PESHAWAR: Two books by Professor Dr Z.A. Qureshi were launched at China Window in Peshawar during a literary gathering attended by academics, writers, journalists and social figures.

The ceremony featured the launch of Pearls Scattered Beneath the Sky and The Land of Peaceful Mornings and Rising Sun, both written by the broadcaster, teacher, intellectual and author. Speakers said the travelogues reflect observations on civilizations, societies, culture and human experience.

The event was presided over by former chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology and former vice chancellor Professor Dr Qibla Ayaz. Professor Dr Adnan Sarwar, Dr Shahida Sardar, Nazir Tabassum and other guests also attended the ceremony.

At the start of the event, Professor Dr Qibla Ayaz, Professor Dr Adnan Sarwar, Professor Dr Z.A. Qureshi, Dr Shahida Sardar and Nazir Tabassum formally unveiled both books.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Dr Z.A. Qureshi said he had the opportunity to visit several countries during his official responsibilities and later documented his observations, experiences and emotions in the form of travelogues.

He said Pearls Scattered Beneath the Sky contains observations, memories and intellectual reflections, while The Land of Peaceful Mornings and Rising Sun highlights different regions, civilizations, cultures and aspects of humanity.

Dr Qureshi said travel broadens human consciousness and observation, and when such experiences are turned into literature, they become an intellectual resource for future generations.

Speakers discuss travel literature

In his presidential address, Professor Dr Qibla Ayaz appreciated China Window for promoting academic, literary and cultural activities. He described the launch of the two books as a positive literary initiative and said their contents deserved detailed academic and intellectual discussion.

He said travel writing becomes a valuable part of literature when a country, civilization or society is described with honesty, depth and literary quality.

Professor Dr Adnan Sarwar, former chairman of the Department of International Relations at the University of Peshawar, said a strong travelogue allows readers to feel as if they are travelling with the author through different cities, societies and civilizations.

He said Dr Qureshi’s travelogues combine information, emotion, observation, cultural awareness and intellectual depth.

Moazzam Butt, a lawyer and advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, said Dr Qureshi had earned respect during his service at Pakistan Television and had documented his experiences with honesty and intellectual maturity.

He said the books combine literary expression, civilizational detail, social observation and comparative study of different nations. He also noted references to Buddhist history and civilization in the travelogues.

Senior journalist Amjad Aziz Malik said China Window had become an important center for academic, literary, educational, social and cultural activities, along with promoting Pakistan-China friendship.

He said Dr Qureshi’s writings reflect study, observation, research and cultural awareness, and can help younger readers understand different societies and perspectives.

Director of China Window Naz Parveen said Dr Qureshi had presented the cultures, civilizations, social behavior and human relations of countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines in an engaging manner.

She said the author’s travelogues are marked by broad observation, intellectual depth and cultural understanding.

At the end of the ceremony, participants expressed hope that China Window would continue to promote academic, literary and cultural activities. Professor Dr Qibla Ayaz also presented a commemorative shield to Dr Z.A. Qureshi on behalf of China Window.