For the first time in the history of cultural relations between Algeria and Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal Open University in Islamabad published the first Algerian novel in Urdu by the great Algerian writer Dr Fadila Melhag, in a second edition titled (When Life Desires You), with an introduction by the university chairman, Professor Nasir Mahmood.
The novel (When Life Desires You), a joint translation by Dr Abdul Majeed Baghdadi, Head of the Department of Language and Literature at Allama Iqbal Open University – Islamabad, and Dr Lubna Farah, Director of the Translation Department at the National University of Modern Languages – Islamabad.
As a reminder, this novel was published in 2023 in a first edition by the “Pen League of Karachi,” along with two short story collections, “Outside the Field of Discovery ” and “For Display Unpaintable,” translated by Dr. Lubna Farah.
– Fadila Melhag’s novel in Urdu, historical precedent and a pioneering step:
The initiative to publish this pioneering literary work, as Professor Nasir Mahmood, chairman of Allama Iqbal Open University, says in the introduction to the novel:
“- A desire to enhance cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Algeria, which had enjoyed good historical relations since the fifties, when Pakistan was one of the countries that supported the glorious revolution of November 1, 1954, and supported the Algerian interim government in 1958.
– A conviction in the necessity of openness and communication with various foreign cultures and literatures, mainly Arabic literature, which has historically developed within the culture – Islamic civilization, a common denominator with the culture of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which has long and strong historical relations with the entire Arab nation.
– And a belief that translation is a bridge of dialogue, understanding and rapprochement between peoples, cultures and civilizations, a language of fruitful interaction and cooperation between nations, which helps to formulate an open, cooperative, integrated and tolerant world.” In this context, Professor Nasser Mahmoud adds, “The translation and publication of Dr. Fadhila Melhag’s literary works in Pakistan represents a historical precedent and a pioneering step in introducing Algerian literature in Pakistan and all of South Asia. It is considered a valuable achievement that encourages the translation and publication of Arabic literary works in Urdu and the translation and publication of Pakistani literary works in Arabic.
The novel (When Life Desires You) is worthy of reading and study by a brilliant writer who deserves admiration and appreciation. It is a distinguished creative experience in presenting the issue of illegal “secret” immigration to the north in its current manifestations, with its complex ideological, economic, historical and cultural dimensions.”
– A brilliant academic and professional career:
Dr. Fadila Melhag is distinguished by her high and diverse education, abundant intellectual production, and creativity in multiple literary genres (poetry, novels, and stories). She holds a PhD in law and national and foreign certificates in the judiciary, law, diplomacy, information technology, and foreign languages.
She also holds a certificate in training experts from the Council of Europe, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the League of Arab States. She has held high responsibilities in the judiciary sector, including President of the Court, Advisor, President of a Chamber in the Judicial Council, and “Judge Researcher.” She has extensive experience in training judges and executives.
Dr. Fadila Melhag has published several books in legal studies, political science, and literature (novel, poetry, story). Her books have been published in Algeria, Egypt, France, and Pakistan and have been translated into French, English, Spanish, and Urdu. She received the Genius Award from the Ministry of Culture and Arts in Algeria this year.
