Active addiction of any specific type is lethal on one hand and on the other, it is a reckless diffusion that sponsors deterioration of vital assets like human endurance. As human beings, we are all worried and at times we hand over our endurance, but a liable type either places himself on the pulpit or writes a book to register his moral disapproval. Dr. Manzoor Nazar has come up with his unfoldings in the form of his Nash e Khai, a book that we need to read. Dr. Nazir Mushtaq, Ex. Consultant Pathology Govt. Medial College in the Forward of the book has mentioned Dr. Manzoor Nazar is a fiction writer, dramatist and serious reader besides a Physician. The present book is a kind of sacred almanac that carries almost every piece of evidence regarding the potential menace of effective drugs and their profound implications. Nash e Khai is a guide that escorts, a reader to be acquainted not only with the intricacies of the drugs but also classification and consequences. Dr. Manzoor has brilliantly equated his ethical duties by catagorising the book accordingly. This 364-page book has three different sections.
The first section of the book puts on record all about the drugs. It adequately describes what intoxication is about, its practical implication on human behaviour, the defence mechanism of the human mind, engaging personalities of disorder and the possible remedy as well. This section of the book is a typical information guide that instantly awakes us from the profound slumber of sleep. In the first part of the book, the author has faithfully attended parents, citizens and sensitive minds of the society to ponder over the prevalent situations we all are messed in.
The second section of the book comprises a sumptuous list of drugs that are in vogue. Smoking, alcohol consumption, opium, tranquilisers, aromatic drugs and prescribed drugs are the topics approved for the book. Apart from the above-listed topics, Dr. Manzoor has not forgotten his own land, he has picked up the local picture and has positively established a chapter Kasheri Hund Manzar Nama depicting the zero ground situation. Many remedial forms have been put forth by the author which if employed dedicatedly can to a greater extent prove constructive. Dr. Manzoor has also tried clearing some misapprehensions about drugs. He writes, “Once an addict always an addict… a maxim that from eternity has as a tradition been tagged, but the author has denied the fact openly challenges the maxim by reversing the gut-wrenching cliché.”, page 250. This published chapter has been brilliantly established in the specific form of a question-answer session which indeed will help a reader in knowing more about the self-styled customs.
The book onwards has taken refuge from contemporary literature which is often called realistic fiction. Dr. Manzoor has evolved as a realistic fiction writer for the reason that he has used the storytelling genre to communicate the otherwise sealed secrets of drug addicts. He has vividly written 10 Afshaya (a genre created by professor Bashar Bashir) focusing on drug experiences by identifying his characters from the surrounding he lives in. These ten short stories have been proficiently put before the reader. The author has taken over from the aforesaid chapter as a realistic fiction writer who has picked a fine thread to captivate our attention as he repeatedly pulls the cord in these stories not only to connect us with the theme he has chosen but he has also involved us as a campaign to get rid of this nuisance. A piece of literature constantly assures: Artistic excellence and literary merit, the above short stories properly qualify both the norms, so as an artist and a physician, Dr. Manzoor’s Nash e Khai is both a literary contribution and a genuine information folder with so many sub-folders to cater to the needs of the reader.
The last section of the book is again a bit unalike in texture as the author has further added a few chapters under the title of Relapse and Remedy. He has again taken refuge from the realistic fiction deliberating upon eight case studies. In this section, Dr. Manzoor has even moved further as a realistic fiction writer to candidly discuss the case studies with his reader both as a tool of moderation and a beacon light to carry us on the other side of the dark tunnel. The last but one chapter of the book Hala Shure (self-help) adequately serves as a therapy. Dr. Manzoor has again used group discussion as a valuable tool to explore the hitherto undeclared confessions. The last chapter of the book is an eye-opener for it opens before us a canvas displaying various aspects and the fast-growing wont of suicide. Dr. Manzoor Nazar has once again shown us the way how we can address the generation next calmly, gently and lovingly. As the maxim goes: Love heals when all other forms of medication fail. The optimistic approach of the author must be taken as a ‘forward movement’ to set an example of social inclusiveness. The author has sincerely put on the skin of society how exclusiveness can be lethal. As a preacher, the author has appealed one and all to eagerly volunteer ‘Inclusiveness’ so as to create a room for those who have reached the extremes of hopelessness. The author has stressed upon the fact that love and care are crucial remedies that must be employed to get rid of this hazard.
This Thirty-Eight chapter book is a wonderful read, a complete package of information regarding implications of drugs, a solemn series of guidance, aided with research work and Sufi renderings. The book cover and the sketches have been crafted by the author himself. There are but a few notable things that should have been properly taken care of. Lack of bibliography, poor quality of sketches and missing ISBN number and publisher’s detail would have been added which for the apparent reason better known to the author have been overlooked.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Mushtaq B.Barq is a Columnist, Poet and Fiction Writer. He is the author of “Feeble prisoner, “ Wings of Love” and many translation works are credited to the author like “ Verses Of Wahab
