Global Beat Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the support she received from Anwar Khan, Afshan Khan, Arisha Khan, and Tayler Williams of OBAT—an organization dedicated to promoting education, healthcare, accommodation, and empowerment of the displaced homeless and needy individuals. She also extended her appreciation to Saeeda Haq, Pakistan American Press Association General Secretary Yousuf Chaudhry, Asfar Imam of VOA, Afzal Usmani of Washington Metro Aligarh Alumni Association, Shafaat Khan, Saba Khan, Shaista Khan, and Maruf Khan for their assistance and support in making the event a success.
