News DeskSHARJAH, UAE – Pakistani author Saniya Chughtai officially launched her highly anticipated pre-teen novel, Marni Khan and the Ancient Silk Route, at the Sharjah International Book Fair, marking the start of her new series, The Rise of the Energy Warriors.
The launch ceremony was attended by Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, who praised the novel for its cultural depth and positive representation of the country.
Muhammad highlighted the book’s role in promoting Pakistani identity and inspiring youth. “The novel offers culturally rooted literature that ignites a passion for reading and showcases the creativity, imagination, and strength of the Pakistani people,” the Consul General stated.
He further remarked that Marni Khan and the Ancient Silk Route is an important contribution to presenting a positive international image of Pakistan, emphasizing the novel’s focus on the country’s diverse regions and natural wonders through imaginative fiction. The book, he noted, inspires a sense of unity and confidence among its young readership.
Author Saniya Chughtai spoke passionately about her vision for the series, explaining her motivation to create a major fantasy legend rooted in her homeland.
“Marni Khan is about finding strength where you least expect it — inside yourself,” Chughtai said. “I wanted to give Pakistan its own fantasy legend, something as powerful and imaginative as the worlds of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, but deeply rooted in our own heritage.”
Aimed at readers aged 9 to 13, The Rise of the Energy Warriors series is described as a blend of mythology, adventure, and emotional intelligence. It aims to celebrate Pakistan’s landscapes, languages, and legends while promoting universal values of courage, empathy, and resilience. The novel is set to feature prominently in the growing market for diverse and globally-focused young adult fiction.
