ISLAMABAD: The National Book Foundation (NBF), under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFE&PT), successfully organized the third edition of its signature literary program, Adabi Rabtay, at the Ahmed Faraz Auditorium.
The event was hosted by Nazia Rehman and featured an engaging lineup of prominent literary figures, drawing writers, poets, and literature enthusiasts from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Renowned fiction writer, literary critic, and intellectual Muhammad Hameed Shahid graced the occasion as the chief guest. The guests of honor included celebrated poet and humorist Salman Basit; acclaimed poet Abdul Qadir Taban; Dr. Fakhira Noreen, a dynamic poetess and humorist from the younger generation; and emerging writer Bushra Ayub Khan, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.
NBF Secretary Murad Ali Mohmand delivered the opening remarks, followed by a welcome address from Managing Director Dr. Kamran Jahangir. Dr. Jahangir expressed his gratitude to the chief guest, participants, and guests of honor, while also highlighting the Foundation’s ongoing and upcoming literary projects.
The program was divided into three segments, each celebrating different forms of literary expression.
In the first segment, Abdul Qadir Taban captivated the audience with two soulful ghazals and a melodic poetry recitation, earning enthusiastic applause. Dr. Fakhira Noreen followed with the presentation of three impactful poems, recognized for their thematic depth and poetic finesse.
The second session offered a musical interlude, featuring performances by Salman Adil and Qamar Babar. Their captivating renditions received an overwhelmingly positive response and added a rhythmic charm to the evening.
The final segment was dedicated to prose. Salman Basit presented a humorous and heartfelt sketch on the life and literary journey of the chief guest, Muhammad Hameed Shahid. The performance was met with great appreciation from both the audience and the honoree himself.
Continuing the segment, Bushra Ayub Khan delivered a beautifully crafted prose piece in the form of a letter, which resonated deeply with the audience and was met with warm applause.
In his concluding remarks, Muhammad Hameed Shahid praised the event as “memorable and splendid.” He offered thoughtful insights into the creative works presented and lauded the Adabi Rabtay initiative, describing it as a vital platform for the promotion of literature and cultural dialogue.
“This is a commendable step by the NBF. Programs like these are essential for nurturing our literary heritage,” he remarked.
The event reaffirmed NBF’s commitment to fostering literary culture and connecting writers with readers through meaningful engagement.
