Bilal Akram 
Heer Ranjha is the most culturally rich legend in the Punjab. Even though the tale might be old, it is certainly Waris Shah’s poem from the 18th century which gave the legend its final shape and made it a kind of sacred scripture of love for the lovers of many generations to come. The very … Read more
Of all the tragedies of romantic love that are part of the Punjabi and Sindhi oral tradition, the tale of Sohni Mahiwal stands out due to the very physicality of its central metaphor, a woman swimming a river every night on only a pot made of clay in order to meet her beloved. It is … Read more
In relation to the romantic tragedies found in Punjabi folklore, there is one that stands out for its longevity. Unlike other tales that change with trends, the story of Sassi Pannu has been passed down through many generations in the form of songs, poems, and even conversation. This is not necessarily because of an official … Read more
The bicentennial year of the Declaration of Independence provides an opportunity not just to celebrate but to reflect upon the direction in which a country that started out as a colony has progressed to become one of the leading powers of the world both economically and militarily. The Revolutionary War, sparked by the belief in … Read more
Of the seven queenly figures that appear in Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s Shah Jo Risalo, Umar Marvi holds a unique position, not simply as a love story but as a timeless allegory of loyalty, patriotism, and virtue. Written in the eighteenth century, this story is now more than literature as it continues to serve as … Read more