PESHAWAR: Dr Qibla Ayaz, member of the Shariat Appellate bench of the Supreme Court, has said that it is time for Afghanistan to help Pakistan deal with the banned militant outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

He was speaking at the launch ceremony for the book “Taqweem - Twenty Years of the Afghan War” by Attique Ahmed Siddiqui, a US-based prominent columnist originally from Peshawar, at the China Window of the Pakistan-China Friendship and Cultural Centre here.

The event was presided over by former chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology Prof Qibla Ayaz, with a US based historian and literary figure Prof Syed Amjad Hussain serving as the chief guest.

The event, which was attended by academics, writers, and intellectuals, celebrated Siddiqui’s work, which compiles 100 columns offering profound insights into the socio-political impact of the Afghan War.

Book on Afghan war launched

Dr. Qibla Ayaz praised the work of author Attique Ahmed Siddiqui, saying that his columns on the Afghan war were a significant part of history, and the diversity presented in his latest book would be an invaluable resource for future researchers.

He emphasised the enduring bond between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“We have always shown love and affection for the Afghan people. Now, it is time for Afghanistan to support us in addressing the TTP issue. Their cooperation is essential, especially as our economy is increasingly tied to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its future projects,” he said.

He underscored the pivotal role of harmonious relations between the two countries for the success of the CPEC.

“The future of not only Pakistan but also Afghanistan is interconnected with CPEC. If relations between the two countries do not improve, trade links between South Asia and Central Asia will face significant setbacks.”

Dr Qibla Ayaz also commended the depth and relevance of Siddiqui’s book, noting that it provides comprehensive insights into these critical issues.

He added that the book would serve as a vital reference for Afghan scholars and researchers.

Prof Syed Amjad Hussain, along with other distinguished speakers, also praised Siddiqui’s ability to connect past events with current realities and future possibilities.

They praised his engaging writing style, exceptional word choice, and the vivid manner in which he presented the impacts of the Afghan War.

Former Air Vice Marshal Faiz Amir, Nasir Ali Syed, Mushtaq Shabab, Dr Raza Rehman Qazi, Prof Gulzar Jalal, Dr Syed Zubair Shah, Dr Qudratullah Khattak and Tahir Mehmood also acknowledged the significance of Siddiqui’s work in capturing the historical essence of a war that reshaped regional dynamics.

In a video message, author Siddiqui expressed his strong connection to his Peshawar roots despite living in the US.

He said that the collection represented decades of dedicated writing, with a focus on Pak-US relations and Pakistan-Taliban dynamics.

Mr Siddiqui called the book the “first phase of my broader mission to document critical issues impacting the region.”

The event also featured a poetic tribute by Bushra Farrukh, who celebrated Siddiqui’s literary achievements.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2024