**Pakistan Academy of Letters Hosts Special Session Honoring Patras Bokhari’s Enduring Legacy**
The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) held a distinguished session to honor the memory of Syed Ahmad Shah Patras Bokhari, celebrated Urdu writer, humorist, broadcaster, and diplomat. The event, attended by a host of senior officials, literary figures, and Bokhari’s descendants, paid tribute to his monumental contributions to literature and culture, while also marking the inauguration of PAL’s newly renovated conference hall in Islamabad.
The ceremony was presided over by Senator Irfan Siddiqui—renowned scholar, writer, and advocate for literary institutions—with Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, acting as chief guest. Both Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture, and Mr. Asad Rehman Gilani, Federal Secretary of the same division, attended as guests of honor. Senator Siddiqui took the opportunity to formally inaugurate PAL’s updated conference facility.
Dr. Najeeba Arif, Chairperson of PAL, opened the session by acknowledging Patras Bokhari’s far-reaching impacts across literature, intellectual thought, and diplomacy. She outlined his renowned mastery of language, incisive wit, and sophisticated worldview. Dr. Arif extended her gratitude to the National Heritage and Culture Division for its financial assistance in upgrading PAL’s facilities, and gave special thanks to Senator Siddiqui for his consistent support of Pakistan’s literary institutions.
Highlighting the significance of Urdu humor and satire, Senator Irfan Siddiqui compared the legacies of Patras Bokhari and Farhatullah Baig. He shared heartfelt anecdotes from Bokhari’s life and lauded PAL for organizing a session uniquely dedicated to the literary giant. Senator Siddiqui reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting and preserving cultural and literary organizations such as PAL.
The session featured two remarkable segments. First, Swaang Theatre captivated attendees with a live dramatization of Bokhari’s iconic essay, “Sowere Jo Kal Aankh Meri Khuli.” The moving performance garnered spontaneous applause, prompting Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khichi to announce a special reward for the theatrical troupe. The second feature was a dialogue between Dr. Farrukh Nadeem and Mr. Ayaz Bokhari, Patras Bokhari’s grandson, offering rare personal insights into Bokhari’s literary brilliance and diplomatic endeavors. Attendees also viewed documentaries chronicling Bokhari’s extraordinary life and multifaceted achievements.
The event served not only as a commemorative gathering but also as an educational forum to introduce younger generations to the refined tradition of Urdu humor writing. The large turnout of literary personalities and Bokhari family members underscored the continued relevance and admiration for Patras Bokhari’s legacy in contemporary Pakistani culture.
