Introduction1

introduction

We are the first worldwide forum dedicated to literature produced in English by Pakistanis.

Founded in July 2014 and operative since August 2014, Kinnaird College, ever cognizant of new areas of knowledge formation, seized the initiative when Mr. M. Athar Tahir, Rhodes Scholar and a prize-winning author, proposed the idea. In view of its promising prospects, the Principal Kinnaird College, Dr. Rukhsana David helped establish this Centre. Of course, this creation was necessitated by growing national attention and international recognition of Pakistani English writing.

As we know that since independence, English, the language of government, judiciary, and education, continues to be adopted and adapted in Pakistan by pioneering individuals for personal, literary as well as critical expressions, unfortunately, a long period of this history in the region remains largely un-addressed and un-documented. Additionally, despite a considerable body of work available in print form now, Pakistani literature in English is rarely promoted. Academic institutions of higher learning sporadically hold seminars or offer short courses and adjunct modules, but even these initiatives are few and far between. In fact, not a single institution in the country, public or private, offers degrees focusing on Pakistani English writing. This was/ is largely due to unavailability of material in any one place, along with many other reasons.

However, for over a hundred-year Kinnaird College has honed the academic, creative, and literary skills of many students. To name a few:

Bapsi Sidhwa

the internationally recognized novelist.

Sara Suleri

the Pakistani American author, critic and Yale Professor, and Distinguished Professor.

Fawzia Afzal-Khan

poet, novelist, academic and administrator as the Director of the Gender, Sexuality and Women’ Studies at Montclair State University.

are among many renowned Kinnaird literary alumnae. The list is long and cannot be posted here. But, as of now, ICPWE is a platform for all the great Pakistani writers who employ English as a means of creative expression.

ICPWE’s WALL OF FAME specially highlights the pictures of legendary authors and critics who have contributed to the Centre and have added to the literary scope of Pakistani writing in English.