The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi held a tribute event for the acclaimed fiction writer Abdullah Hussain at HaseenaMoin Hall. The ceremony featured speeches from prominent figures such as President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, IqbalKhursheed, IrfanJaved, Akhlaq Ahmed, and MubeenMirza. President Muhammad Ahmed Shah lauded Hussain’s profound impact on Urdu literature, highlighting his esteemed status as a fiction writer. Shah acknowledged the unique value of Hussain’s novels, stating that comparing them to those of QuratulainHyder was difficult due to their distinct qualities.
He described Hussain as a complex individual whose novels were marked by strong characters, noting that despite his reserved demeanor, he led a full and impactful life. MubeenMirza emphasized that the enduring influence of a writer’s work, even though critical reviews, reflects their importance. He drew a comparison between the cityscapes depicted in QuratulainHyder’s “AagKaDariya” and Hussain’s “UdaasNaslain,” noting the distinct narrative and perspectives each novel offers despite their similar settings. Akhlaq Ahmed spoke about Hussain’s persona, initially perceived as daunting but ultimately revealed to be a talented writer and historian. Ahmed highlighted Hussain’s ability to chronicle historical events from World War I to the 1980s through the eyes of ordinary people. He also noted that Hussain served as a mentor to many fiction writers, demonstrating that greatness in writing does not necessarily require involvement in literary circles.
