Sarfraz Baig’s Novel Pas-e-Aynah: A Critical Study of Migration and the Issues of Diaspora

سرفراز بیگ کا ناول ” پس آئینہ”: ہجرت اور تارکینِ وطن کے مسائل کا تنقیدی مطالعہ

Abstract

Migration and the problems of diaspora have remained a significant theme in Urdu literature, gaining greater relevance in the contemporary era. Sarfraz Baig’s novel Pas-e-Aynah is a remarkable contribution in this regard, as it vividly portrays the anguish of migration, the psychological burden of exile, identity crises, and the social, linguistic, and cultural challenges faced by migrants. The novel reflects on the post-9/11 global scenario, the shifting attitudes toward Muslims in the West, the hardships of refugee camps, and the profound sense of alienation experienced by immigrants. Drawing on his personal experiences and observations, Baig highlights both the positive and negative aspects of migration, making Pas-e-Aynah not merely a fictional narrative but also a socio-cultural document. This study reveals that the novel provides a comprehensive insight into the external struggles and inner conflicts of migrants, positioning Pas-e-Aynah as an important reference point for understanding diasporic consciousness and migration narratives in modern Urdu fiction.

Keywords: Pas-e-Aynah, Migration, Diaspora, Identity Crisis, Alienation, Refugee Camps, Cultural Issues