HAYA Fatima Sehgal’s book, Resilient Pakistan: Socio-cultural Impact, recently launched at the 9th Islamabad Literature Festival, presents a literary exploration that intricately weaves through the rich narratives defining Pakistan. Through a collection of insightful articles, the author delves into a myriad of themes, unravelling the complex layers that shape Pakistan’s socio-cultural landscape.
Ms Sehgal is passionate about her views and in her choice of a wide range of topics. The sheer number of articles compiled in this book speaks of the diversity of her concerns. These were written between 2019 and 2023 set in three volumes or parts: ‘through rose-coloured glasses’, ‘towards middle ground’, and ‘acceptance of realities’. Volume 3 also includes ‘the pandemic years’, ‘interviews of notable personalities’, and ‘young corporate leaders’ that add more value for the reader.
In his Foreword, Liaquat Merchant, President of Jinnah Society says that the author, Ms. Haya Fatima Sehgal is ‘dedicated to the vision of Jinnah’s Pakistan and is an ardent admirer of Mr. Jinnah, the father of the Nation.’ This sentiment resonates in her articles. His words, thoughts, and opinions feature in many of the articles in this book, beyond those that are directly about him. She, herself, says that with all the expert economic and defence analysis and the political mayhem, the socio-cultural impact affecting Pakistan’s landscape in multiple ways is extremely important.
The book introduces a compelling narrative on the quest for Jinnah’s Pakistan. The author navigates through historical expectations and contemporary realities, revealing that the essence of Jinnah’s Pakistan is not bound by the constraints of the past and encourages a dynamic understanding that accommodates the ever-changing socio-political landscape.
The book also offers a critical analysis of the Pakistan’s diplomatic landscape, advocating for a recalibration of ties with various nations. The author critiques Pakistan’s diplomatic approach, emphasizing the need for transparency and a values-driven stance in international discourse, particularly with the West.
Central to the book’s narrative is a call for a reformed education system that not only imparts knowledge but also instils ethical values, strong character, and amoral compass for Pakistani youth. Ms Sehgal passionately opposes the influence of radical extremism taking centre stage and dissects its impact on Pakistani society. The book delves into themes of religious tolerance, challenges faced by minority communities, and the imperative for a counter-narrative that promotes inclusivity and harmony.
The book implicitly and explicitly champions the cause of minority communities. Through various thematic lenses, it addresses the challenges faced by these communities, recognizing their intrinsic role in fostering diversity and enriching Pakistan’s socio-cultural tapestry.
There are twenty-eight articles dedicated to “The Pandemic Years: Thoughts under Lockdowns and Vaccines”. Clearly, Ms Sehgal had the time, and the inclination, to write during those ‘lock-down’ days! In addition, she has written about numerous other issues as well in this Part. These range from Isolation to Digital Technology to Vaccination to Conspiracy Theories to Fashion Trends and so on.
Resilient Pakistan: Socio-cultural Impact is more than a book; it is a transformative journey through the intricate layers that define the nation. The underlying themes converge into a powerful narrative, advocating for a resilient Pakistan that embraces diversity, ethical values, and a renewed vision for the future. The message from this book should resonate with future generations, fostering a deeper understanding of Pakistan’s rich history and inspiring a collective commitment to its enduring ideals.
—The writer is an Editor, based in Karachi.
