Local journalist Khurram Suhail’s new book titled ‘Surmaya’ was launched on Thursday during a ceremony organised at the Japan Cultural Centre. The book is a collection of views on the local music scene and interviews with poets, singers and musicians. Besides the Japanese Consul General Masaharu Sato, the ceremony was attended by renowned musicians, artistes, journalists and music aficionados. Participants and speakers included former BBC broadcaster Raza Ali Abidi, senior sitar nawaz Ustad Raees Khan, The Milestones founder Ali Tim, folk singer Zulfiqar Ali, musicians Aamir Zaki and Shahzad Allah Ditta, and TV artiste Sania Saeed. Speaking on the occasion, Sato expressed delight over hosting the event, terming it as a sign of friendship between Japan and Pakistan. He said both countries would be celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year. Talking about Suhail, Sato said he has translated a famous Japanese novel in Urdu that would be published soon.
