Book Launch: ‘Pakistan ki Nazariyati Asaas, Nifaz-e-Shariat Aur Madina ki Islami Riyasat’

There is an increasing trend in Pakistan, especially within the youth, to celebrate their distinct identity, culture and civilization. This is despite the numerous deliberate efforts made by the adversaries to spread negativity, despair and indifference within the nation towards the country’s ideology, its strength and its future. There is thus a dire need to keep reminding, educating and sensitizing the nation about the rationale and significance of its ideology and how it can serve as the driving force for a prosperous future of the country. The first publication of Armughan-e-Khurshid series goes on to address exactly these objectives.

These thoughts were expressed unanimously by the speakers during the book launching ceremony of a recent IPS Press publication Pakistan Ki Nazriyati Asas, Nifaz e Shariyat Aur Madina ki Islami Riyasat. The book comes from a series of publications which compile the writings and speeches of the veteran politician and eminent scholar Professor Khurshid Ahmad on a variety of subjects of national significance.

The ceremony, which was co-organized by IPS and the University of Haripur on March 3, 2022, was jointly chaired by Dr Anwar ul Hasan Gilani, vice chancellor, University of Haripur (UOH) and Chairman IPS Khalid Rahman, moderated by IPS’ Senior Research Associate Dr Shahzad Iqbal Sham, and addressed by Professor Dr Bahadur Shah, former dean, Social Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, Dr Sultan Mahmood Qazi, associate Professor and director, Pakistan Study Centre, Abbottabad University, Dr Junaid Akbar, HoD, Islamiyat, University of Haripur, and Syed Nadeem Farhat, senior research officer at IPS.

Dr Gilani paid rich tribute to the author and said that apart from his internationally acclaimed contributions in the fields of Islamic economics and contemporary Muslim thought, his twenty-two years in the Senate of Pakistan demonstrated his insight on national and international affairs and showed his consistent efforts towards nation-building ad collective development. His books have contributed to spread the realization that Islam is a code of life that has been embodied by the Prophet of Islam for the rest of the world, and is relevant to all ages and spaces.

Rahman, who has also compiled and edited the book, said that the speeches and writings of Professor Khurshid Ahmad present an honest record of Pakistan’s political and legislative history, offer a contemporary understanding of the issues in view of the global scholarship, and give a foresight to their readers through their threadbare analysis and sound vision. This book too brings conviction and confidence in an age of confusion and doubt. It connects with the roots and responds to the issues and questions by analyzing their origin and drivers. “Successive surveys have shown the public opinion of Pakistan in favor of an Islamic governance model and any suggestion otherwise defeats the idea, identity and the spirit of democracy in Pakistan”, he said.

Dr Bahadur Shah termed the publication “a source book” on the ideology of Pakistan and its journey towards the destination of an Islamic welfare state. He applauded the logic and references used in the book by the author, maintaining that this book is a historical document of great importance which has corrected the history, and that is why it is a must read.

Dr Mahmood found the book a contemporary rendition in the series of consistent approach on the ideological bases and destiny of Pakistan. He recalled the speeches, statements and writings of the founding fathers of Pakistan to conclude that unfortunately this clear vision and roadmap could not yet be actualized.

Referring to several significative and expressive statements from each part of the book, Syed Nadeem Farhat indicated how ideology, education, and principles orientate the life of an individual and a nation towards a successful and accomplished survival.

Dr Akbar urged the audience to read the book as it contains very useful content for researchers over the topic of implementation of Sharia in Pakistan extensively and coherently. He also highlighted the conception of the book about the vital role of an individual in building a prosperous Pakistan based on the commands of Islam and Sharia laws.

Conclusion of the ceremony, Dr Gilani showed his gratitude towards IPS for collaborating the event, while envisioning a long and fruitful collaborative journey for the two institutions.