LAHORE: Three Punjabi language books were launched at an event at the Alhamra Art Centre on Friday.

The Erst book launch introduced a novel titled `Haton Tuti Dand` written by Saeed Anjum Khokar. The session was moderated by All Usman Bajwa.

Shahid Shabbir presided over the event, and another spealcer, Azam Malik, a literary figure, commented on the political themes depicted in the novel. The story spans from the era of emperors to the execution of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Malik praised the introduction of two significant charactersin the novel-Suñand Baba, highlighting the valuable diction and the author`s keen societal observations.

Mr Khokar, originally from Narowal, shared that he drew inspiration for the novel`s title from the verses of Baba Bhulleh Shah.

Another book titled `Jungle Rakhay Jag Dey, a collection of short stories by Shehzad Aslam, was also launched.

Dr Zaheer Hassant Wattoo from the GC University said each story had its unique colour and fiavor. He highlighted the author`s focus on nature and climate change, discussing the plot and characters of some stories and reading excerpts from the book.

Anwarul Haq, former chief justice of the Lahore High Court, presided over the session.

Shehzad Aslam said many Urdu writers had started writing in Punjabi, which he viewed as a positive development. He spoke on his love for nature and how his stories subtly promoted an ecofriendly theme, mentioning a story set in a jungle.

The third and final session featured the launch of a translation titled `Communist Party da Manshoor`, which is the translation of the Communist manifesto done by Mushtaq Sufi.

Amajd Saleem moderated the session. Mr Sufi said that he had completed the translation in the 1980s during the Zia regime. Staff Reporter