ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is undergoing to transformation from one phase of the history to another where one can expect change not only in the society but at the policy makers’ side as well. There are encouraging stories despite a bleak picture is mostly presented about this country. There is terrorism at rise and crisis in the economy most of the time but still hope is there.
These were overall views expressed in the book launch of ” Silent Revolution In Pakistan: From Othering To Belonging ” authored by Fayyaz Baqir and assisted by Mahnoor Zaman & Maryam Hussain Khan, hosted by Shaheed Bhutto Foundation at SZABIST Islamabad on 13 March 2025.
The speakers included the author Fayyaz Baqir , Farhat Ullah Babar, Dr Fauzia Saeed former ED of Lok Virsa, Mr. Neil Bune former Country Head UNDP, Asif Khan, Sumaira Gull, Samra Athar Kakakhel and many others present in the forum as well as participated online through zoom meeting.
Former Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan, Kunwar Dilshad , former Chairman Academy of Letters Qasim Bughio, Professor Nasir Qureshy, Editor Pakistan in the World, Member Media Safety Committee of Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors Mr. Tazeen Akhtar was also present.
Fayyaz Baqir shared his vision that led him to author the book, with the participants.
Asif Khan was of the view that transformation and revolution need debate and exchange of opinions from different sectors of society. He mentioned that the Foundation is continuously holding discussions on the problems faced by Pakistan.
Sumaira Gull appreciated the efforts made by Fayyaz Baqir for development sector and capacity building of the citizens of Pakistan. She said, the book is a solid reference to the potential this country has for a prosperous future.
Editor Tazeen Akhtar said, Pakistan badly needs human development through traditional or vocational education. He said, 30 Million children do not go to school. More than half of them are exploited at workshops, hotels and homes. They can never become good citizens when they grow up. Rather they will take revenge from the society by joining crime mafia or the terrorist organizations. He said, youth is liability and we are not doing anything to convert it into an asset and that is detrimental for our future.
The book brings forth the debate that Pakistan has given birth to many trail-blazing stories of hope. However, these stories are hidden from the public gaze, especially from the youth. All these successes have one underlying principle in common, anyone can make the difference. This book is based on the interviews of people who have tried to make a difference.Readings dot Com has published the description on the book as , Pakistani chattering classes and youth feed on the outmoded narrative of fear regularly recycled in the mainstream media and social media. Most of the public opinion leaders are not even aware that 14 Pakistanis have received Ramon Magsaysay Award which considered for the Nobel Prize of Asia- for their outstanding services to marginalized communities.
These stories range from doubling the incomes of 100,000 families in the highest mountain ranges in the world to providing sanitation facilities to the residents of an informal settlement of 1000,000 people to providing shelter to 10 million people in the metropolitan city of Karachi to providing interest-free credit to millions of micro entrepreneurs to establishing peace in areas hit by communal and sectarian violence and protecting victims of discriminatory laws.
All these successes have one underlying principle in common, anyone can make the difference;. This book is based on the interviews of people who have tried to make a difference.
Fayyaz Baqir is the Chairman of Akhtar Hameed Trust. He is the CEO of The Knowledge Executive and a visiting professor at the School of International Development and Global Studies (SIDGS) at the University of Ottawa. He has also served as an O’Brien Fellow at McGill University and as visiting scholar at Gothenburg University and Tilburg University.
His work focuses on participatory development, human rights, aid effectiveness, poverty alleviation, and social accountability. Baqir has authored numerous publications, including journal articles, books, and training manuals, contributing to the advancement of inclusive governance and sustainable development through both academic and practical approaches.
