Islamabad, August, 2024 — Named “Terms of Frustration”, “Dreams and the Reality”,
and “The Kakar Model” in Ikram Sehgal’s series, “A Personal Chronicle of Pakistan” the
event drew a distinguished gathering, including prominent academicians, businessmen,
government officials and diplomats.
Elegantly hosted by Dr Huma Baqai. Ikram Sehgal’s son Zarrar Sehgal expressed his
gratitude while warmly welcoming the audience.
“Terms of Frustration” dedicated to HH Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan is a
continuation of Sehgal’s meticulous chronicle of Pakistan’s socio-political evolution,
covering significant events and lesser-known anecdotes from 1980 to 2020. “Dreams
and the Reality” dedicated to late Sartaz Aziz, and “The Kakar Model” dedicated to Gen
Waheed Kakar cover the interesting years of the Pandemic (2021 and 2022), all
containing intellectual depth for students and scholars. The entire series, comprising
over 7,570 pages and more than 2,000 articles, offers readers a comprehensive journey
through the nation’s history. Sheikh Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of
Tolerance and Coexistence UAE, sent a heartfelt video message praising Ikram
Sehgal’s prolific writing effectively representing the culture and spirit of Pakistan,
inspiring young Pakistanis and others for generations to come. Sheikh Nahayan
emphasized the importance of Sehgal’s work in capturing Pakistan’s courage and
harmonious living while highlighting the brotherly relationship between the UAE and
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Pakistan. Expressing optimism for the future of Pakistan, HH commended Sehgal’s
contributions to documenting the nation’s history.
Air Marshal Masood Akhtar and Lt Gen Ali Kuli Khan Khattak commended Sehgal’s
wisdom, particularly his insights on the historical relationship between Bangladesh and
Pakistan. AM Masood Akhtar recounted Sehgal’s contribution in delivering the first ever
lecture on “National Security Strategy” at the NDU Islamabad when he was Chief
Instructor there. Gen Ali read out a message from Gen Kakar who could not attend
because of ill health.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed praised Sehgal for his unwavering commitment to
speaking truth to power, even in challenging times. He recounted instances where
military leaders, guided by their principles, made significant decisions impacting
Pakistan’s governance. Sayed emphasized that Sehgal’s work serves as a critical
resource for students and scholars, reflecting his deep understanding of Pakistan’s
ethos and his courage to challenge unjust policies.
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reflected on Sehgal’s writings over the
past 30 years, noting that while Pakistan has struggled to learn from its history, Sehgal’s
work provides valuable lessons. Khaqan Abbasi stressed the importance of adhering to
the constitution, highlighting the rigging in elections and the failure to uphold oaths as
key issues in Pakistan’s governance. He praised Sehgal’s books as essential reading
for a nuanced understanding of Pakistan’s history and the challenges it faces.
A renowned defence and security analyst and a former officer of the Pakistan Army
Ikram Sehgal shared his profound experiences while thanking the speakers and
participants. Each volume of “A Personal Chronicle of Pakistan” delves into key events
that have shaped the country’s social, political, and economic landscape. The series is
considered an essential reference for understanding Pakistan’s past and charting its
future. Sehgal’s previous work also include “Escape from Oblivion” and “Blood over
Different Shades of Green,” they have cemented his reputation as a leading voice in
Pakistan’s literary and analytical circles.
The launch of three more volumes marks another significant contribution documenting
the real history and trajectory of Pakistan, providing readers with insights that are as
enlightening as they are essential.
