Liberal, progressive ethos of country ‘hidden’

Former senator Afrasiab Khattak says there is a dearth of genuine research in Pakistan regarding historical events

The youth were being taught a distorted history of the country to keep them oblivious of facts and led to a disconnect from the progressive and pluralistic culture of the past.

This was stated by speakers at a book launch of ‘Indian Independence and British Parliament 1947’, written by Barrister Naseem Ahmed Bajwa, at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute on Monday.

Former senator and historian Afrasiab Khattak said that there was a dearth of genuine research in Pakistan regarding important historical events leading to the creation of the country.

Discussing the contents of the book, the former senator said that compilation of important documents, including discussions which took place in the British Parliament, would be a valuable asset for students and the youth.

Bajwa said that this was the first volume of his book and that he would unveil further historical facts in the second volume.

It was due to the distorted history that our youth was unaware of the liberal, progressive and tolerant ethos of our society, Bajwa said, adding that after independence, the Quaid-e-Azam had laid down guiding principles for the newly established state.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2017.