PESHAWAR: Speakers at a book launch ceremony held here billed the newly-published book a fine narration of harsh political upheavals in the country.

The book titled ‘Dastani-i-Iftikhar’ authored by noted psychiatrist and physiotherapist, Dr Mian Iftikhar Hussain would help enlighten readers on several pressing national issues being faced by the countrymen, especially Pashtuns at large, they noted.

Poets, writers and rights activists attended the event organised under the banner of Pabbi Intellectual Forum (PIF) with Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai in the chair.

Members of Malgari Docotran also participated in the event. The autobiography provides a deep peep into the conflicting political situation diagnosed through the lens of a doctor who came up with pragmatic solutions.

Speakers say it enlightens readers on pressing national issues

The book is a must read for young bibliophiles as it narrates a story blended in stark realities of life in a fluent literary style, gripping the thinking minds and empathetic hearts with a substance and vision, the speakers said.

Having 40 years of experience in clinical psychiatry, Mr Hussain has also been patronising social and literary activities for the last several years with focus on motivating youth to work for the welfare of the oppressed segments of the society.

Addressing the event, Prof Yousafzai said the book in Urdu was creation of a mind always engaged in pursuing to cure ills of the society plagued by social injustices, exploitation and inequality. “The book is saga of uneven journey of Pashtuns in the region through eyes of an activist who wanted his people flourished and thrived,” he commented.

“The writer being a conscientious and sensitive doctor enjoyed a deep critical view of the political upheavals around him and envisioned a future free from greed and lust for his people,” remarked Mr Yousafzai.

The book spread over 200 pages was a fine recollection of experiences and observations poured out by a sympathetic heart and mind in a fluent and easy-to-understand language analysing every single incident the author had come across in his eventful life,” said Mian Bilal Ali Shah, general secretary of PIF.

Dr Mian Iftikhar Hussain in his brief speech pointed out that it was his story shedding light on his own life from his perspective on the events happened to him and around where failure showed him the path to success. “We need sincere leadership, goal and direction with clear strategy to bring our people out of the quagmire of issues. I strongly believe sincere leadership could do it,” Mr Hussain observed.

“It is the tale of pains and sufferings of my own people. We need to come out of a theatrical discussion which can lead nowhere. The ground realities suggest that the political parties, democratic, nationalist and progressive forces should unite to work for restoration of a social order curing all the prevailing ills,” he said.

Three other Pashto books were also unveiled at the event.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2024