It has been aptly said by a thinker that, “The pen is the most authentic interpreter of a nation’s soul and its civilization.” Indeed, the world of literature and knowledge owes its existence to those sincere individuals who, transcending the desire for fame or reward, make the pen their constant companion. The writers of Hazara are like flowers whose fragrance does not merely perfume Hazara but enriches the entire world.
To gather these literary luminaries like a bouquet, Bazm-e-Musannifeen-e-Hazara and the Idara-e-Tehqiq-ul-Awan Pakistan organized the second annual “Baba Sajawal Award” ceremony at the Jalal Baba Auditorium (Abaseen Arts Council), Abbottabad. Held on June 28, 2026, this gathering was not limited to the mere distribution of awards; rather, it emerged as a beautiful metaphor for the dignity of knowledge, research, and the people of the pen. Intellectuals and writers from Hazara, Taxila, Wah Cantt, and Azad Kashmir gathered at this scholarly festival to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the written word. The cool and serene atmosphere of Abbottabad seemed to dance in welcome to the devotees of literature that day, as the literary essence carried on the mountain breeze bestowed a unique grace upon the auditorium.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a Naat (poetry in praise of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), which spiritually enriched the hearts of the attendees. The session was presided over by the renowned writer and intellectual, Riaz Malik, while Dr. Nazir Awan served as the Chief Guest. The event was patronized by Muhammad Karim Alvi Qadri, Vice Chairman of Idara-e-Tehqiq-ul-Awan Pakistan. District Rescue Officer Hafeez-ur-Rehman and Maulana Hafiz Momin Khan Usmani, Patron of Bazm-e-Musannifeen-e-Hazara (Mansehra District), graced the dais as guests of honor. Mufti Inayat-ur-Rehman Hazarvi conducted the proceedings with great eloquence, supported by the contributions of Abdul Waheed Bismil and Professor Adil Saeed Qureshi.
During the event, Malik Muhammad Azeem Nashad Awan, President of the Bazm, highlighted the six-year journey of scholarly and research-oriented services of the organization and reaffirmed commitments for the future, while Chairman Muhammad Karim Alvi Qadri explained the criteria and standards for the awards.
On this occasion, Hafiz Luqman Aziz Hazarvi presented my Urdu poetry in a melodious tone, while I had the pleasure of reciting my Hindko verses, much to the appreciation of the audience. The speakers, including Muhammad Karim Alvi Qadri, Professor Dr. Adil Saeed Qureshi, Abdul Waheed Bismil, Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Dr. Nazir Awan, Abdul Waheed Tahir, and the President of the session, Riaz Malik, paid tribute to the academic and research endeavors of Bazm-e-Musannifeen-e-Hazara. It was the consensus that the dedication, discipline, and sincerity demonstrated by the Bazm in just six years serve as an exemplary model for literary circles. The discussion emphasized that the intellectual nourishment and reconstruction of any society are only possible by lighting the lamps of the pen, books, and research—a sacred duty the Bazm is fulfilling with excellence.
The participants praised the Bazm for establishing a tradition of recognizing the services of writers, which not only encourages senior literati but also sends a practical message to the younger generation that serving knowledge and literature never goes in vain. The attendees believed that the “Baba Sajawal Award” is not just an honorary medal but a symbol of love and respect for those who have dedicated the best moments of their lives to research and writing. This joint endeavor of Bazm-e-Musannifeen-e-Hazara and Idara-e-Tehqiq-ul-Awan Pakistan is destined to become a robust literary tradition with profound and positive impacts on the literary history of Hazara.
The ceremony reached its peak as 32 distinguished writers from across Hazara were presented with the Baba Sajawal Awards and certificates in recognition of their invaluable contributions. The thunderous applause from the audience was testament to the fact that nations that honor the pen remain intellectually alive. More than seventy prominent figures, including Professor Dr. Qamar Zaman Awan, Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Professor Malik Nasir Dawood, Mahin Amjad, Qazi Ahmed Aijaz, Maulana Momin Khan Usmani, Muhammad Naseem Prem Koti, Anwar Kullorvi, Abdul Rashid Chaudhry, Hafiz Muhammad Usman Jadoon, Niaz Ahmed Awan, Haji Javed Iqbal, Captain Dost Muhammad, Haji Muhammad Riaz, Haji Muhammad Sarmad, Muhammad Ibrahim, Abdul Qadeer Sharif, Salik Mahboob Awan, Muhammad Ajmal Awan, Muhammad Uzair Awan, Faizan Hashmi, Qazi Saif-ur-Rehman Saif, Hafiz Malik Jamshed, Malik Asif Qaiser Awan, Malik Saqib Shad Tanoli, Syed Muhammad Zafar Ali Shah, Maulana Muhammad Azam Qadri, Professor Dr. Malik Sameer Asghar, Zahid Mahmood, Abid Awan, Saqib Zaman, Kashif Zaman, Maulana Ehsan Haider Rizvi, Muhammad Noman Aziz Hazarvi, Shahid Awan, Dr. Muhammad Amjad, Akhtar Naeem, Abdul Hameed Awan, Malik Bilal Awanzada, Khalid Waheed Qureshi, and this humble servant, were in attendance.
At the conclusion, the exciting news was announced that this series of awards for authors whose books are published in June under the auspices of the Bazm and the Idara will continue annually. I conclude my thoughts on this literary gathering with these lines by Qabil Ajmeri:
As this beautiful gathering concluded, the participants exchanged books, participated in photo sessions, and enjoyed refreshments, reaffirming their commitment to continue the journey of promoting book culture and patronizing men of knowledge with the same zeal and perseverance.
Insha’Allah.
