Collection of articles: Book highlighting power conspiracies launched

ISLAMABAD:

Dictatorships that plagued Pakistan for most of the country’s history have shaken the confidence of politicians and the people. Even after the historic transition from one democratically-elected government to another, it will take some time for the nation to regain its confidence in the democratic system.

This was the gist of the discussion at the launch of journalist Aijaz Mahar’s book “Iqtidari Sazishoon” (Conspiracies of Power) at the Shah Latif auditorium in H-8 on Friday.

The book is a compilation of columns Mahar had written between 1995 and 2004 for a Sindhi-language newspaper.

The 686-page book focuses on conspiracies hatched in Islamabad and Rawalpindi against the democracy as well as the people of Sindh.

Khurshid Shah of Pakistan People’s Party in his speech blamed the dictators who he said had not allowed democratic institutions to flourish in Pakistan.



Mahar’s book is a diary of similar conspiracies written from the point-of-view of a Sindhi journalist working in Islamabad.

Speakers said the book is unbiased and professionally written, and is relevant to the common people. The book discusses the performance of Sindhi politicians, parliamentary affairs, judicial activism and clandestine political activities.

Strengthening Participatory Organisation Executive Director Nasir Memon said the book will allow the future generations to read
about important events that took place between 1994 and 2005.

Scholar Jami Chandio said it will serve as a beacon for young journalists.

Chandio said while democracy had improved procedurally in Pakistan, it is yet to deliver any meaningful and tangible benefits for the citizens.

Mahar started his journalistic career from Karachi in 1989 and moved to Islamabad in 1994.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2014.