Peshawar: May 17, 2026 (China Window News): A prestigious book launching ceremony for two important books — Pearls Scattered Beneath the Sky and The Land of Peaceful Mornings and Rising Sun — written by renowned broadcaster, intellectual, teacher, and author Professor Dr. Z.A. Qureshi, was held under the auspices of the Chinese cultural center China Window in Peshawar.
The ceremony was presided over by former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology and former Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Qibla Ayaz, while distinguished personalities from academic, literary, journalistic, and social circles attended in large numbers. At the beginning of the event, Professor Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Professor Dr. Adnan Sarwar, Professor Dr. Z.A. Qureshi, Dr. Shahida Sardar, and Nazir Tabassum formally unveiled both books.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr. Z.A. Qureshi said that during his official responsibilities in the past, he had the opportunity to visit numerous countries around the world, and he documented those observations, experiences, and emotions in the form of travelogues. Elaborating on the background, literary significance, and research aspects of his books, he said that Pearls Scattered Beneath the Sky is a collection of observations, memories, and intellectual reflections, while The Land of Peaceful Mornings and Rising Sun highlights various regions, civilizations, cultures, and aspects of humanity. He remarked that travel broadens human consciousness, thought, and observation, and when such experiences are transformed into literature, they become an intellectual treasure for future generations. According to him, a travelogue is not merely a description of places; rather, it presents the psychology of societies, people’s attitudes, the spirit of civilizations, and different dimensions of history before the reader.
In his presidential address, Professor Dr. Qibla Ayaz appreciated the efforts of China Window for continuously promoting academic, literary, and cultural activities. He termed the launch of these two important books as a commendable initiative. He further said that there is now a need for detailed academic and intellectual discussions on the contents of these books so that the beauty with which the author has expressed his observations and literary style can also be explored at an academic level.
He stated that whenever the journey of a country, civilization, or society is written with beauty, honesty, and intellectual depth, it becomes a valuable asset of travel literature. Congratulating the author on producing high-quality travelogues, he said that the depth of observation and elegance of expression are clearly reflected in his writings.
Addressing the gathering, former Chairman of the Department of International Relations at University of Peshawar, Professor Dr. Adnan Sarwar, said that a good travelogue makes the reader feel like a traveler who journeys alongside the author through different cities, societies, and civilizations. According to him, Dr. Z.A. Qureshi’s travelogues possess a captivating quality that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. He added that these writings contain not only information but also emotions, observations, cultural awareness, and intellectual depth, introducing readers to new worlds.
Renowned lawyer and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Moazzam Butt, said in his speech that Professor Dr. Z.A. Qureshi earned a respected place during his services at Pakistan Television and always brought honor to the institution through his knowledge, dignity, and professional capabilities. He noted that the author has beautifully and honestly documented everything he saw, felt, and experienced, which reflects his hard work and intellectual maturity.
Moazzam Butt further observed that the titles of both books themselves reflect creativity and imagination. According to him, the travelogues combine literary elegance, the beauty of civilizations, analysis of social behaviors, and comparative studies of different nations. He particularly appreciated the references to centuries-old Buddhist history and civilization, which further enhanced the significance of the books. He added that Dr. Z.A. Qureshi did not merely describe landscapes but also skillfully incorporated history, civilization, and inter-state relations into his writings. He said these travelogues would not only inspire readers but also provide them with an opportunity to learn and see the world from a new perspective.
Senior journalist Amjad Aziz Malik said that China Window has become an important center for academic, literary, educational, social, and cultural activities alongside promoting Pak-China friendship, where various events are being organized successfully on a weekly basis. He remarked that China Window is no longer just a cultural center but has become a strong bridge between different civilizations, ideas, and literary traditions.
Amjad Aziz Malik said that Dr. Z.A. Qureshi is not only an outstanding broadcaster, teacher, and intellectual but also a sensitive observer and writer whose words compel readers to think, feel, and learn. He said that in Pearls Scattered Beneath the Sky, the author studies different regions of the world not merely through the eyes of a tourist but as a thoughtful intellectual and sensitive human being, while The Land of Peaceful Mornings and Rising Sun symbolizes hope, beauty, and the freshness of human thought. He added that in today’s era, when people suffer from mental isolation and anxiety, literature that inspires positive thinking and a better understanding of the world becomes even more important. According to him, Dr. Z.A. Qureshi’s writings are a beautiful blend of study, observation, research, and cultural awareness for the younger generation.
Director of China Window, Naz Parveen, said in her address that Professor Dr. Z.A. Qureshi, through his travelogues, has presented the cultures, civilizations, social behaviors, and human relations of countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines in a highly engaging and unique manner. She stated that Pearls Scattered Beneath the Sky is a travelogue in which the author’s observations and style of narration make the reader feel like a fellow traveler. She described Dr. Z.A. Qureshi’s travelogues as high-quality literary and intellectual contributions marked by intellectual depth, broad observation, and cultural awareness.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, participants expressed hope that China Window would continue promoting positive intellectual traditions in society through such academic, literary, and cultural activities in the future. Later, Professor Dr. Qibla Ayaz presented a commemorative shield to the author, Dr. Z.A. Qureshi, on behalf of China Window.
