ISLAMABAD: A well-attended literary ceremony was held at the Banquet Hall of Islamabad Club under the auspices of the literary and cultural organisation Zaviya and the Allama Iqbal Council to launch three new books by renowned former Inspector General of Police, distinguished civil servant, intellectual and columnist Zulfiqar Ahmad Cheema.
The event was chaired by eminent poet and scholar Iftikhar Arif, while Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters Dr. Najeeba Arif attended as the chief guest.
Renowned poet Mehboob Zafar, the driving force behind Zaviya, conducted the proceedings. The ceremony was attended by a large number of writers, intellectuals, poets, civil servants, academics, students and literature enthusiasts.
In his presidential address, Iftikhar Arif described Cheema's autobiography Jehd-e-Musalsal as an authentic, engaging and thought-provoking work. He praised the author's integrity, patriotism, professionalism and lifelong commitment to the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal, noting that despite serving for decades in the challenging field of policing, Cheema had maintained an exemplary reputation.
Speaking on the occasion, Zulfiqar Ahmad Cheema thanked Zaviya and the Allama Iqbal Council for organising the event and expressed gratitude to the participants for their support. He said the purpose of his writings was not to glorify individuals but to promote positive thinking, moral values, the rule of law, collective responsibility and the vision of a democratic and prosperous Pakistan. At the audience's request, he read selected excerpts from his books, which received warm appreciation.
Chief guest Dr. Najeeba Arif congratulated the author on his latest publications, saying Afkar-e-Taza was far more than a collection of newspaper columns, describing it as a thoughtful reflection on Pakistan's social, intellectual and political landscape. She said Jehd-e-Musalsal portrays the life of a police officer who consistently upheld honesty, justice, courage and professional integrity.
Prominent fiction writer and literary critic Muhammad Hameed Shahid said Jehd-e-Musalsal was not merely an autobiography but an important document reflecting an era, a society and the lifelong struggle of a principled individual. He praised the author's candid account of both his achievements and shortcomings, adding that the book highlighted public trust, moral credibility and service as the true strengths of policing.
Former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zakaullah paid tribute to Cheema's national service, intellectual contributions and literary achievements, expressing hope that the books would inspire younger generations to embrace integrity, patriotism, moral courage and responsible citizenship.
Writer, columnist and civil servant Qurratulain Haider described Afkar-e-Taza as a valuable work reflecting the author's administrative experience, intellectual insight and commitment to character building, discipline and positive thinking. She said the book not only identifies national challenges but also offers practical solutions while encouraging readers to think critically and contribute positively to society.
A written message by noted author Rosheen Aqib, who could not attend the ceremony, was read out by television anchor and poet Beenish Batool. The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Zubair Hashmi.
