ISLAMABAD, Feb 20: SPO Civic Café organized the launching ceremony of Prominent Journalist Ms. Nafisa Hoodbhoy’s book in Islamabad
On the occassion‚giving the introduction of book Author Nafeesa Hudboy said‚ while living in the US‚ she wrote about her front line experiences of the period between 1988-1999. Then‚ working as the only woman reporter for the Dawn newspaper in Karachi‚ Pakistan during Gen. Zia’s era‚ she had associated with the nation’s key politicians and gained key insights into the nation’s road to democracy.
Chief Executive Strengthening Participatory Organizaion Naseer Memon briefed about role of SPO in the process of development. While talking about the book he said‚ the author has described the events during Zia’regime with powerful narration. She has written about religiosity and ethnic division which have been one of the most highlighted issues in Sindh during Zia’s regime. He said‚ in the last five years Sindh is undergoing a transformation and fundamentalism is flourishing at an alarming situation.
Prominent Journalist Zahid Hussain said that the peak period of Zia’s Martial law was Origin of the ethnic divides and riots in Karachi. He said‚ author has given due space to the period of martial law leading to the period when democracy was restored. He said‚ the book takes you back on a journey to Zia’s regime.
Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bajinjo opines that the book is a journey to Zia’s era. The process of violation was initiated by Zia through student organisation‚ and Karachi university did provided a platform
Eminent writer Dr. Ayesha Sadiqa defines the book as personal account and story- dotes‚ which helps the reader to associate with the incidents‚ happenings in the 80’s. The book is a critical account of how societies are molded. The narratives might be helpful in finding joining our dots where we as a nation lost our way‚ due to short-memory as a nation. The book talks about how we have developed.
Renowned journalist M. Ziauddin said that It’s a great book‚ it is must read for every budding journalists. The author shares her experience of a period‚ which she has witnessed and gone through. The author has done a fantastic job.
Chief Guest‚ Ms. Khawar Mumtaz‚ Chairperson‚ National Commission on the Status of Women said that the book is living experience. It reminded me my student days‚ when Karachi University administration Supported a student organisation. She said this book triggered our memories. She said if zia ul Haq was not there‚ situation was not too bad. Karachi was a peaceful city. She said ‚we need this kind of writing‚ this is point of reference for all of us.
The discussion was followed by questions from the audience.
The event was followed by book signing by the author.
Eminent Poet and Human right Activist Haris Khaleeq moderate the event and SPO chief Executive Naseer Memon give the vote of thanks for making the event successful.
Nafisa Hoodbhoy’s book is a gripping account of the two-terms each of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and Nawaz Sharif during 1988 to 1999. Both ascended the Prime Minister’s office through elections and both were sacked by the President of the time.
Nafisa serving as the only female reporter with the premier English daily of Pakistan‚ Dawn‚ for 16 eventful years‚ 1984-2000‚ had the advantage of covering for her paper all major developments of that period and taking mental notes to be incorporated in a book after the turmoil settled down and admitted of an objective evaluation of the events that continue to cast their shadow even to this day.