پاک فوج کے شعبہ تعلقاتِ عامہ کا ترجمان "ہلال" کے مزاح نگار

Abstract

Literary appreciation in a military environment can be seen through the Pakistan Army's Urdu journal, 'Hilal', which was first published on Friday, August 17, 1951. Initially, it was issued on Fridays and Tuesdays. In October 1952, it became a daily publication for the first time. The 'Weekly Hilal' was introduced in April 1964. It started publishing monthly as a bilingual magazine in August 2007. It has been started to be published monthly as two separate journals in Urdu and English in 2014. 'Hilal Kids' and 'Hilal HER' were introduced in April 2019 and they were a stunning addition.

Positive literary values have been nurtured by this journal. This publication is composed of prominent military writers, as well as respected professors from national universities, well-known journalists, distinguished scholars, and social and literary figures. In addition to their literary creations, these writers have written numerous articles on national development and reform, as well as the welfare of the country's economy. The importance of national unity and cohesion has been highlighted by a few patriotic writers. At various times, the journal has published works on military culture and traditions, religious, national, and global contextual issues, as well as intellectual and literary creations.

'Hilal' is adept at providing news and lighthearted content to alleviate the harshness of the military environment. Its contributors have made a significant name for themselves in the field of humorous writing. Among the top-tier creators in Urdu humor who began their literary journey with this journal are General Shafiq-ur-Rehman, Brigadier Siddiq Salik, Brigadier S.S. Hadi, Brigadier Fazal-ur-Rehman, Brigadier Yusuf, Brigadier Gulzar, Brigadier Safdar, Brigadier Khalid, Colonel Masood, Colonel Muhammad Khan, Colonel Ashfaq Hussain, Colonel Zia Shehzad, Major Syed Zameer Jafri, Subedar Ghulam Ali Bulbul, Subedar Maqbool Afandi, Subedar Khalid, and Havildar Afzal Gohar. These writers introduced the art of presenting serious matters in a sugar-coated form through appropriate words, diverse topics, and their thoughts and opinions. The light-hearted writers of “Hilal,” with their bold style and natural humor, hold a unique place in Urdu humorous literature.

When it comes to pure literary creations, “Hilal” has offered its readers high-caliber works in genres such as essays, travelogues, short stories, and reports. However, its greatest contribution is the presentation of Urdu satire and humor. The creators, in their humorous style, introduced a new form of writing, and their distinctive manner of expression and popularity continues to this day.