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Writing from Pakistan

June 2009

This June, as the world’s focus turns to events in Pakistan, our guest editor, Basharat Peer, restores some nuance to our understanding of the region with a selection of literary work that shines a light on the country’s unique historical and cultural heritage.

Introduction

By Basharat Peer

My selections are a very small segment of the corpus of Pakistani literature.

The First Morning

By Intizaar Hussain

I have no definite answer to questions about why I migrated from India to Pakistan after the partition in 1947.

Translated from Urdu by Basharat Peer

His Majesty

By Vali Ashraf Sabuhi

When I was a child, until someone told me a story I couldn’t sleep.

Translated from Urdu by Nauman Naqvi

The “Monthly Ulloo”

By Muhammad Khalid Akhtar

Without these uncles, life is a thing utterly insipid and meaningless, and living a mere waste of time.

Translated from Urdu by Bilal Tanweer

Pink Pigeons—Was It They Who Won?

By Fahmida Riaz

The tiny leaves break into applause. “What are these trees called?” I ask the interpreter.

Translated from Urdu by Muhammad Umar Memon

Do You Suppose It’s the East Wind?

By Altaf Fatima

The enormous weight of three hundred and sixty-five days once again slips from my hand and falls down into the dark cavern of the past.

Translated from Urdu by Muhammad Umar Memon

The Man With Three Names

By Asad Muhammad Khan

He had three names: Majeeta, Majeed and Ma’i Dada

Translated from Urdu by Muhammad Umar Memon