Karachi: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a lecture by Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar titled “Absence of Urdu Novel in Global Context: Fact or Fiction?” at the Haseena Moin Hall. Renowned poetess Zehra Nigah presided over the session, with remarks from Mohammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council. The event was attended by notable literary figures, including Ikhlaq Ahmed Khan and Ghazi Salahuddin.
Dr. Nayyar, a prominent writer and critic, delivered the keynote lecture, questioning the notion that Urdu novels lack global presence. He argued that this perception stems from a limited understanding of “presence,” “global context,” and the “Urdu novel.” According to Dr. Nayyar, global literary recognition is largely influenced by Euro-American ideologies, which continue to dominate cultural discourse.
He highlighted the ideological nature of major literary awards like the Booker and Nobel Prizes, noting their limited recognition of non-Western authors. Dr. Nayyar emphasized that South Asian literature remains underrepresented, with few Urdu works gaining international acknowledgment.
Citing examples like the inclusion of Saadat Hasan Manto’s “Toba Tek Singh” in global lists, Dr. Nayyar pointed to the sparse recognition of Urdu literature. He noted that while many Urdu novels have been translated into European languages, they remain overlooked in canonical lists.
Dr. Nayyar concluded by asserting that the perception of Urdu novels’ absence in global discourse is a product of systemic exclusion, rather than a lack of merit. He questioned whether Urdu novels are read as extensively in other regions as their literature is read in South Asia, acknowledging that the answer is largely negative.