PESHAWAR: Speakers at a ceremony here on Thursday termed a newly published book on Waziristan a crash course for research scholars.

Written by Brig Sajid Muzaffar Chaudhary, the book titled ‘Waziristan: Datakhel unraveling history of a Frontier outpost’ is spread over 348 pages containing some rare photographs expressive of different historical events from 1897 to 2018. The book has been divided into six chapters.

Speakers billed the book a five-star read, however, suggested more space for index and elaboration for cross references in its next edition. The launching ceremony was arranged by Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar. A large number of faculty members, research scholars and university students attended the event.

The speakers said that it was the first-ever comprehensive book on Waziristan Datakhel area that provided valuable information and unfolded the story drenched in the long association of the author with the erstwhile tribal areas.

Speakers suggest more space for index in its next edition

“Brig Sajid Muzaffar Chaudhary has done a commendation job by bringing out this book as it would not only benefit young soldiers but also research scholars will have a deep peep into the author’s experiences and vision,” they said.

Prof Shabir Ahmad Khan, the director of Area Study Centre, in his remarks said that the book was a tremendous contribution. He added that it would serve as great source of inspiration for those, who wanted to share their experiences with people.

“No doubt, the book is a treasure trove written at a time when scarce literature is available on the area and even most residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa might know little about huge development work in the war-torn area in the recent years following the successful operations by army where now several girl schools are functional besides boosting economy, healthcare and peace,” said Mr Khan.

Prof Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, the chairman of international relations department, in his review on the book commented that it was a scholarly work by a military man, who wholeheartedly poured out his long association and love in a measured story reflecting climate, ethnicity and culture without any ifs and buts.

Prof Azmat Hayat, former director of Area Study Centre, who chaired the event, said that the wonderful book would benefit avid readers and academia alike and research scholars would learn a lot from it.

Maj Amir Cheema read out a motivating review on the book by Prof Salman Bangash, department of history.

Naseemullah Wazir, a student of IR department, told this scribe that the book carried interesting information and accounts which filled him with admiration for the author.

“I am a final year student. I feel proud to have belonged to the area, which owed much to the local history. I went through the book and found it very fascinating,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2021