he enthusiasm for celebrating our national days seem to have waned, particularly among the youth - whether it’s March 23, August 14, September 6 and 11, or December 25. To preserve even a fragment of the fading spirit, I decided to read Resilient Pakistan this March.

Haya Fatima Sehgal is dedicated to the vision of Jinnah’s Pakistan. She is a respected writer and journalist. Most of her work is centred on security issues and socio-cultural themes. Renowned for her intellectually stimulating pieces, she delves into topics concerning social injustices, aiming to provoke thought and evoke empathy. Her primary focus is on catalyzing change through socio-cultural reform and exploring the intricacies of South Asian culture. Nowadays, she is dedicated to exploring the complexities of international affairs.

The book is divided into seven sections, comprising 108 pieces in various formats such as articles, essays, commentaries and interviews, touching upon diverse subjects, including gender parity, government policies, transformative change and economic upheaval. All the issues are analysed through the prism of geo-economic and political studies.

The title of the book reflects the resilience ingrained within Pakistani society. It portrays Pakistanis as people who refuse to give up on their values and belief systems, regardless of the enormity and diversity of the challenges they face. This resilience is particularly evident as the nation grapples with a continuous stream of crises, each testing the resolve of its people.

Featuring a foreword penned by Liaquat H Merchant, a grandnephew of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the driving force behind The Jinnah Society, an organisation dedicated to preserving the historical legacy of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, this book is essential reading for every patriot. With its profound insights, it instills hope, envisioning a future grounded in the principles of its founding fathers.

Two pieces that particularly resonated with me were The Nation Builder and the Feminist Leader. Both these delve into the remarkable life of Fatima Jinnah. These articles offer glimpses into her formative years and her contributions to the nation across various spheres. Particularly interesting is her political journey, notably her courageous stance as an opposition figure during the 1965 presidential elections, where integrity compelled her to confront the evident electoral injustice.

The author also sheds light on making Pakistan a safe place for women. She writes, “Pakistan is not a safe place for women. This single sentence seems to have brought on a heated backlash upon those women here reacting to a series of gender-based violence incidents.” In her insightful analysis, Sehgal unveils a critical perspective on the concept of Ummah and Riyasat, shedding light on what she perceives as one of the most significant missteps in the religious and political discourse in the nation. She observes that this amalgamation, once championed as a unifying force, has become a symbol of stagnation and regression for Pakistan.

Sehgal’s astute observation brings to the forefront the stark reality of the nation’s societal and political evolution (or decline), illustrating how far behind Pakistan has fallen in its journey towards progress and modernity. The book goes on to show why many among the youth support a flawed notion that has directly contributed to blind populism that citizens are incapable of critical analysis or scrutiny.

Sehgal’s critique resonates at a time when Pakistan grapples with complex socio-political challenges and divisions. By unveiling many of Pakistan’s challenges while highlighting its success stories, she prompts readers to re-evaluate popular ideologies and narratives that may hinder rather than propel the nation forward.

The book leaves the reader with a more nuanced understanding of religious and political dynamics that acknowledges the complexities of contemporary society. In doing so, the author advocates for a more inclusive and progressive vision for Pakistan’s future. Sehgal’s thought-provoking analysis is a call to action, challenging the readers to engage critically with prevailing narratives and actively participate in shaping a more prosperous and equitable society.

Resilient Pakistan:

Sociocultural Impact

Author: Haya Fatima Sehgal

Pages: 398

The reviewer is the head of content at a communications agency