LAHORE: A book titled, Waziristan Datta Khel, Unraveling the History of a Frontier Outpost 1897-2018, by Brig Sajid Muzaffar Chaudhary was launched at the Defence Services Officers Mess (DeSOM), Cantt, on Saturday.

The book is published by the Area Study Centre (Russia, China and Central Asia), the University of Peshawar.

The author is a graduate of Command and Staff College, Quetta and National Defense University, Islamabad. He holds an MPhil degree in Nuclear and Strategic Studies from National Defense University, a Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies and Art and Science of Warfare. He joined the Pakistan Army in 1990 and has seen active military services spanning over 28 years. He has served in the erstwhile tribal areas and has a special interest in the army’s operations related to war against terror.

The book provides an insight into the turbulent history of North Waziristan, especially its tehsil of Datta Khel. The author has a long association with the farthest districts in the north of the country, including Waziristan as a soldier. The book was written while the author was serving in Datta Khel.

Giving an introduction to the book, Professor Shabir Ahmad Khan, director Area Study Centre (Russia, China and Central Asia) of University of Peshawar, said a milestone had been achieved through this book, which was, in his words, a tremendous achievement, narrating the history, culture, and people of the frontier. Mr Khan termed the author the first Pakistani officer who had recorded all his experiences through his book that detailed the hardships, the stories of terrorism, history and explorers various aspects of Datta Khel. He said the book had six chapters and the last chapter was of great significance as it was about rebuilding of a new phase as how life came to normalcy in that area.

Chief Guest Professor Azmat Hayat Khan, former director Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar, said it’s a book about soldiers by a soldier. He termed the book outstanding, saying there would have been no history if there was no writing.

Dr Akhtar Sandu, the principal Government Islamia College Civil Lines, said the book explored a number of aspects of Datta Khel, including non-state actors, organisations and culture. He said the book had qualitative research material and references useful for academic research.

Special Assistant to CM Punjab Hasaan Khawar urged the audience to read the book, which detailed history, geography and the people and culture.

The author, Brig Sajid Muzaffar Chaudhary, thanked all the speakers and the audience for attending the launch. He talked about his father, a retired brigadier himself, who introduced him to the writings of Rudyard Kipling, an inspiration for the author. Mr Chaudhry said it was the only available book on Datta Khel.

Educationist Dr Ejaz Qureshi also spoke.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2021