The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) on Tuesday organized launch of three Chinese books into Urdu. The event titled ‘Pak-China Classical Literature’ was attended by a large number of literature loves, writers and poets of the twin cities.
The books that have been translated into Urdu include ‘Afsha-e-Raaz’ or ‘Revelation of a Secret (a novel), ‘Dariya-e-HolankiKahaniyan’ or ‘Tales of Hulan River’ (short stories) and ‘Mai HuaMulanHoon’ or ‘I am HuaMulan’ (Chinese folk legend).
Afsha-e-Raaz has been translated into Urdu by Muhammad Asim Butt who himself is a well-known fiction writer. The second book ‘Dariya-e-HolankiKahaniyan’ is rendered into Urdu by InamNadeem while the third book ‘Mai HuaMulanHoon’ is translated by Mujadid Al-Arz.
Former Chairman of the PAL and senior literary figure of Pakistan, IftikharArif presided over the event while newly-arrived Chinese Cultural Counselor, Mr. Chen Ping, was the Chief Guest.
The guests of honor included Dr. Waheed Ahmed, Syed AbrarHussain, and Mr. ZafarBakhtawari.
Chairperson of the PAL DrNajibaArif in her welcome address briefed the guests about the academy’s role in fostering Pak-China literary and cultural relations.
She shared that the PAL had completed the translation of three Chinese books and soon two more would be published under Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with China.
Similarly, China has published translations of 5 Pakistani books into Chinese language. Such efforts, she noted, would aid the people of both nations in understanding each other through literature.
Chinese Cultural Counsellor, Chen Ping who has recently assumed his position expressed gratitude for the invitation saying the first invitation after taking over the charge was from the PAL.
He stated that the future of Pakistan and China was inter-connected and emphasized the concept of an emerging Pak-China community with a shared future, where culture and literature can play a vital role. He commended the Academy for its significant efforts in translating Pak-China classical literature.
IftikharArif in his presidential address underscored the importance of literary ties between Pakistan and China and emphasized the need to revive exchange of visits between writers of both countries.
He highlighted the contributions of writers who, after visiting each other’s countries, documented their experiences in travelogues. He also praised the Pakistan Academy of Letters for selecting the best individuals for the translation of Chinese literature, acknowledging its commendable efforts.
Dr. Waheed Ahmed, Syed AbrarHussain, and Mr. ZafarBakhtawari also highlighted the importance of Pak-China relations and emphasized the need to benefit from each other’s literary heritage. He applauded the PAL for its contributions.
