Karachi, Nov 13 Pakistani author Imtiaz Abro's book 'In a lighter vein' -- the first book on humour in Sindhi language after a gap of 15 years -- has been released by the Matiari provincial government.

The societal characters such as grooms, brides, poets, writers, married men, artists and politicians drawn in the form of caricatures are reflective of Abro's live diction.

His father, Shaukat Abro, was also a renowned literary icon.

Abro is a mathematics teacher. His inclination to the creative field got its orientation when he formed a group of young artists which would stage funny theatres in Hala, his home town, besides going to other places in Pakistan for his group's performances in later years.

His writings and other works have a perfect semblance of idealism and tradition and, nevertheless, delineate the sensitive issues which have been largely affecting the Sindhis in Pakistani society.

Jan Khaskheli, a journalist who has reviewed Abro's work, says the publication is part of an initiative undertaken by the Matiari government to promote folk literature, art and culture and appreciate the local writers.

He says, "The purpose of the government was to encourage writers whose work tended to go unpublished due to various reasons, while it was also thought that unbiased works, such as Abro's, could strengthen literary traditions in the province."

In what could be a great contribution from Abro's work, the Sindhi intelligentsia believe that the political conflict distorting the Sufi tradition and characters can be tackled if Abro's message is adhered to.

Abro's writing should prove pathbreaking and lead to communal harmony which is dwindling day-by-day in the Pakistani society and, as is being claimed by many a book connoisseurs, should fill the vacuum.