Islamabad:The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) launched a special issue of its quarterly literary journal ‘Adbiyat’ dedicated to four iconic literary giants — Sheikh Ayaz, Meer Gul Khan Naseer, Ameer Hamza Khan Shinwari and Ahmed Rahi — recognised as the hallmarks of our modern poetry and symbols of our national progressive spirit.

Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) Chairman Fakhar Zaman, in a press briefing on the release of special issue of the quarterly, said that the purpose of this special issue is to strengthen the culture of democracy, progressive approach, peace and brotherhood in society through highlighting the enlightened and inspiring poetry of these four iconic progressive poets.

The special issue contains writings of prominent writers from all over the country on the lives and works of these four legendary poets with selections from their writings along with a section dedicated to interviews with these personalities. The issue carries writings from eminent literati Afzal Touseef, Naseer Mirza, Adal Soomro, Zulfiqar Hali Poto, Aseer Abdul Qadir Shahwani, Yousuf Gichki, Shah Muhammad Marri, Agha Gul, Waheed Zaheer, Wahid Bux Buzdar, Dr. Ali Dost Baloch, Taha Khan, Dr. Muhammad Azam Azam, Dawar Khan Daud, Dr. Raaj Wali Shah Khattak, Syed Tahir Bukhari, Ahmed Paracha, Aseer Mangal, Aslam Raheel Mirza, Aizaz Ahmed Azar, Dr. Nasir Rana, Shakir Kandaan, Akhlaq Atif, Humaira Ahmed Rahi and many other writers.

The PAL chairman also informed at the briefing that the forthcoming special issue of ‘Adbiyat’ on writings for children is in the pipeline. The issue will have four to five volumes covering not only selected writings from international literature for children but also from Urdu and other Pakistani languages. The PAL is also planning to compile a special issue on the life and work of Ustad Daman.The news.