The book ‘Mindless Genius’ authored by the little writer Syeda Soha Irfan has launched today at Arts Council Karachi. The event was hosted by the Arts Council Karachi & the Turnkey Publishers and presided by Mr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi Vice Chancellor Karachi University.

Soha is a student at the University of Karachi’s Department of English. Her first novel was launched at the Arts Council on Wednesday evening, eight months after her mother died of cancer.

Soha introduced herself at the launch with her poem. She said she had started writing her novel when she was in the eighth grade. The basic message of the book, according to her, is to make everyone believe they are different.

Writer and former federal information minister Javed Jabbar said on the occasion that the book’s publication in the English language shows that Pakistanis can write in English without losing their sense of being as Pakistanis. “Discovering this book is a pleasure.”

Barrister Shahida Jamil said that the book’s title is contradictory, adding that there is an unusual approach, unusual titles and unusual format. She said the author asks questions from her readers.

She also said that the book is very moving, that the sentences have the power to touch one’s heart. “The author has an interesting perspective of feeling,” said Shahida, adding that Soha used an orphanage as the basis of her message to society.

Lieutenant General (retd) Moinuddin Haider, University of Karachi Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Iraqi and Sindh Minister for Information Saeed Ghani also address the book launch. (Thanks The News)