Book launch: Spotlighting the role of family as social institution in society

The author aims to spread the message of hope and solidarity.

ISLAMABAD:

To highlight the role of family as an important social institution in the society, Bushra Zulfiqar, a rights activist, launched her book on Monday.

Titled ‘A Daughter’s Heart’, it is an autobiographical account of a young daughter’s journey after the untimely death of her father.

It explores the phenomenon of death through reliving personal loss in the form of an extraordinary father-daughter relationship.

It also addresses the critical themes in historical evolution of Pakistan by travelling six decades back in time, while bringing the cyclical transformation which Pakistan went through during its socio-cultural evolution to the forefront.

The themes point out the plight of minorities in Pakistan, which strike at the heart of some of the harsh paradoxes that constitute the very genre of social equality and development.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Zulfiqar said she wanted the book to reassert the importance that lies in the institution of a family as a strong pillar of the Pakistani society.

“In this global age, it has become important to place human principles of empathy and compassion at the centre of social evolution,” she said.

The author added that her book aims to spread the message of hope and solidarity and calls for strong resilience to face various challenges.

In addition to that, the book also touches the hope of religious minorities in Pakistan, who deserve protection and respect from society, said Zulfiqar.

Commenting on the current challenges faced by the country, the author said human rights violations in Balochistan have escalated to a point of no return. “The government should take immediate steps to ensure economic and political rights to the Balochi people,” she said.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Mir Changaiz Khan said the book illustrates the importance of parents in one’s life. In addition to that, the book explains the uncertainties in our society, where human values are more important than monetary benefits.

He called for political leaders to join hands and sort out an amicable solution to the situation in Balochistan.

Educationalists and artists also recited poetry on father-daughter relationship, symbolising daughters in Baloch culture as central pillars of a family.

The book has been published by WestBow in USA, a division of the Thomas Nelson.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2012.