Islamabad: ISSI launched the book Mr. Salman Farooqui, Dear Mr. Jinnah: 70 Years in the Life of a Pakistani Statesman. The memoir, “Dear Mr. Jinnah,” combines Mr. Jinnah’s personal memories. Farooqui and his first-hand account of events in Pakistan from 1947 to 2017. During his long and distinguished career, Mr. Salman Faruqui served in high-level civil service, including as Federal Secretary, Ambassador, Principal Secretary to the President, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and Federal Ombudsman. Discussion with reviewers for book publication: Senator Mushahid Hussain; Ms. Amena Syed, Managing Director, Lightstone Publishing; Famous civil servants Mr. Shakeel Durrani and Mr. Ejaz Rahim; former Senator Farhatullah Babar; famous journalist Ms. Nasim Zehra.
In his congratulatory speech, ISSI Director General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the distinguished career of Mr. Salman Farooqui and his valuable contribution. According to him, three aspects of Mr. Salman Farooqui stands out: his great professionalism, his humility and his wisdom. This quality is a remarkable quality for a man who has seen great heights in his career and spent time close to absolute power. On balance, Mr. Faruqi’s life and career have many lessons for others.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said that Mr. Farooqui’s letter to the Father of the Nation (contained in the book) is remarkable in many ways because it shows his unwavering faith in the Quaid’s vision of a democratic and progressive Pakistan. He said the book was neither a history of Pakistan nor an exposition of power politics by any domestic power. On the contrary, it is, as the author himself explains, “memoir of a liberated management on the verge of collapse” and this article is provided with “clinical objectivity” at the expense of the author. He said the author is not a doomsday prophet but a messenger of hope. He hopes that many people, especially young people, will benefit from the experience and wisdom presented in the book.
Ms. Amena Syed described “Dear Mr. Jinnah” as a brilliant and poignant memoir that captures the writer’s triumphs, struggles and successes as well as interesting anecdotes. Ms. Syed suggested that the book would appeal to two groups, students and Pakistanis struggling to make ends meet. He suggested that paper debts be reduced or eliminated, and that books be made more accessible and readable by a wider audience.
Senator Mushahid Hussain started his speech by praising Ms. Amena Saye for promoting a strong culture of literacy and reading, with Mr. Salman Farooqui’s book as an honorable example. Senator Mushahid Hussain called Mr. Farooqui “a perpetrator, a perpetrator”; one who served with great distinction during his long career in public service. He appreciated the implementation of Mr. Farooqui’s initiative, including his work for the differently-abled. Gwadar Port, Singapore and China Ports, and made important social and economic policies that supported Pakistan’s modernization drive, concludes Mr. Farooqui’s book as a memoir of legacy, dedication, commitment and hard work.
Mr. Shakeel Durrani introduced Salman Farooqui as an 8-year-old boy who boarded a train from Patiala to Lahore during partition, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey. He credited Mr. Farooq with several initiatives such as the telecommunications revolution in Pakistan and Benazir’s Income Support Program. Mr. Durrani asked Mr. Farooq to provide him with a detailed analysis of the key events that took place in Pakistan in March-April 2019 to give him a better understanding of Pakistan’s progress in the war against terrorism. .
Senator Farhatullah Babar highlighted the book and praised Farooqui’s great contribution to the country and society during his tenure as Federal Ombudsman. He also shared his personal experiences with some political leaders like Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari and gave information about some important events in the history of Pakistan. Senator Babar asked Pakistan to be optimistic and determined about the country’s future despite the challenges it faces.
Mr. Ejaz Rahim explained the main theme of the book as an ‘exploration’ of various powers such as managerial, political, social, institutional and individual powers. He said that power has a responsibility to ensure justice and promote human dignity. He described the book as a “song” of Mr. Faruqi’s life struggle.
Ms. Nasim Zehra hails Dear Mr. Jinnah as a readable and timely contribution.
