Debut author unveils book on healing after grief

The intimate atmosphere of Biblio Café on Agha Khan Road F6 was filled meaningful dialogue as it hosted the launching ceremony of "Healing in the Shadow of Loss," a deeply personal self-help book authored by debut writer Saira Sheikh.

The gathering drew an impressive cross-section of Islamabad's intellectual and literary landscape. Local literary figures, established authors and emerging voices in Pakistani literature mingled with Sheikh's family members, close friends and dedicated members of the capital's vibrant intellectual community. The diverse attendance reflected the book's broad appeal and the growing interest in indigenous self-help literature that addresses uniquely Pakistani experiences of grief and healing.

The heart of the evening centred around an extensive and deeply engaging session that revealed both the author's vulnerability and expertise. The moderator, Mona Raza initiated the discussion by asking Sheikh about the catalyst that transformed her personal healing journey into a published work accessible to others.

"Writing became my sanctuary when traditional forms of processing grief felt insufficient," Sheikh responded thoughtfully. "I realized that many of us in Pakistani society are expected to move through loss quietly, without acknowledgment of the complex emotions involved. This book emerged from my desire to create space for that acknowledgment."

An audience member inquired about the cultural challenges of discussing grief openly in Pakistani society. Sheikh's response was particularly poignant: "We often hear phrases like 'time heals everything' or 'be strong,' but rarely do we create space for people to actually feel their emotions fully.