For the love of literature

Author: Muhammad Omar Iftikhar

Literary activities help people broaden their cognitive and intellectual capabilities. Such activities compel one to go into introspection and evaluate the inner self while keeping in focus the outside world.

Among the many literary events taking place across Karachi, one such literary group on Facebook, “Pakistan’s Bloggers, Writers, Readers and Poets” (PBWRP) is adding much literary value to the society. A brainchild of Nazia Kamran Kashif with complete support from her husband, Kamran Kashif, the PBWRP began as a Facebook group that has now turned into a community of writers and poets who belong to diverse professions and localities of Pakistan. It organized its first Open Mic session recently. Over 25 participants presented their speeches, pieces of prose and poetry at this event. Invited as guests to the Open Mic session were Ayaz Khan, Pakistan’s versatile actor; Rehan Malick, an experienced media professional and TV host; Umair Leghari and Sadaf Umair, TV actors; Nadia Patel Gangjee, CEO and Founder, Sheops; Faiza Qureshi, an experienced RJ among others. The co-hosts of the evening were Nazia Kamran and Rafat Jahan.

With over 12,000 active members on Facebook, the PBWRP aims to promote English and Urdu literature in Pakistan by helping nurture young talent and giving them a foundation to express their passion for literature. PBWRP’s Facebook page invites members to post their written pieces on which they receive admiration and positive feedback from well-experienced writers and poets of the group. This creates an atmosphere of appreciation and reassurance which helps in the evolution of these aspiring writers and poets. The problem in Pakistan, unfortunately, is lack of appreciation given to those engaged in literary pursuits. PBWRP, therefore, bridges the gap as promising writers connect with readers and established literary figures who help them to learn and evolve. Mr. and Mrs. Kamran Kashif have also been operating their online book club/outlet “Book Bee” which sells a huge collection of books on diverse topics. PBWRP is an extension of the common vision which Nazia Kamran Kashif and Kamran Kashif share, which is to provide avenues to aspiring writers and poets in assisting them to reach a wider audience.

In a short span of time, the PBWRP has managed to create a community where people are encouraged to share their written pieces. It is interesting to note that PBWRP members have an innate sense to not only write but also to deliver it with confidence in front of the audience. During the PBWRP Open Mic session participants delivered interesting and thought-provoking content that showed their literary prowess. Presenters at the Open Mic session shared prose that was mature, logical and realistic. Some presented poetry that was humorous while some had a symbolic appeal.

It is reassuring to see that people have a knack of how to write and how to speak in public. The problem, however, has always been a dearth of avenues where aspiring writers could display their talent. Where the literary festivals by big brands do take place in Karachi annually, they only focus on inviting published names and hence, the big chunk of those who are unable to enter the mainstream print media, are left behind. PBWRP has become the voice of those writers and poets who need a podium to connect with the public. A case in point was the PBWRP Literary Fiesta, held in January 2019, with the objective to bring together writers and poets from across Pakistan through a competitive event attended by esteemed judges and guests belonging to Pakistan’s literary scene. This Literary Fiesta was a roaring success. The PBWRP Opening Mic session, similarly, was a well-planned and a well-executed event that displayed the unity and cohesiveness of PBWRP’s team that includes Afeerh Zaujah Mahmood, Komal Shahab, Syeda Jiya Haider Abidi, Arham Waseem, Alina Irfan, and Aymun Saleem.

The writer is an independent researcher, author and columnist. He can be reached at omariftikhar@hotmail.com

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