Special Seminar Pays Tribute to Renowned Pakistani Writer Khadija Mastoor

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan

A special seminar titled “Bayyad-e-Khadija Mastoor” was organized in Lahore through the joint collaboration of the Progressive Writers Association of Pakistan and Pak Media Foundation Islamabad to pay tribute to one of Pakistan’s most celebrated progressive writers, novelist, and short story writer, Khadija Mastoor.

The seminar was chaired by Hussain Majroh, while the special guests included Ijaz Rizvi, Dr. Muhammad Jawad, Noman Manzoor, Azhar Hussain, and Muhammad Nazim.

The proceedings began with remarks by Comrade Tanveer Ahmed Khan, Central President of the Progressive Writers Association of Pakistan, and Raza Naeem, President of the Progressive Writers Association Lahore. The event was coordinated by Javed Aftab, Central Secretary of the Progressive Writers Association of Pakistan.

Speakers paid rich tribute to Khadija Mastoor (December 11, 1927 – July 25, 1982), highlighting her invaluable contributions to Pakistani literature and progressive thought. They described her as one of the country’s most influential literary figures, whose works continue to inspire readers and scholars alike.

The speakers also recalled that Khadija Mastoor received the prestigious Adamjee Literary Award for her acclaimed novel Aangan. The novel was later adapted into television dramas, first by PTV Karachi and more recently by Hum TV, both of which received widespread appreciation from audiences.

The seminar attracted a large number of writers, intellectuals, students, and young literature enthusiasts. At the conclusion of the event, participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of Khadija Mastoor, honoring her enduring literary legacy and remarkable services to Urdu literature.

Among the organizers were Syed Sajjad Bukhari (Chairman, Pak Media Foundation Islamabad), Zamad Grewal (Information Secretary Punjab), Mubeed Asim (Deputy Secretary Lahore), and Nabeela Akbar (Information Secretary Lahore).