Journal of Policy Research, 9(2), 162-167. https://jprpk.com https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8088809 162 The Social Relevance of Literature: A Critique of Mohsin Hamid’s Moth Smoke (2000), Kamila Shamsie’s Salt and Saffron (2000), and Sara Suleri’s Boys will be boys (2003) Imran Ali Khan 1 , Dr. Ayaz Afsar 2 Abstract This article explores ‘social relevance’ of Mohsin Hamid’s Moth Smoke (2000), Kamila Shamsie’s Salt and Saffron (2000), and Sara Suleri’s Boys will be boys (2003). For quite some time now, literature is looked upon as a tool used to examine social issues in accordance with indigenous aspirations. The authors referred to above, render a deeper insight revealing the complex nature of Pakistani society. Additionally, the article with a critical analysis approach focuses on Social Conflict Theory as to how the three literary works investigate the authors’ perspectives pertaining to class, cultural identity and ge nder. The findings reveal the works explore class divisions, the gap between traditional and modern values and gender demands of Pakistani society. They also show ways of how literature addresses social issues. More research work needs be conducted to gain a solid understanding about the social relevance of Pakistani Anglophone literature. Keywords: Moth Smoke, Salt and Saffron, Boys will be boys, Social Relevance 1. Introduction Literature serves as a mirror of society's accomplishments, struggles, and aspirations. It encapsulates the significance of human experiences to reveal profound understandings of the social texture of a certain time. Social relevance of literature lies in its ability to engage with and critique social issues, values, and dynamics. Through narratives, themes, and characters, it illuminates pressing social challenges, prompts readers to reflect on their roles, and foster empathy. Literature also serves as a platform for marginalized voices, challenging prevailing narratives and amplifying underrepresented perspectives. Addressing themes like inequality, discrimination, political corruption, and cultural clashes, literature sparks critical thinking, promotes dialogue, and encourages change, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and just society (Jay, 2011). This article examines Pakistani anglophone literature, focusing on Moth Smoke (2000), Salt and Saffron (2000), and Boys will be boys (2003). It attempts to show the relevance of literature by analyzing how these authors confront and engage with the complexities of Pakistani society. The chosen works provide a rich tapestry of themes, including social inequality, gender roles, cultural conflicts, and the struggle for personal identity. It also focuses on how literature captures the essence of societal transformations, challenges prevailing norms, and provokes readers to critique their society. 2. Literature Review Literature criticizes culture and reflects society. This review is an analysis of the social implications of the literature revealed through Mohsin Hamid’s Moth Smoke (2000), Kamila Shamsie’s Salt and Saffron (2000), and Sara Suleri’s Boys will be boys (2003). Moth Smoke (2000) explores socio-economic disparities, class divisions and moral corruption in the society obtained in Pakistan (Makhijani, 2023) while Salt and Saffron (2000) considers cultural identity and the clash of tradition and modernity (Shirazi, 2018). Aliya, the chief character, challenges traditional gender roles emphasizing individual agency aiming to shape identity. Boys will be boys (2003) delves into gender dynamics, family relationships and the interplay of tradition and shifts in Pakistani society (Chaudary, 2013). The work examines expectations of women from the standpoint of family and culture. The book highlights the social implications of literature to understand the intricacies of cultural identity and patriarchal structures. It also investigates the ways where women handle their identities under such perimeters with emphasis on the need for social transformation. Apart from different social themes and issues the novel deals with, there also runs a common thread unity in its critiquing societal norms and power structures. This fiction challenges the status quo, presenting detailed perspectives on gender roles, class segregation, cultural identity and social values and beliefs. Hamid portrays the outcomes of corruption and social disparities whereas Shamsie focuses on the clash of cultures and individual agency. Suleri probes the complexities of gender dynamics. Collectively, these novels provide an interesting understanding of the social value of literature. A review of Hamid’s Moth Smoke (2000), Shamsie’s Salt and Saffron (2000), and Suleri’s Boys will be boys (2003) reveals that they have significantly contributed to the discourse of social relevance of literature. Their fiction serves as a genuine tool for criticism and reflection. It also exposes societal issues and challenges reader to rethink prevailing norms. A close examination of this fiction will improve the reader’s understanding of how literature engages with and influences society with emphasis on its role as a catalyst for social transformation. 1 Corresponding Author, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of English, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan, imran_khattak@hotmail.com 2 Professor Department of English, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan