Islamabad: The book covering civil-military relations launched titled “Kahani Baray Ghar Ki” literal “Story of a Big House” launched on Wednesday. The book is a collection of pieces written by Asma Shirazi that were published in BBC Urdu. The hard-hitting pieces depicted the state of governance and its toll on media in Pakistan during 2018-22.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) organized the book launch. Veteran journalists, civil society activists, writers and politicians participated in the event held at the National Press Club (NPC).
Speakers at the launch observed that the political situation in the country remained the same as in the tenure of Imran Khan’s. It s because decisions were “seemingly made somewhere else”, they noted.
Almost all speakers acknowledged that the success of the book had dispelled the impression that the culture of reading books was declining in the country.
Nasir Zaidi said a decline in reading signified that people were moving away from culture, literature and living history. The Veteran journalist was awarded lashes under the draconian martial law regime of Gen Ziaul Haq.
Mr Zaidi said urged journalists and politicians to pen down their knowledge and experience. He added that these books would serve as the light at the end of the tunnel. He was referring to the heightened censorship and restrictions.
Noted writer Kishwer Naheed praised Asma Shirazi for her journalistic record and transposing the stereotypical soft roles fixed for women in media.
Commending, Ms Naheed said that aside from knowledge over the subject, writers need to develop command over language as this was on the decline too. “The use of language by Asma shows that she has worked hard in mastering the Urdu language. This makes her reading interesting and it keeps readers attached to the book.
Farhatullah Babar said the last four years created landmark changes in country’s political arena. “Those who could not even be addressed directly are being called by their designation and names. Even those who were the dear ones have started to criticise the ones in the ‘bara ghar’.”
Other speakers included PFUJ President Afzal Butt as well as anchorpersons Saleem Safi and Hamid Mir.
