To understand new dimensions of cinema, we need to watch and study classical films: views of Mr. Shafqat Habib
A strong script is the foremost requirement for making a great film: impressions of Mr. Ali Imran
Zubair Qureshi | Kashmir Pen
Srinagar, February 9: The 358th session of the Fiction Writers Guild was held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the afternoon at the Guild’s City Office located at Hira Manzil, Central Market, Abi Guzar, Lal Chowk, Srinagar. The session was presided over by renowned teacher and scholar Prof. Ijaz Hussain Rabbani. Special guests at the dais included Mr. Shafqat Habib from EMRC, University of Kashmir, and noted filmmaker and director Mr. Ali Imran.
Simultaneous sessions were held on Saturday afternoon at the Jammu Chapter and the Srinagar City Office.
At the beginning of the session, renowned fiction writer and General Secretary of the Fiction Writers Guild, Mr. Nasir Zameer, welcomed the guests and participants. The proceedings were conducted gracefully by young scholar and English language teacher, Mr. Safeer Butt.
During the session, an Urdu film script titled “Bubbles of Water” was presented by Mr. Aftab Bakto. A detailed discussion followed, highlighting both the strengths of the script and the essential elements required for a feature film screenplay.
Renowned writer, fiction writer, and translator Mr. Mushtaq Bairaq read out an English story titled “Dazzling Darkness.” The story was discussed openly, and all participants shared their views and impressions.
Among the special guests, Mr. Ali Imran remarked that a strong script is the foremost requirement for making a good film, while Mr. Shafqat Habib stated that to understand new perspectives in cinema, it is necessary to watch and study classical films.
In his presidential address, Prof. Ijaz Hussain Rabbani emphasized that along with literary gatherings, there is an urgent need to cultivate the habit of reading books. He highly appreciated the efforts of the Fiction Writers Guild.
Those who attended the session included Ms. Hina Khan, Mr. Shakeel-ur-Rehman, Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Shaheen, Mr. Masood Shadab, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Shahid, Mr. Ijaz Aslam, Mr. Aqib Bashir, Mr. Saqib Shaban, Mr. Suhail Salim, Ms. Rehana Shajar, Ms. Babra, Dr. Zameer Ahmad, Ms. Tasneem Akhtar, Mr. Faizan Qureshi, and Mr. Saleem Salik.
At the end of the session, the members of the dais expressed their gratitude to the participants and attendees on behalf of the Fiction Writers Guild.
