Islamabad, January 21, 2025 – The Europe Today: The Pakistan Academy of Letters organized the launch of its latest publications through a two-day series of events. The first event, titled “Pak-China Classical Literature” took place on the morning of January 21. The session was presided over by Mr. Iftikhar Arif, with the Chinese Cultural Counsellor, H.E. Mr. Chen Ping, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Najeeba Arif, Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, welcomed the guests and presented introductory address. The guests of honor included Dr. Waheed Ahmed, Syed Abrar Hussain, and Mr. Zafar Bakhtawari.
As part of the discussion on the newly published translations of Pak-China classical literature, Mr. Muhammad Asim Butt spoke about “Afshaye Raaz”, Dr. Safdar Rasheed discussed “Darya-e Hulan ki Kahanian”, and Dr. Riaz Adil presented insights on “Men Hua Mulan hun”. The session was moderated by Mr. Rashid Saleem. Delegates of the 10-day Young Writers’ Inter-Provincial Residency Program, hailing from every nook and corner of Pakistan, also attended the ceremony.
The Chinese Cultural Counsellor, H.E. Mr. Chen Ping, remarked that he had recently assumed his position and the first invitation he received upon arriving in Pakistan was from the Pakistan Academy of Letters. He stated that the future of Pakistan and China is inter-connected. He 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.
The session’s president, Mr. Iftikhar Arif, underscored the importance of literary ties between Pakistan and China and emphasized the need to revive exchange 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 praised the Pakistan Academy of Letters for selecting the best individuals for the translation of Chinese literature, acknowledging its commendable efforts.
Dr. Najeeba Arif shed light on the academy’s role in fostering Pak-China literary and cultural relations. She shared that the Academy currently holds two Memorandums of Understanding with China. Under these agreements, the academy has completed the translation of three Chinese books, with two more set to be published soon. Similarly, China has published translations of five Pakistani books in Chinese. Such efforts, she noted, will aid the people of both nations in understanding each other through literature.
Dr. Waheed Ahmed, Syed Abrar Hussain, and Mr. Zafar Bakhtawari also highlighted the importance of Pak-China relations, emphasizing the need to benefit from each other’s literary heritage and applauding the Pakistan Academy of Letters for its contributions.
