Staff Reporter
A novel of unique style “Anwasi” by Muhammad Hafeez Khan (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz) was launched at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Sunday. Hafeez Khan is an outstanding critic, playwright, historian, columnist, short story writer and an intellectual.
International fame poet Iftikhar Arif presided over the prestigious ceremony, famous novelist Khalid Fateh Muhammad was chief guest while senior poet and intellectual Prof Jalil Aali was guest of honor. The session was anchored by Prof Faruukh Nadeem. The speakers included Dr Muhammad Sheraz Dasti, Dr Humaira Ishfaq, Shoib Khaliq, Dr Bibi Ameena, Deputy Director RAC Sajjad Hussain and Munir Fayyaz.
‘Anwasi’ is a historical novel that recounts construction of Empress Bridge over Sutlaj River in the late nineteenth century. On one hand, it represents the colonial ways of forceful violent actions, and the other, it shows the moral decline of a defeated community of the Aadam Wahn village. The novel is unique in its style as it not only uses Saraiki words and phrases but also portrays images of nineteenth century Waseb. The strong central character, Sangri, adds some feministic streams to the work.
