KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has launched Band Aankhon Ke Peechay, the memoir of poet, author, educationist and retired Squadron Leader Feroz Natiq Khusro, at a literary ceremony held at the Josh Malihabadi Library.
The event was organised by the Arts Council’s Literary Committee (Fiction) and presided over by poet and critic Prof Sahar Ansari. Tariq Jameel and Dr Masroor Ahmed attended as chief guests, while Akhtar Saeedi, Iffat Naveed and Dr Rana Khalid Mahmood were present as guests of honour.
A large number of writers, poets, teachers, students and literary enthusiasts attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Arts Council President Mohammad Ahmed Shah said Feroz Natiq Khusro had carefully documented his life experiences, memories and observations in the book.
He described Khusro as a serious literary figure who had consistently prioritised meaningful creative work over personal publicity.
Ahmed Shah praised the author’s command of language and literary expression, calling Band Aankhon Ke Peechay an important contribution to autobiographical writing. He said the Arts Council would continue to provide a platform for writers and creative voices.
Memoir Reflects Life, Spirituality and Cultural Memory
In his presidential address, Prof Sahar Ansari said Khusro came from a family with strong literary and intellectual traditions.
He described the book as more than a personal life story, saying it combines memories, spirituality, dreams and cultural observations in a compelling literary narrative.
Chief guest Tariq Jameel said the memoir captured not only the author’s personal experiences but also the atmosphere, traditions and social values of an era.
He said the book could serve as a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration for younger generations.
Dr Rana Khalid Mahmood described autobiography as one of the most authentic genres of Urdu literature and said Khusro’s memoir offered an honest account of his personal and intellectual journey.
Dr Masroor Ahmed said the book had been written in a simple but effective style, with sincerity and clarity strengthening its literary value.
Book Preserves Memories of Khairpur
Writer Iffat Naveed said the memoir vividly portrayed the streets, neighbourhoods, educational institutions, markets and people of Khairpur.
She said the book preserved the city’s cultural and social landscape with warmth, allowing readers to experience the people and places that shaped the author’s life.
Addressing the audience, Feroz Natiq Khusro said he decided to record his experiences and memories after taking early retirement from the Pakistan Air Force.
He thanked the Arts Council and Mohammad Ahmed Shah for their encouragement and support.
“A book is not merely something to be read; it is a companion that must be understood and felt,” he said.
Khusro expressed hope that the memoir would offer an inspiring and meaningful reading experience, particularly for younger readers.
The ceremony also featured a poetic tribute by veteran journalist and poet Akhtar Saeedi, whose verses celebrating Khusro’s literary contributions received applause from the audience.
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