THIS is with reference to the article `Publishing Pakistani fiction` (Aug 24) wherein the writer described fiction writers in Pakistan as unlucky due to certain reasons compared to authors and journalists dealing with non-fiction.
It claimed that Pakistani fiction writers suffer because of trade embargo between Pakistan and India, for a fiction writer, unlike non-fiction writer, relies on a publisher and there is hardly any publisher of Pakistani fiction in the country.
I think there are a number of publishers in the country doing a commendable jobnot only for Urdu fiction, but also fiction written in the English language. There are many people who, along with their professional duties, are involved in fiction writing, especially in English, and they have attained success and fame.
The article itself mentioned Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid hailing from Lahore whose two novels Exit West and The Last White Man `grossed millions in worldwide sales`. The said article, however, rightly underlined the need to do away with embargo on trading books and other items.
Besides, the authorities concerned should arrange events in this regard to showcase the work of our writers, and should invite authors of global fame on a regular basis.
