Salma resolves to make Pashto Academy real centre of research

PESHAWAR: The recipient of national civil award, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Prof Dr Salma Shaheen, has expressed the resolve to make Pashto Academy a real centre of research and study for the promotion of Pashto language, culture and literature.

The academy has so far brought out 70 research publications, completed 40 research projects made linkages with foreign as well as national institutions and launched two magazines besides having a library with 50,000 collections, she told The News.

Salma Shaheen, who is director of the Pashto Academy, University of Peshawar, said a Cultural Museum and Art Gallery at the academy was under construction at a cost of Rs 23 million provided by the Higher Education Commission. On completion, she added, the Museum and Art Gallery with its technologically advanced audio video system would be a true picture of the rich and glorified history, literature, language, culture and the art.

Salma said it was the best standard and quality of the academy publications that the Balochistan University, Allama Iqbal Open University and universities in Afghanistan had included the publications in their courses of study.

A researcher, poet, novelist and prose writer, Dr Salma Shaheen, was awarded the prestigious civil award on March 23 for her achievements in the field of literature. She is well-known figure in the literary circles of Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and Iran.

Having a doctorate in Pashto literature, Salma Shaheen has to her credit 42 research publications written on socials, cultural, traditional, linguistic issues published in journals of repute. The academician has authored 14 books on Pashto literature, culture and traditions. She is the first woman Pashto novelist from NWFP, having contributed two novels, Ka Rana Shawa (If there is a way through) and Kani Au Azghi (Stones and thorns).

In a very unique manner, she has highlighted the social and cultural issues faced by the people of NWFP and suggested solution to the problems without compromising traditional values. As a prominent poet of Pashto, Dr Salma Shaheen has to her credit three poetic collections — Ravail; Nawai Sahar and Zah Hum Hagha si Wara Way — which have demonstrated her unique style of poetic composition.

Abasin Da Tarikh pa Aina Ki; Pakhto Tappa; Muasharati au Saqafati Asar; Modern Poem in Pashto; Awami Sandare; Musical Instrument of Pashtuns; Peshawar City and tradition are her famous books, used by the researches.

The literatus was nominated member of a cultural delegation during visit to China and wrote

a book on her journey to China titled ‘Dil aur Ankhein Cheen Main.’ Dr. Shaheen has attended a number of seminars, conferences and workshops and is member of a number of social organisations and civil society organisations.

In recognition of her services, she has achieved Abasin Art Council Award; “Pakistan Culture Association Award; Pakistan Academy of Letters Hijra Award and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz Award was another honour she got for her outstanding achievements.

Talking to The News, Dr Salma Shaheen said class difference, gender discrimination and imbalance in the society were the focus of her writings. “I like brave and bold women who dare to play role in the society,” she said.