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The impoverishment of literature in Pakistan

Imad Zafar By Imad Zafar April 24, 2018

Literature is a form or branch of knowledge that helps in the development of the mind by creating awareness and the ability to think freely. Be it fictional literature in the form of novels or non-fictional writing and journalism, it plays a vital role in creating the conceptions and perceptions of the general public.

During their academic years, or after completing their education, people are usually influenced by books, newspaper columns or analyses they are provided, building their thoughts and ideologies on this basis. Even teachers and professors generally offer their opinions and ideologies through books and other written forms of literature and journalism.

What one reads or watches defines his or her angle on perceiving the world. That is why books and reading in general are considered a fundamental part of intellectual growth and an integral part if the maturity in the collective thinking process of a society.

Unfortunately, literature and journalism in Pakistan have been used to spread narratives put forth by the state and have always been under the influence of writers and journalists from the conservative faction of society.

Saadat Hasan Manto, a famous Urdu short-story writer, was considered a cheap writer who used sex to promote his writings. In reality he was writing on the issues that were considered taboo in society. Ismat Chughtai, Qurratulain Hyder, Abdullah Hussain and Intizar Hussain were all sidelined, poets like Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Habib Jalib and Ustad Daman considered treasonous.

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Categories: Asia, Pakistan

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