Before The Sirens came: Rare Novel Highlighting Palestinian Plight

Karachi (Palestine Foundation Information Center), A 13-year-old student Syeda Minsa Zehra from Karachi has authored a rare novel focusing on the plight of Palestinians. The book is particularly unique because it addresses the events following the start of the Al-Aqsa Storm on October 7. Titled “Before the Sirens Came,” the novel reflects the lives of oppressed Palestinian families in Gaza and their current situation.

The book’s launch ceremony was held on Friday at the Josh Malihabadi Library of the Arts Council Karachi, chaired by Professor Sahar Ansari. Renowned writers and prominent personalities from Karachi attended the event and praised the student’s hard work and dedication. Dr. Sabir Abu Maryam, Secretary-General of Palestine Foundation Pakistan, also attended the ceremony and addressed the audience.

In his speech, Dr. Sabir praised the efforts of the young novelist and called her an example for other youth. He also spoke about the Palestinian cause and highlighted the current situation, urging every individual in society to take responsibility in supporting the Palestinian cause, just as the young author has done.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Fatima Hassan, Dr. Syed Shahid Raza, poet and advocate Mujahid Shah, Shahid Rizvi of Huma Services, Sir Muhammad Abbas Zaidi, Professor Nisar Sheikh, Abid Sheikh, Aftab Mirani, poet Qaiser Abbas Qaiser, writer Rizwan Naqvi, senior journalist and poet Mahmood Sham, SIPLA President Professor Manwar Abbas, Dr. Tanween Mughal, poet Yasmin Yas, Professor Agha Sher Gul Sarki, educationist Abdul Karim Soomro, Naat reciter Haji Parvez Gul Sarki, storyteller Majeed Malah, educationist Madam Aram Sohail, Dr. Ansaruddin Madni, Mr. Aziz-ul-Islam, Advocate Samar Abbas, artist Agha Mujtaba Zamani, Professor Dr. Nuzhat Anis, geographer Niaz Kacho, Scout Leader Syed Irteza, Mr. Shaukat Ali Chingiz, and many others.