PAL publishes four new books on prominent authors

Pakistan Academy of Letters has published four new books, one each on Syed Abid Ali, Professor Ahmad Ali, Colonel Muhammad Khan, and Ahmad Shameem in the Maymar Adab (pioneers of literature) series.
Introducing the four new publications to a group of journalists PAL Chairman Iftikhar Arif said Maymar Adab series of books has received good response at all levels, including literary critics and general readers who have profited immensely by increasing their knowledge of Urdu literary heritage.
About Syed Abid Ali, Iftikhar Arif said he had many qualities-he was a poet, fiction writer, playwright, and an expert on Iqbaliat, and also as translator and educationist. Abid Ali is equally well known for translations of Dastan Falsafa, Meeras Iran and Qassaid Qaani, and these are considered important contribution to Urdu literature.
Dr Saleem Akhtar, the author of the book on Abid Ali is a good critic and he has covered his subject carefully and also provided good reference material for students. About Professor Ahmed Ali's contribution to fiction, novel, poetry, drama, history, and education Iftikhar Arif said Professor Ahmad Ali was a well rounded personality and a versatile bureaucrat and he also had a good grasp on English literature.
Ahmad Ali is remembered as the translator of the holy Quran into English. In English Ahmad Ali's first novel Twilight in Delhi is an important document on the history of British India. Dr Kamran has written the book on Ahmad Ali with great diligence.
As for Colonel Muhammad Khan Iftikhar said he had a unique flair and style, and books like Bajang Aamad, Bazm Aaraiyaan and Basalamat Ravi are ranked very high by every one, including the critics. Colonel Khan made his mark with his first book, but he abhorred cheap ways of publicity. He was a trend-setter in writing. Brigadier Ismaeel Siddiqui (Retd) has written the book on Colonel Muhammad Khan.
Ahmad Shameem is considered a major influence on modern poetry. His poetry is in the tradition of Mehjur and Azad. As a poet Shameem was concerned about human rights, equality and justice. Journalism, drama, fiction, poetry and articles portray some dimensions of his huge work. Muneera Shameem is the author of this work on life and times of Ahmad Shameem.