Daryaft is an open-access, double-blind peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research and critical inquiry in the Urdu language and literature. It carries the following identifiers: E-ISSN: 2616-6038 and P-ISSN: 1814-2885. Published by the Department of Urdu Language & Literature at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, Pakistan, the journal released its inaugural issue in January 2002. As of January 2025, thirty-two issues have been published. Since June 2016, Daryaft has maintained a bi-annual publication schedule, releasing issues in June and December. The journal primarily features unpublished, research-based articles focusing on various facets of Urdu language and literature. All submissions undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process conducted by subject experts to ensure scholarly quality and integrity. Daryaft was selected in 2005 for inclusion in the Higher Education Commission (HEC) approved journal list. Since 2011, it has been indexed in several prestigious databases and indexing services, including DOAJ, Crossref, EBSCO, ISSN, and the Index of Urdu Journals. "دریافت" نمل کے شعبہ اردو زبان وادب کے زیر اہتمام شائع ہونے والا ایچ ۔ای۔ سی(HEC ) سے منظور شدہ "Y" کٹیگری کا حامل تحقیقی و تنقیدی مجلّہ ہے جس میں اردو زبان و ادب کے حوالے سے غیر مطبوعہ مقالات ایچ ۔ای۔ سی(HEC )کے طے کردہ اصول و ضوابط کے مطابق شائع کیے جاتے ہیں تمام مقالات اشاعت سے قبل اندرون ملک اور بیرون ملک ماہرین کو ریویو کے لیے بھیجے جاتے ہیں۔ دریافت کا پہلا شمارہ 2002 میں شائع ہوا۔ 2016 سے دریافت کی اشاعت سال میں دو دفعہ بالترتیب جون اور دسمبر میں ہوتی ہے۔ دریافت" کا اختصاص اردو زبان وادب کے درج ذیل زمروں میں معیاری مقالات کی اشاعت ہے: ۱۔تحقیق :متنی/ موضوعی ۔ ب۔ مباحث:علمی/ تنقیدی ۔ ج۔مطالعہ ادب:اردو فکشن/شاعری ۔ د۔ تنقید و تجزیہ :اردو فکشن /شاعری ، اقبال شناسی وغیرہ
Reflection of Environmental Change and Cultural Migration in the Short Stories of Mansha Yaad
Urdu fiction functions not only as an artistic expression but also as a significant medium for social and environmental awareness. This study explores reflections of environmental change and cultural migration in the short stories of Mansha Yaad, highlighting the interrelationship among human life, nature, and culture. His narratives depict the transformation of rural and urban landscapes, the gradual erosion of ecological balance, and the social forces that reshape traditional ways of life. Through vivid portrayals of villages, natural environments, and human relationships, Mansha Yaad represents the environmental consequences of modernization, migration, and social inequality. His stories further illustrate how cultural displacement and changing lifestyles contribute to the decline of human values and ecological harmony. The study also examines his ecological sensitivity and concern for the future of humanity and other living beings. Mansha Yaad emerges as an eco-conscious writer whose fiction documents the intertwined crises of environmental degradation and cultural transition, emphasizing the urgent need to preserve both nature and cultural identity. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Füruzan: Social Realism in Turkish Literature and Shared Trends with Urdu Short Fiction
Following Turkey's democratic transition after 1960, Turkish literature underwent significant thematic and stylistic changes. Among the prominent writers of this period, Füruzan emerged as a distinctive voice of social realism. Her works portray the lives of peasants, labourers, migrants, women, and other marginalized groups, addressing issues such as class conflict, migration, social inequality, gender relations, and alienation. While highlighting social realities, she also explores the emotional and psychological dimensions of individual experience.Through her sensitive and realistic depiction of society, Füruzan secured a significant place in modern Turkish literature. Many of the themes and concerns reflected in her fiction—particularly social injustice, migration, poverty, and human relationships—resonate with those found in Urdu short fiction. This study examines Füruzan's contribution to social realism in Turkish literature and identifies the shared thematic trends between her works and Urdu short fiction. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
The Artistic and Aesthetic Tone of Nasir Kazmi’s Ghazal
This article examines Nasir Kazmi’s ghazal, emphasizing its refinement and emotional depth in modern Urdu poetry. At a time when the ghazal faced challenges from modernist trends, Kazmi revitalized by blending classical tradition with contemporary sensibility. Influenced by Mir Taqi Mir, he developed a distinctive poetic voice marked by simplicity, musicality, and intensity. His poetry reflects themes of migration, loss, memory, loneliness, and existential longing shaped by displacement. Kazmi transforms personal and collective suffering into refined expression through restrained diction, evocative imagery, and symbolic richness. Rather than direct expression of grief, his ghazals achieve emotional resonance through lyrical balance and aesthetic control. The study highlights his creative use of traditional motifs and thematic coherence, expanding the expressive scope of the ghazal while preserving its classical essence. By harmonizing tradition and innovation, Nasir Kazmi ensured the relevance of the ghazal in modern Urdu literature and established himself as a leading poet Conflict of Interest: The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The author confirms that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Rethinking Trauma in the South Asian Context: The Conceptual Role of Urdu Literature
This article re-conceptualizes trauma within a South Asian context by examining Urdu literature as a critical and theoretical resource. It critiques dominant trauma studies, which are largely shaped by Eurocentric frameworks that define trauma in terms of rupture, fragmentation, and psychological breakdown. While such models illuminate important aspects of traumatic experience, they remain limited in addressing the historical and cultural complexities of postcolonial societies. Focusing particularly on Partition-related narratives, the study argues that Urdu literature offers alternative epistemologies of trauma that extend beyond clinical and event-centered interpretations. Through close reading of selected texts, it demonstrates that trauma in these narratives is not restricted to individual psychological disturbance but is deeply embedded in broader structures of history, memory, identity, gender, and state formation. Rather than producing only rupture or collapse, trauma in Urdu literary expression often generates processes of reinterpretation, ethical reflection, and aesthetic reconfiguration. In this way, Urdu literature transforms trauma into a dynamic site of meaning-making, cultural negotiation, and historical consciousness, thereby expanding the theoretical horizons of trauma studies in the South Asian context. Conflict of Interest: The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The author confirms that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
An Analytical Study of the Novel "A Drift on the Nile " in the Light of Bauman’s Theory of Liquid Modernity
This study offers an analytical reading of the novel ‘Aab-e-Neel Pe Aawargi’ through Zygmunt Bauman’s concept of liquid modernity. It examines how contemporary social and individual experiences are shaped by instability, transience, fragmented identities, and fragile relationships, as reflected in the novel’s characters, events, and thematic structure. The houseboat, as a central symbolic space, functions as a temporary refuge that reflects the impermanence and rootlessness characteristic of modern life. The research adopts an interpretive and analytical methodology, focusing on narrative structure, character development, and key events in relation to Bauman’s theoretical framework. By applying this contemporary sociological lens to an Urdu novel, the study highlights new interpretive possibilities within Urdu literary criticism. The findings indicate a continuous transformation in human relationships and social values under the pressures of modernity. The novel reflects the psychological uncertainty and existential fluidity of contemporary existence, where stability is increasingly replaced by change and insecurity. Ultimately, the study demonstrates how literary texts can effectively represent the complexities of life in a rapidly shifting social order. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Kalash Civilization and Culture in the Travelogue "Khwab Nagr Mein Saat Din"
This study examines the travelogue "Khwaab Nagar Mein Saat Din" by Dr Syed Zubair Shah, focusing on the cultural and civilizational heritage of Chitral and Kalash valleys. The text explores the distinctive culture of the Kalash community, portraying it as an enigmatic world whose ancient traditions are juxtaposed with those of the surrounding Muslim population. Major seasonal festivals such as Joshi and Chomus are vital expressions of the community’s relationship with nature and spirituality, reinforcing collective identity. The travelogue documents cultural elements, including black attire, smoke-darkened houses, and the Bashali (menstrual house), reflecting simplicity, spirituality, and environmental harmony. It further examines customs of marriage, death rituals, and the relationship between Kalash and Muslim communities, marked by economic interdependence and religious tension. The work transcends travel writing, offering a reflective meditation on culture, nature, and human interconnectedness, preserving regional identity in Pakistani literature within contemporary South Asian literary cultural studies framework. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Opposition to Women’s Formal Education in Indian Society and the Role of "Khatoon" Magazine in Resistance
This study examines the role of ‘Khatoon’ magazine in promoting women’s education in colonial India and assesses its contribution to the educational and social advancement of Muslim women. Following the socio-political transformations after the War of Independence of 1857, modern education became a central concern for Muslim reformers. Despite these efforts, women’s education continued to face resistance due to conservative social attitudes, entrenched cultural traditions, and misconceptions of a religious nature. This research explores ‘Khatoon’ as an influential platform that advocated female education and challenged prevailing opposition to women’s intellectual development. Employing a qualitative historical methodology, the study analyzes editorials, articles, reports, and educational discussions published in the magazine. The findings indicate that ‘Khatoon’ emphasized women’s education as essential for social progress, effective child upbringing, and the elimination of harmful customs and superstitions. The magazine supported girls’ schools, boarding facilities, and a comprehensive curriculum integrating religious instruction, literature, history, science, health education, domestic management, and vocational training. The study concludes that ‘Khatoon’ played a pioneering role in educational reform and the empowerment of women in colonial India. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Hermeneutic Possibilities of the Contemporary Urdu Novel: In Search of a New Critical Paradigm
This paper examines the interpretive possibilities of the contemporary Urdu novel and argues for the formulation of a renewed critical paradigm grounded in text-centered hermeneutics. While Urdu novel criticism has historically remained confined either to evaluative judgments or to sociological and ideological documentation, the evolving complexity of contemporary fiction demands a more rigorous interpretive framework. Drawing upon hermeneutics, narratology, and post-structural insights, the study critiques reductionist and context-dominated approaches and proposes a balanced methodology that foregrounds the novel as an autonomous yet contextually resonant structure of meaning. The article contends that the contemporary Urdu novel, shaped by layered realities, ideological tensions, and aesthetic experimentation, requires a blended theoretical engagement that neither marginalizes the text nor absolutizes external frameworks. By revisiting critical traditions and identifying their limitations, the study proposes a flexible, multi-perspectival interpretive model capable of addressing formal, thematic, and epistemic complexities of the modern Urdu novel in discourse studies. Conflict of Interest: The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The author confirms that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Allama Iqbal’s Theory of Poetry: Purposefulness, Selfhood and Human Life
Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s theory of poetry presents a purposeful vision in which poetic expression is closely linked with life, action, and moral consciousness. Rejecting the doctrine of “art for art’s sake,” Iqbal conceives poetry as a dynamic force that cultivates selfhood, awakens collective awareness, and inspires social transformation. This study examines his theory within its broader philosophical and religious framework, with particular emphasis on purposefulness, self-realization, and ethical reconstruction. For Iqbal, poetry is not merely a source of aesthetic pleasure but a powerful medium for shaping thought, character, and destiny. Authentic poetry encourages struggle, creativity, and constructive action while resisting stagnation, imitation, and escapism. Rooted in a Quranic worldview, his poetic philosophy positions art as an instrument of life that strengthens moral values, spiritual vitality, and intellectual freedom. Central to this vision is the concept of selfhood, through which individuals and communities achieve dignity and the capacity for transformative action. The study concludes that Iqbal’s theory offers a comprehensive model of purposeful art that remains relevant to contemporary debates on meaning, identity, and cultural stagnation. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Plagiarism Detection Software, OCR, and Urdu Research: Challenges and Possibilities
This article explores the relationship between technology and Urdu literary research, focusing on the challenges posed by plagiarism detection systems and Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Unlike English, a relatively ligature-free language, Urdu’s cursive script and complex ligatures create significant difficulties for OCR development. At present, the absence of a comprehensive Urdu corpus allows a degree of flexibility in plagiarism detection, as a large body of classical and handwritten (calligraphic) Urdu material is not yet available in editable digital formats. The study classifies existing PDF formats of Urdu texts and evaluates the limitations of current OCR tools, including vFlat, Dastaan, and OCR developed by the Center for Language Engineering (CLE), particularly in handling diverse fonts and traditional calligraphy (Khat-e-Nastaliq). The development of a universal Urdu OCR is essential for building a robust Urdu corpus. Although this would increase scrutiny through plagiarism detection software, it would ultimately enhance academic standards in Urdu research by encouraging originality, critical engagement, and reduced reliance on unverified textual reproduction. Conflict of Interest: The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The author confirms that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Critical Analysis of Selected Short Stories from Masood Ashar’s "Khat-e-Sartan"
Masood Ashar is a significant late twentieth-century Urdu short story writer whose work reflects emerging intellectual, cultural, and political consciousness within Urdu literature. His fiction, shaped by his engagement with journalism, addresses political oppression, social conflict, class disparity, and the alienation of modern individuals in rapidly changing societies. Ashar’s second collection, ‘Khat-e-Sartan’ (1987), comprising seventeen stories, demonstrates thematic maturity through its nuanced exploration of individual–society tensions, moral ambiguity, and political instability. More than a collection of narratives, the work articulates the intellectual anxieties of its time through symbolic, restrained, and psychologically layered storytelling. The later compilation of Ashar’s collections, ‘Aankhon Par Dono Hath’ and ‘Khat-e-Sartan’, into ‘Kulliyat-e-Afsana (Saare Fasane)’ provides a cohesive perspective on his evolving creative vision and the broader socio-political realities shaping his fiction. This article offers a focused analysis of selected stories: ‘Bichhday Ka Geet’, ‘Khwab’, and ‘Ek Bohat Purani Kahani’ to examine narrative structure, thematic continuity, and symbolic strategies central to Ashar’s literary contribution, within postcolonial Urdu literary discourse and broader evolving modern sensibilities. Conflict of Interest: The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The author confirms that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
In the Context of the "HSK Standard Course": Pedagogical Challenges Faced by Pakistani Teachers of the Chinese Language, the Role of Urdu Language, and Additional Recommendations
This article explores the challenges faced by Pakistani teachers of the Chinese language using the HSK Standard Course, focusing on the role of Urdu in teaching. With Chinese language education growing rapidly in Pakistan, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative, teachers encounter difficulties due to limited resources, curriculum gaps, and differences between Chinese and Urdu. Based on document analysis and teacher interviews, the study examines challenges related to the classroom environment, teaching materials, teacher preparedness, and student learning. The findings show that Urdu plays a key role in helping students understand and engage with Chinese. The article offers practical recommendations, including adapting the curriculum, improving teacher training, and using Urdu strategically to support learning. It concludes that policy support and pedagogical innovation are essential to enhance Chinese language education in Pakistan and strengthen Pakistan–China cooperation. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Colonialism and Post-Colonial Resistance in Urdu Literature: A Literary Context
Urdu literature holds a central place in the intellectual and cultural history of South Asia, serving as a vital site of colonial and postcolonial discourse. During colonial rule, it was shaped by Western modernity, rationalism, and reformist narratives, while simultaneously engaging with questions of identity, freedom, and resistance. Postcolonial theorists such as Edward Saeed, Homi Bhabha, Gayatri Spivak, and Frantz Fanon exposed the cultural and psychological dimensions of empires. It offers insights that resonate with Urdu reformists like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Shibli Nomani, Hali, and Deputy Nazir Ahmad, who sought moral and social renewal. Muhammad Iqbal, however, went further by directly challenging colonial power and transforming anti-colonial thought into a spiritual and intellectual movement. After independence, Urdu literature continued to nurture ideals of selfhood, freedom, and cultural sovereignty, evolving into both an aesthetic tradition and a record of resistance. This study brings together the concepts of colonialism, postcolonialism, neo-colonialism, and decoloniality to clarify their intellectual and critical significance for understanding Urdu literature within broader global debates on power, culture, language, memory, and historical consciousness today identity resistance۔ Conflict of Interest: The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The author confirms that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
"Qawaid-e-Khowar" in Urdu Language: A Critical Study
This article presents a critical study of ‘Qawaid-e-Khowar’, the pioneering grammatical work of Maulana Naqibullah Razi on the Khowar language spoken in the remote district of Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Historically, Khowar has remained underrepresented in linguistic scholarship. The study situates ‘Qawaid-e-Khowar’ within the tradition of Khowar grammar writing and offers a comparative analysis with the earlier work of Prince Samsam-ul-Mulk. It examines the book’s organizational structure, including its treatment of the Khowar alphabet, morphology, word classification, parts of speech, and irregular verb forms. Razi’s use of clear and accessible Urdu, supported by translated Khowar examples, makes the work valuable for both native speakers and non-local learners. Despite earlier Orientalist contributions, a comprehensive grammatical framework for Khowar was lacking. The article concludes that ‘Qawaid-e-Khowar’ fills this significant gap by providing a systematic, pedagogically effective, and foundational model for the study and preservation of Khowar grammar. Overall, ‘Qawaid-e-Khowar’ stands as an influential contribution that establishes a solid foundation for future linguistic research and the preservation of the Khowar language. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
The Concept of Mystical Love in Arabic Literature and its Influence on Urdu Poetry: A Study of Ibn al-Arabi’s 'Tarjuman al-Ashwaq'
This article explores the concept of mystical love in Arabic Muslim literature with special reference to Ibn al-‘Arabi’s ‘Tarjuman al-Ashwaq’. It highlights how Muslim literature, rooted in the Qur’an and Hadith, emphasizes truth, spirituality, and human refinement. Unlike secular literary traditions, Muslim poets and writers fuse artistic expression with moral and spiritual values, making literature a means of personality formation and social development. Within this framework, Ibn al-‘Arabi emerges as a towering figure who profoundly shaped Islamic mystical thought. Born in Andalusia, he is revered as al-Shaykh al-Akbar for his influential writings on Sufism and philosophy, including ‘Al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya’, ‘Fusus al-Hikam’, and ‘Tarjuman al-Ashwaq’. His doctrine of wahdat al-wujud (Unity of Being) interprets all existence as manifestations of ‘ Tarjuman al-Ashwaq’, Ibn al-‘Arabi presents his mystical experiences through symbolic and allegorical love poetry. Although critics accused him of romanticism, he clarified that his verses veil profound spiritual truths expressed through the language of love. Ultimately, his conception of love transcends the personal and embodies the eternal quest for Divine proximity, shaping Muslim literary expression and the symbolic tradition of the Urdu ghazal. Conflict of Interest: The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The author confirms that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Muslim Society and the Concept of Khilafat: A Comparative Analysis of Allama Iqbal and Dr. Israr Ahmed’s Intellectual Interpretations
This paper presents a comparative study of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s and Dr. Israr Ahmed’s concepts of Khilāfa (Caliphate), examining their intellectual, philosophical, and theological perspectives on Islamic political authority. Iqbal, an early twentieth-century poet-philosopher, envisioned Khilāfa as a spiritual and socio-political ideal grounded in Qur’anic principles and the collective will of the Muslim ummah. For him, it represented moral sovereignty under divine authority while rejecting autocracy and secular nationalism. In contrast, Dr. Israr Ahmed, a late twentieth-century revivalist thinker, emphasized the practical re-establishment of Khilāfa as a religious obligation, advocating a Qur’an-centered movement aimed at political and social transformation. This study does not seek a nostalgic return to the past but rather integrates Islamic intellectual tradition with constructive modern thought to address contemporary challenges. Despite their differing approaches. Iqbal’s being visionary and philosophical, and Israr Ahmed’s organizational and prescriptive, both thinkers converge on the belief that Khilāfa is essential for Muslim unity, spiritual renewal, and the realization of divine sovereignty. The analysis highlights their shared rejection of Western secular paradigms while contrasting Iqbal’s poetic-philosophical vision with Israr Ahmed’s pragmatic call to action. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Feminism and Religious Influences: In the Context of Pakistani Women’s Travelogues
Women writers have significantly enriched the Urdu travelogue tradition by offering critical insights into religion, culture, politics, and gender relations. Pakistani women’s travelogues reveal shifting patterns of women’s rights across different societies and highlight the ways in which religion shapes women’s social status, autonomy, and equality. While cultural norms and religious interpretations can facilitate empowerment, they can also impose constraints on women’s lives. This study analyzes the impact of religion on women across diverse societies and examines religious exploitation as well as women’s varied experiences within religious and cultural traditions as represented in Pakistani women’s travelogues. Using these texts as primary sources, the research employs a feminist qualitative content analysis grounded in feminist theoretical frameworks. The findings indicate that some women perceive religion as a source of protection, identity, and spiritual comfort, whereas others experience it as a barrier to personal freedom and equal rights. The study concludes that religion’s influence on women’s lives is shaped by its interpretation and socio-cultural context, resulting in diverse gendered outcomes. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
The Concept of God and the Reality of Prayer: A Critical Analysis of Iqbal’s Third Lecture
This paper presents an in-depth critical analysis of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s third lecture in The ‘Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam’, titled “The Concept of God and the Reality of Prayer.” In this lecture, Iqbal redefines the traditional theological understanding of God by integrating Qur’anic insights with modern philosophical thought. He challenges the classical metaphysical notion of a static, impersonal, and purely transcendent deity and instead advances the concept of a Living God, dynamic, creative, and intimately involved in the ongoing process of cosmic evolution. According to Iqbal, God is not a remote Being detached from human affairs but the ultimate source of life, movement, and purpose in the universe. This study examines the philosophical, metaphysical, and epistemological implications of this conception, highlighting Iqbal’s efforts to harmonize spiritual intuition with scientific rationality. It further emphasizes Iqbal’s understanding of prayer as a profound spiritual dialogue between the human and the Divine rather than a mere ritual. Prayer, in this view, strengthens moral character, purifies the self, and fosters creativity, ethical awareness, and purposeful action. The paper concludes that Iqbal’s conception of God and prayer presents a transformative religious vision that unites faith, reason, and human agency, remaining relevant to contemporary philosophical and spiritual discourse. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
"The Unbearable Lightness of Being": The Lightness of Delicacy or the Burden of Density
Milan Kundera is one of the most significant novelists of the modern era, whose fiction persistently interrogates the philosophical, emotional, and existential dimensions of human life. In his novels and short stories, he delves deeply into human existence, revealing new interpretive possibilities with each reading. His works demand active intellectual engagement from readers, as the layered narrative structure generates fresh meanings over time. ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’ stands as one of his most complex and philosophically rich novels. The existential dilemmas of modern humanity are explored in this novel with a depth that often rivals cognitive philosophy. The narrative revolves around four central characters who navigate love, jealousy, identity, and complex existential crises shaped by historical pressures. This article examines how Kundera challenges literal interpretation and explores the existential condition of humanity through metaphor and psychological introspection. Kundera advances the narrative through the characters’ inner states, departing from traditional notions of linear storytelling and narrative density. The study analyzes their contrasting emotional and existential conditions and concludes that, despite complexity and uncertainty, human relationships remain enduring, revealing the distinction between authentic and inauthentic bonds during times of crisis. Conflict of Interest: The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies. Participant Consent: The author confirms that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.
Moulana Hali’s Reformic Thought and Iqbal’s Poetry: Analytical Study
Moulana Altaf Hussain Hali was a legend literary person. He freed the Urdu ghazal from old themes and introduced it to the larger scope of the diverse segments of life. He was a reformer, who pioneered modern literary attitude in Urdu literature. His poetic vision guided him about the literary revolution in Urdu. He recalled the religious, political and cultural history of Muslims and compared it to present. He wanted to aware the Muslims of subcontinent. Being the companion of Sir Syed Hali was diplomatic but after all he felt the serious and miserable condition of Muslim community in subcontinent and raised his voice in his poetry. Allama Iqbal was inspired by Hali, especially by his masterpiece "masaddas Maddo Jazer Islam" and by some other poems. Religious consciousness has gathered Allama Iqbal and Hali on the same platform Remembrance of glorious part of Muslim Ummah, Islamic golden ages, the sorrow of forgetfulness of our great ancestors, customs and the present condition of Muslim decline were the same reasons which influenced Iqbal and Hali, both, to write such poetry. We can trace Hali’s inspiration in the poetry of Iqbal. This article is a comprehensive study of Hali’s impacts on Iqbal’s poetry.
Contemporaneity and the Novel: Toward a New Critical Perspective
This article presents contemporaneity as a fundamental critical concept in the critique of the novel. A novel, in its structure, encompasses all aspects of life, such as social, political, economic, and cultural issues, and through it, highlights human psychology and collective consciousness. The novelist, by delving deep into history, politics, and social issues, not only portrays life but also gives it new meaning. Contemporaneity is a modern perspective in novel criticism, through which the novel is evaluated in the context of its time and social environment. This makes it easier to understand the creation of the novel and the critical elements within it. Instead of relying on theoretical concepts, contemporaneity allows for the examination of the novel within its natural context, considering details such as characters, environment, and social influences. In this way, contemporaneity presents the entire process of novel creation in a new light and paves the way for criticism free from theoretical constraints.
Linguistic Representation of Cultural Conflict in the Short Stories of Tahira Iqbal: An Intercultural Study
This research investigates the lexical and cultural tensions in the short stories of Tahira Iqbal, focusing on how language operates as a site of identity, resistance, and transformation in an era of globalization. The study begins by addressing the increasing marginalization of indigenous languages and cultures in literary discourse, a trend often overshadowed by the dominance of global languages such as English. While prior scholarship has explored linguistic hybridity in postcolonial literature, there remains a gap in examining how rural and regional voices navigate globalization from within the Pakistani literary context. This paper fills that gap by examining Tahira Iqbal’s unique position as a writer deeply rooted in local traditions yet responsive to global influences. Employing a qualitative textual analysis method, the study analyzes selected short stories through the lens of sociolinguistic theory and intercultural literary criticism. Findings reveal that Iqbal’s hybrid linguistic style blending English with local vernaculars along with her culturally embedded storytelling, captures the complex interplay between global cultural codes and indigenous identities. Her narratives expose the socio-linguistic divide between urban elites, who increasingly embrace English, and rural communities, who preserve their mother tongues. The results underscore how Iqbal resists cultural homogenization, using language to foreground intercultural struggle and advocate for linguistic and cultural diversity. This research positions her as a critical voice in contemporary literature, challenging dominant narratives of globalization while reaffirming the value of local identity in literary expression.
The Political and Social Analysis of Travelogues based on American Travels in the 21st Century
A travelogue is a unique literary form in which an author documents a journey while offering detailed observations of both external landscapes and internal reflections. Traditionally, travelogues focused on geographic descriptions and cultural details, but modern travel narratives have evolved to explore politics, society, economy, and cultural shifts through a research-driven approach. In the 21st century, American travelogues have become more diverse in themes and styles, providing insightful and thought-provoking literary experiences. These works go beyond tourism, delving into issues such as immigration policies, racial discrimination, white supremacy, migration, cultural evolution, foreign policy, terrorism, geopolitical tensions, and media influence on public opinion. Despite highlighting challenges, travel writers also appreciate America’s strengths, including punctuality, lawfulness, cleanliness, discipline, personal freedom, and the protection of human and animal rights. These virtues have contributed to America’s global influence. Ultimately, American travelogues serve as a window into the nation's complexities, helping readers critically analyze its societal and political landscape while also recognizing its positive aspects.
The Socio-Political Condition of Indian Muslims in Anees Ashfaq’s Novel "Heech"
Anees Ashfaq’s novel “Heech” reflects the shifting political and social conditions of Indian Muslims. It effectively portrays the identity crisis, fear and communal prejudice faced by minorities particularly Muslims. The novel highlights the ongoing religious discrimination, anti-Muslim sentiments and the rise of extremist political ideologies in contemporary India. The characters in “Heech” are caught in a struggle for survival and the preservation of their identity. Anees Ashfaq explores the complexities of human psychology, belief systems and political motives through a unique and symbolic narrative style. “Heech” is not merely a portrayal of Muslim victimhood but a profound social critique that exposes the contradictions within the current Indian system. Interestingly, the Hindu characters in the novel also express discontent with the prevailing circumstances, emphasizing that communal bias affects the entire society not just the minorities. Anees Ashfaq’s narrative technique and literary voice hold a distinctive place in Urdu literature. This study attempts to explore how the identity and security of the Muslim individual are represented in literary texts against the backdrop of contemporary Indian political discourse.
An Analysis of Nasir Abbas Nayyar's Short Stories: Narrative, Thought, and Thematic Dimensions
Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar is a distinguished Urdu fiction writer and critic whose stories delve into profound intellectual and theoretical discussions. His writings are not merely confined to storytelling but compel the reader to think critically. His literary mastery and Thought, Narrative and Thematic Dimensions are vividly reflected in all five books of his short story collections. His fiction encompasses diverse themes such as oppression, violence, politics, sociology, culture, colonialism, postcolonialism, existentialism, class division and psychological conflicts. He skillfully incorporates Punjab’s folk wisdom, language, and expressions into his stories, creating a deep sense of familiarity and harmony for the reader. His writings highlight the significance of language and the power of narrative while establishing an intellectual resistance against authoritarian and colonial discourses. Nasir Abbas Nayyar’s fiction reflects social and cultural issues, addressing themes like identity crisis, loneliness, and emotional turmoil. His works employ intertextuality, symbolism, metaphors, and abstract language, offering a unique creative experience. His stories blend aesthetic beauty with intellectual depth, not only engaging the reader but also prompting reflection on life’s complex questions. Thus, Nasir Abbas Nayyar’s fiction stands as an exemplary fusion of intellectual stimulation and creative expression in Urdu literature.
Postmodernism in Turkish Thought: An Examination of its Characteristics in the Light of Critics
In the preparation of this article, the publications of Turkish researchers and especially the book by Prof. Dr. Yıldız Ecevit were used. Postmodernism, which has made its mark in almost every field since the mid-20th century, is a significant intellectual movement. Since its emergence as a literary term and its broader use as a critical concept in the 1980s and 1990s, it has become a crucial cultural, political, and intellectual force defining modernity. In literature, postmodernism introduces innovations in style, technique, and form. Unlike traditional novel structures, which follow a conventional formula of beginning, rise, and climax, the postmodern novel does not adhere to such a framework. The progression of the story includes unexpected twists, and the plot structure allows for flashbacks to past and present events. Postmodernism is regarded as a later stage that liberates humanity from the modernist project of individual, cultural, social, economic, and political transformation, which it protests in nearly every domain.
Magical Realism in "Sangha san Batesi" and "Betaal Pachesi"
The term "Magical realism" translated as “Jadowi Haqiqat” in Urdu is a modern technique. Hawan Ralpho, for the first time, used it in his stories. The Latin novelist Gabriel Garcia, by using the technique of "Magical Realism" in his novel “Hundred Years of Solitude” in 1967, revolutionized the style of narration all over the world, and Urdu Literature is no exception especially in the first half of twentieth century characterized by the use of various descriptive techniques like letters, diaries, flash backs, flash forwards, surrealism and realism etc. Magical Realism is one of such powerful techniques.” Sangha San Batesi” and “Bettal Pachesi” stories are related to the imaginary and ideal world. Where different characters including giants, fairies, jinns, ghosts, ascetics, jogis and leaves keep the reader in a wonderful struggle from the beginning to the end. All the stories of “Singhasan Batesi” and “Bettal Pachesi” evoke an atmosphere of imagination and romance. In addition to the religious and cultural landscape, there is also a conflict between them. Raja Bakarmajit's character is Dev Malay and a character with transcendent abilities. Raja Bakarmajit's tenure has been described in the words of government puppets. In these stories, the magic and talismanic atmosphere surrounds the characters of good and bad everywhere in a believable manner. Apart from this, there are glimpses of Bikramjit's courage, generosity, courage, wisdom and wise decisions. In the stories of “Singhasan Batesi” and “Bettal Pachpesi”, the situation of the supernatural and the supernatural elements creates a surprise for the reader.
Mythological and Fictional Color of Contemporary Urdu Poem of Baluchistan
After the formation of language, the first link of human mind and civilization is the establishment of mythology. It would not be wrong if mythology is said to be the oldest form of literature in the world. Mythological style of expression is closely related to the genre of poem. In Urdu poem, the mythological and fictional color was present in different forms from the beginning, which started to be more refined after 60s. In this period, a world of mythological symbols, religious and folk allusions got settled in the poem which expanded its scope of meanings. The post 21st century poems have succeeded in creating a distinct identity due to their mythological atmosphere. Contemporary Baluchistan poetry has created a special way of creating new myths by grasping the atmosphere and linguistic system of mythology. Mythology appears to be used in many forms in the poem of Baluchistan, either retelling of mythological stories through which many new meanings are created, or an event or character from an old myth with new features, is described. While in the third case, on the basis of different myths or by grasping the mythological atmosphere and language, new myth is fabricated. This third case is the most desirable for the current poem. In the tribal poetry of Baluchistan, all mythological elements and fictional style have been present with their full essence from the beginning. By adding all the characteristics of the present complex prospect to this essence, the leaven of contemporary Baluchistan Urdu poetry has been created. This paper is based on this specific study of poem.
A Technical Comparison of Selected Urdu Fonts
This article is an effort of Technical Comparison of Selected Urdu Fonts. The purpose of the article is to identify computer fonts in Nastaliq script that meet traditional calligraphy technical standards. Five fonts have been studied in the context and yardstick of traditional Nastaliq Calligraphy. These are Pak Nastaliq, JameelNooriNastaliq, Faiz Lahori,Alqalam Taj Nastaliq and MehrNastaliq Web. All five fonts are analyzed against selected technical standards of traditional calligraphy of Nastaliq. The study concludes that Mehr Nastaliq Web is the best font among them, because it competes and completes the fluency, beauty and traditional calligraphically rules of Nastaliq. Kasheeda characters and compound characters are also added to it, that give natural look and feel of calligraphy.
An Academic Study on Impact of the Turkish Drama "Kurulus Osman" on the Culture of the Indian Subcontinent in the Context of Historical Dramas
Television and other mass media play a significant role in history education. Visual and auditory content makes historical events more comprehensible, while educational programs, documentaries, films, and series provide in-depth information. In this context, the United States has been successful in transmitting its cultural history to different nations through popular culture sources. While educational programs offer systematic knowledge, documentaries provide detailed information by covering real events and people. Cinema uses dramatic storytelling techniques to bring historical events to a broad audience and help viewers form an emotional connection. Series, on the other hand, offer a detailed and comprehensive narrative by addressing historical events and figures from a broader perspective. This study examines the impact of the Turkish series “Kurulus Osman” on the culture of the Indian subcontinent. “Kurulus Osman” provides viewers with a historical perspective by dramatically portraying the founding period of the Ottoman Empire. The reception of the series in the Indian subcontinent, its audience, and popularity on social media have been researched. Additionally, the series' impact on Indian culture, including whether it has increased interest in historical events, has been analyzed with statistical data. The series' effects have been assessed within the framework of media and cultural impact theories, and academic sources have been cited on the role of cultural transmission in history education. The importance of the series in terms of history education and cultural interaction has been highlighted.