A Journey through Children's Literature in Urdu

Children’s literature does more than entertain – it shapes imagination, nurtures curiosity and introduces young readers to the values, dreams and dilemmas of the world around them. From folktales and bedtime stories to magazines, novels and digital narratives, children’s literature has played a vital role in the cultural and intellectual development of generations. This session explores the evolution of children’s literature in Pakistan, tracing its journey from the early years after independence to the present day. How have stories for young readers reflected changing social values and cultural realities? What role have writers, publishers and educators played in shaping childhood through literature? And in an age of screens, social media and artificial intelligence, what is the future of reading and storytelling for children? ● About the Guest Speaker: » Dr. Asad Areeb is a distinguished Urdu scholar, lexicographer, critic, poet, and educator with a career spanning more than four decades. Born in 1937 in Badaun, India, he pursued advanced studies in Urdu literature and completed his doctoral research on “Juvenile Literature in the Subcontinent,” a field to which he has made enduring scholarly contributions. Over a teaching career of nearly 40 years, Dr. Areeb has served at several prominent institutions, including Government College Lahore, S.E. College, the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Government College Hyderabad (Sindh), Allama Iqbal Open University, and Emerson University Multan. His academic work encompasses literary criticism, lexicography, poetry, and the study of children’s literature. Dr. Areeb is the author of 22 books, including acclaimed dictionaries and lexicographical works such as Irshad-ul-Areeb, Lughat-ul-Aza, Tehzeeb-e-Gham, and Naqd-e-Anees. His literary contributions also include poetry and critical studies. In recognition of his contributions to literature and scholarship, he has received numerous accolades, including being honoured by the Government of Punjab. A widely travelled intellectual, Dr. Areeb has represented literary and cultural traditions across the globe, visiting countries including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, Belgium, China, and the United Kingdom. ● About the Moderator: Moazzama Tanveer is a multifaceted creative artist whose work spans literature, visual arts and broadcasting. A short story writer, poet, and drama writer, she has a distinctive voice across multiple genres. Alongside her literary pursuits, she is an oil painter, bringing artistic expression to life through her visual creations. Her experience as a radio broadcaster has further strengthened her connection with audiences, allowing her to engage with diverse cultural and literary conversations.