Poetry collection 'Prison Diary' by President Ho Chi Minh first time translated into Urdu language in Pakistan

The launch ceremony and introduction of the poetry collection “Prison Diary” by President Ho Chi Minh in Pakistan. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Pakistan)

The ceremony was attended by researchers, writers, poets, translators, a large number of Pakistani readers, Ambassadors, and Chargé d'affaires from all ASEAN countries in Islamabad, the Cuban Ambassador, and many diplomatic staff, along with local media.

The event took place in a warm and solemn atmosphere at the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) – the leading literary research institution in Pakistan, which plays a significant role in research, preservation, promotion of literature, and fostering cultural and literary exchanges both domestically and internationally.

This marks the first time President Ho Chi Minh's poetry collection Prison Diary has been translated into Urdu and the 38th time his works have been translated into a foreign language.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Dr. Najeeba Arif, President of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, expressed her emotion and joy at being the host institution for translating and publishing Uncle Ho's poetry collection into Urdu, the common language of Pakistan. She affirmed that this is not only an important milestone in cultural and literary cooperation between Vietnam and Pakistan but also reflects a desire to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan, Vietnam, and ASEAN countries.

For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador to Pakistan Pham Anh Tuan summarized the historical context, profound human values, and artistic depth of the poetry collection Prison Diary. He also expressed sincere gratitude to the organizations and individuals from Pakistan and Vietnam involved in the implementation and completion of the book translation project.

The Ambassador expressed confidence that the publication of the Prison Diary in Urdu, the national language of Pakistan, understood and widely used by over 170 million people across the country, will help readers, especially the younger generation in Pakistan, gain a better understanding of President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam, contributing to strengthening solidarity, friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

The poetry collection “Prison Diary” by President Ho Chi Minh was published in two languages, Urdu and English, for a wide audience in Pakistan. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Pakistan)

Renowned Pakistani writer Imdad Akash has visited Vietnam twice and participated in international conferences on literature and art held in Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, he emphasized that President Ho Chi Minh is a symbol of courage, indomitable spirit, self-reliance, and the aspiration for independence and freedom of the Vietnamese nation. He is also an inspiration and a shining example for oppressed peoples worldwide in their struggle for independence and freedom.

Notably, he quoted and analyzed several poems from Prison Diary and recited them in Urdu, leaving a profound impression and receiving enthusiastic applause from delegates and guests.

The launch of the Urdu translation not only brings one of President Ho Chi Minh's literary masterpieces to the people of Pakistan but also opens a new chapter in literary and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Some images from the ceremony:

Uzbek version of Ho Chi Minh’s prison diary “Nhat Ky Trong Tu” published A Uzbek version of late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh’s collection of poems “Nhat Ky Trong Tu” (Prison Diary) was made public at a ceremony ...

Vietnamese Embassy in Pakistan promotes translation and publication of President Ho Chi Minh's Poetry Collection 'Prison Diary' into Urdu WVR - On July 24, Vietnamese Ambassador to Pakistan Pham Anh Tuan met and worked with Prof. Dr. Najeeba Arif, President of the Pakistan Academy ...

Pakistan Ambassador Kohdayar Marri: Vietnam is set on a path to rapid success like the 'year of the Horse' Pakistan's Ambassador to Vietnam Kohdayar Marri expects that following the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils for the 2026-2031 term, ...

Rich flavors of Pakistani cuisine in the heart of Hanoi WVR - On the evening of April 18, at Ho Van, Van Mieu, Quoc Tu Giam, the event “Flavors of Pakistan” took place, offering a ...

Vietnamese Embassy in Pakistan promotes economic diplomacy in the region's new context WVR - From May 11-13, the delegation of the Vietnamese Embassy in Pakistan, led by Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan, conducted a working visit to Karachi, ...