November 5, 2025
By Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
Even 77 years after Pakistan’s creation, questions about the country’s original vision — and where it lost its way — continue to echo in public debate.
These enduring questions form the central theme of a new book titled “Pakistan Lost: Ideas on the Idea of Pakistan” by noted podcaster and writer Shehzad Ghias. The book’s Islamabad launch brought together a diverse audience of students, members of civil society, journalists, academics, and writers, all eager to reflect on the country’s ideological journey.
The event, held at a local venue in the capital, opened with an introduction to the book and its author. Shehzad Ghias, known for his sharp commentary and popular podcast interviews with well known people from all spheres of life, turns his attention to Pakistan’s intellectual and political evolution since independence and records this in the form of a collection of essays. His book delves into the historical, social, and political ideas that shaped the state — and questions how far those ideas have survived the passage of time.
In his book, Ghias traces the country’s ideological trajectory from the Lahore Resolution to the present day. He examines whether the federal promise made in 1940 was ever realized, what became of the constitutional and cultural assurances to minorities, and how the rise of linguistic and identity politics pushed the country in new and often conflicting directions. The book also reflects on the recurring cycles of political and military crises that have defined Pakistan’s state structure.
The launch event was moderated by Sabina Qambar, a professional working in the field of security and conflict resolution. In her opening remarks, Qambar spoke about the relevance of the book’s theme in today’s Pakistan, where public discourse often avoids difficult questions about history and national identity. She noted that such discussions help bridge the gap between academic debate and public understanding.
Among the speakers was prominent physicist and educationist Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, who joined the author in conversation on stage. Hoodbhoy praised the book for reviving an honest discussion about Pakistan’s founding vision.
Speaking to Voicepk on the sidelines of the event, he said that the gathering had provided a rare space for open and thoughtful dialogue — a space where people could speak freely about the truths often left unspoken elsewhere. He said such forums were essential for intellectual growth, adding that the essays in the book summarize the country’s political and social experience over decades.
He remarked that a deeper, more critical exploration of the “idea of Pakistan” was long overdue. “From the very beginning, the concept itself remained vague and undefined,” he said. “Even Jinnah, despite repeated questions, chose not to give a concrete definition of what the “idea of Pakistan” truly was — leaving room for interpretation that continues to shape national debate to this day.”
Author Shehzad Ghias, speaking to the audience, said the book was rooted in historical research and aims to help readers understand the complex relationship that has existed between the state, democracy, and the people since independence.
“Pakistan’s citizens must look to their own history to rediscover how the original idea of Pakistan was gradually lost over the decades,” he explained. “The book is an attempt to document that search.”
Senior journalist Absa Komal also spoke at the event, appreciating Ghias’s work and calling it a valuable addition to Pakistan’s intellectual landscape. She said writers like Shehzad deserved encouragement for fostering critical thinking, especially in a society where such discourse is often discouraged. Komal added that the book brings back the early ideas that once guided Pakistan’s founding but were later forgotten amid political and ideological shifts.
Student participant Maher Shafi reflected on the energy of the event, saying that the large turnout was a positive sign that people still have an interest in reading and engaging with thoughtful discussion. He said that the audience listened attentively throughout and that many seemed eager to hear ideas that challenge conventional thinking. Such events, he added, show that there remains a curiosity among young people to explore and question.
Even after the discussion concluded, the audience lingered on, continuing to exchange thoughts on the themes raised during the session, prompting precisely the kind of dialogue the book has been aiming for.