I was hosted by my wonderful friend, Najeeba, and her husband, Arif, both of whom I have known for over two decades.
What a lovely evening it was, and such a treat for me to visit their lovely home (I was quite taken with their wall-to-wall book-lined study), and meeting all their family. Relaxing over a wonderful lime and mint drink, we sampled all the gorgeous greenery in their large garden ― including home-grown plantains ― and cut a cake in my honour.
It was wonderful to meet other famous writers of Pakistan who live in Islamabad. I was delighted to meet Kishwar Naheed, a leading poet and activist of Pakistan, and Professor Qasim Bughlo, the Chairman of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, and his wife. Also, the wonderful leading writer, Masud Mufti, and his wife (who is a fan of my work), the lovely author, Abida Taqui, and MHameed Shahid, who gifted me with his latest book. A truly memorable evening!
