Islamabad (Monday, June 17, 2019): A versatile short story writer, novelist, progressive writer, actor and artist, Dr Enver Sajjad was a multi-talented and dynamic personality, who throughout his life raised his voice for the marginal and oppressed class of the society. Through his literary critic and artwork Dr Sajjad highlighted the critical issues of injustice during the dictatorship regime and remained captive during Zia Martial Law.

These were the views expressed by the friends and noted literary colleagues during a Reference to Pay Tribute to Dr Enver Sajjad, held by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on Monday at Islamabad.     

Kishwar Naheed, renowned Urdu Poet shed light on the life and struggle of Dr. Enwer Sajjad, particularly, during the martial law era, when the writing of the Dr. Enver Sajjad and other literary critics and progressive writers could not get publish. She said Dr Sajjad wrote many prominent plays for Pakistan Televisions Vision and had great contribution to the art and literature.

Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI said that Sustainable development and sustainable societies cannot be accomplished and achieved without the contributions of such noted literary figures whose work cannot be ignored. He said that Dr. Enver Sajjad fought and struggle for the social justice and equality in society through his writings and acting, whose contributions cannot be ignored.  Now it is responsibility of the civil society to carry forward his work, he added. Our young generation should familiar with the struggle and contribution of such great literary figures for their contribution to literature and society, he remarked.

Dr Naazir Mahmood, progressive intellectuals and social commentators said the artistic and literary work of Dr Enver Sajjad stretched over at least half a century. He said Dr Sajjad was one of those progressive writers who always informed and warned the society through his writings about the forthcoming destructions and difficult times. He said his writings, particularly, Chauraha, Janam Roop, Khushiyon Ka Bagh, Neeli Note Book, Talash-e-Wajood, ZardKunpal and Rasi ki zanjeer are the master pieces, which are great contribution to the literature. The departure of such rare literary figure is a massive loss to our society, he added.     

Ahmed Salim, a Noted Progressive Writer and Senior Advisor Education & Religious Diversity, SDPI said that there is need to acknowledge the work of our great literary personalities and realize the new-generation about their work and contribution. He said Dr Sajjad’s play writings, short stories, fiction stories and novels reflected the true picture and stark realities of the society. His contribution to the literature and progressive society cannot be ignored and shall always be remembered, he added.

Hameed Shahid, Fiction Writer said the departure of Dr Enver Sajjad was a big tragedy for all of us who has many characters in one existence; an actor; a novelist; a practicing doctor of Chuna Mandi;  a play writer; a fiction writer; a progressive and moderate personality; a political activist and a short story writer. His short stories, including Cinderella, Pathar Laho aur Kutta or Keekar have real ground assessment of the society which enhanced the interest and understanding of the readers about the socio-political reality of the society, he added.    

Ishfaq Salim Mirza, a noted progressive writer expressed his thoughts on Dr Sajjad’s translated work– ‘Neeli Notebook’ (The Blue Notebook – a novella by the Russian poet and writer Emmanuil Kazakevich 1913 – 1962). He said the book describes real-life characters who were fighting against one of the most oppressive regimes in the world.  Dr. Humaira, Urdu Editor and Research Fellow SDPI said that the message from the life long struggle of Dr Enver Sajjad is of peace and well-being of the society. She said Dr Sajjad not only touched the serious societal topics, but also his writings include the issues related to sustainable development.  The short stories such as Keekar and Mujy Saans Lainy Do, shed light on the role and responsibilities of the society in keeping the safe and clean environment, she added.