Portuguese writer’s presence celebrated in Pakistan

Celina Ali

Islamabad: The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) this week hosted a literary session with internationally acclaimed Portuguese novelist, playwright and poet José Luís Peixoto and discussed scope of cooperation between the writers and poets as well as literary organizations of the two countries.

The session was attended by writers and poets from twin cities. Ambassador of Portugal Manuel Frederico Pinheiro da Silva and Chairperson of the PAL Dr Najeeba Arif also spoke on the occasion.

The session was moderated by poet and author Sultan Nasir who is also serving as DG PAL. José Luís Peixoto had arrived in Islamabad after attending the Lahore Literature Festival a day earlier.

In her welcome note, Dr. Naeeiba Arif emphasized bridging the gap between the people from different cultures and nationalities.

Literature and literary people can play a great role to achieve that purpose, she said.

Literature can play a vital role for global peace, harmony, and understanding. Ambassador Frederico Pinheiro da Silva appreciated the PAL’s initiative to arrange the session with the Portuguese writer. It will strengthen bilateral ties on literary front, he said.

He proposed PAL to extend such efforts and also initiate projects of translations of literature of both countries. Zafar Syed introduced the guest-author to participants of the session.

Speaking to the participants, José Luís Peixoto said writers represented their cultures in their writings and served as translators of the human situations in their societies.

A writer must be self-confident and brave enough to write truth, said he adding sometimes reality became more imaginative and unbelievable than fiction.