الحضور الباكستاني في كتاب على نهر كونهار للأديبة العمانية الدكتورة مريم البادي The Pakistani Presence in the Book On the Banks of the Kunhar River by the Omani Writer Dr. Mariam Al-Badi Section Articles

Abstract

Pakistan has a special allure. It entices its visitors to explore its cities and landscapes, to develop an affection for its people, to learn about their way of life, and to discover the landmarks of this beautiful country. A number of writers who journeyed to Pakistan undertook to document their experiences there and to write about its history and its religious, political, and social conditions.

Muhammad ibn Abdullah al-Lawati al-Tanji, better known as Ibn Battuta (703–779 AH / 1304–1368 CE), is regarded as one of the earliest figures to venture into the world of travel and exploration. He became an enduring symbol in both the Arab literary heritage and the global tradition of travel writing through the adventures and journeys he recorded in his famous book Tuhfat al-Nuzzar fi Ghara'ib al-Amsar wa 'Aja'ib al-Asfar (A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling).

Ibn Battuta visited the Indian subcontinent, which today encompasses India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. He referred to his visit, which took place in Muharram 734 AH, and mentioned his journey to the Indus Valley, known as Punjab (Panjab today). He also stated that he learned of the arrival of the ruler of Multan.

Dr. Maryam Al-Badi’s On the Banks of the Kunhar River is one of a series of books that takes the reader on an extended journey through the pure land of Pakistan—a meaning associated with the name of the country—allowing the reader to experience its landscapes and features as though witnessing them firsthand.

The book On the Banks of the Kunhar River by the Omani writer Dr. Maryam Al-Badi was published by Ninawa House for Studies, Publishing and Distribution, Damascus, in 1446 AH / 2024 CE. The book consists of 127 pages and contains fifty-four chapters, or scenes, if one may call them so, in addition to an introduction which the author aptly titles “As If an Introduction.” In this opening section, the author explains that the image of Pakistan held by the wider world, particularly in Arab countries, is distorted.