By: Asad Farooq

KARACHI: Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi’s Special Events Committee on Tuesday organised the launching ceremony of renowned writer and analyst Fakir S Ayaz-ud-Din’s columns in a compiled form of book. The book entitled ‘Comments’ is a collection of Ayaz’s columns that have been published in a local newspaper.

Talking about the book and the columnist, famous columnist Humayun Gauhar shed light on the candid personality of the writer. He shared with audience in a frankly manner how he urged Ayaz to express his feelings and concerns by writing columns. He talked about the changing trends of journalism and the role of various mediums of media. He criticised the ongoing journalistic trends of phone hacking and sting operations terming them against the ethics of journalism.

Gauhar was of the view that what appeared on the outer side was not the reality these days. He criticised the interruption of global forces in different regions’ issues. Gauhar concluded his speech with an advice to the author to launch his own website.

The Business Plus Chief Executive Officer Mian Ahsanul Haq, while commenting over the book, said that it was a true story of a writer’s life. He said the courageous columnist wrote all harsh realities in his writings that were hard to digest for the publishers. He further said Ayaz was asked to write in a polite manner, but he continued to stick with his bold style.

Earlier, famous educationist Hamida Khuhro said that the writer touched a number of topics in his columns including politics, law and order, governance and regional issues. She said Ayaz expressed his valuable views in a simple yet heart touching manner, adding that his columns reflected his emotions and his energetic personality.

Khuhro further said it was an honour for her to be at the ceremony. In the end praising the writer, she said the only lacking, she wanted to mention, was that the font used in the book, which was small for her to read.

On the occasion Rahat Kazmi, famous actor and intellectual figure, read two columns of Ayaz, which reflected his (writer’s) bold style and grip on the issues of country.

Senior lawyer, Khawaja Naveed also hailed author’s courage and said his columns reflected the emotions of a true Pakistani. He also talked over the ongoing political situation and criticised the policies.

Ayaz, on this occasion, presented the book with his autographs to the distinguished guests.
Source: Daily Times
Date:11/16/2011