Islamabad:The book titled ‘Humanism and Pakistani English Novel’ written by Dr Ali Ahmad Kharal, an eminent educationist, is a unique treasure for the people of all tastes right from those interested in English literature, or political theories, or human rights, or religions and many more.

The author has discussed the origin and teachings of eight different religions in addition to the movement of Humanism as well as Marxism. This research of the author serves as the parameter of study and leads to a critical analysis of Pakistani English novel at large.

The author has highlighted the fact that language and literature being the standard and key form of expression gives voice to all the issues related to the human life. The form or clothing falls in the category of language and the nature of contents is limitless, ranging from history to various forms of studies.

The author wrote the book after an extensive research and study to find out the extent to which Pakistani English novelists have incorporated secular, Marxist and religious aspects of humanism in addition to human rights in the stories of their novels in the context of social, political, religious, cultural and economic conditions prevailing in Pakistani society.

The book aptly proves that Pakistani English novelists are well aware of what is going on around them in the world. In the world of today, which is turning into a global village, they are also getting inspiration from all the ideas, movements and philosophies which are in vogue in one or the other country and have significant relevance to the human life.

The book elaborates that Pakistani novelists are alive to the need for the establishment of a better human society in Pakistan at the creative level.

The book defends the Pakistani novelists stating that they are not only well aware of the different aspects, trends and facets of the movement of Humanism but have also incorporated different themes and concepts of Humanism in their stories. The author states in the book that Humanism, which is ‘Human-being-ism’ is that wave of conscience and realization which gives birth to such art and literature that instil courage and confidence into human beings to face and defeat not only helplessness and hopelessness but also show them the path of social, political and economic liberties.

The author states that humanist artists are constantly aware of their responsibilities and duties as citizens. They renounce the past with its gloomy survivals and strive to glance into a better future. Pakistani English novelists are well aware of their responsibilities and duties as citizens. They are on the way to perform their role effectively in the establishment of a better human society.

The author mentions in his book that since the partition of the sub-continent of India in 1947, a fairly good number of novels in English have been written and are being

written in Pakistan. These novels do not in any way lack quality than other novels of high pedigree. These Pakistani English novels not only present the social, political and economic conditions but also cover the cultural and religious issues prevailing in Pakistani society.

The author states in the book that literary works of Pakistani English writers have not been the subject of considerable critical evaluation, unlike the works of English writers from other countries of the South Asia which have been the subject of many critical studies. The inclusion of Pakistani English writers and their creative works in the international literary circles and forums has been far less than what they merit. The author stresses the need to critically evaluate and recognize the contribution of Pakistan English writers both at national and international level.

The research the author done hopefully will bring the work of Pakistani English writers into focus and pave the way for the future researchers to take up the work of Pakistan English writers for their research. It would also encourage the contemporary Pakistani English writers to continue their good efforts for the establishment of a better society at the creative level.

Dr Ali Ahmad Kharal was born in Multan on June 1, 1964. His father Haji Muhammad Ismail Kharal is an educationist. Dr Kharal received his early education from the city of his birth. He graduated from the Government College, Bosan Road, Multan, and got his Masters Degree in English literature from Baha-ud-Din Zakaria University Multan. He was awarded PhD in English literature by the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad in 2009. Currently Dr Kharal is the Principal of Islamabad Model College for Boys, I-8/3, Islamabad.The news.