Lahore — The much-awaited memoir by Muhammad Saeed Mehdi’s “The Eyewitness” Standing in the Shadows of Pakistan’s History, was officially unveiled at a high-profile event in Lahore, hosted by Lightstone Publishers. The occasion drew a crowd of over 600, including diplomats, senior journalists, legal luminaries, academics, and literary figures, signaling the arrival of a work that significantly enriches Pakistan’s political and journalistic chronicles.
Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director of Lightstone Publishers, inaugurated the ceremony by underscoring the memoir’s historical significance. “This is far more than a memoir—it is a vivid, firsthand account of events that shaped Pakistan,” she said. “The periods Muhammad Saeed Mehdi observed provide invaluable historical records for future generations.” She also highlighted Lightstone Publishers’ enduring role in cultural and educational development, particularly through initiatives like the Adab Festival, emphasizing how their school textbooks foster critical thinking, inquiry, and imagination.
Author Muhammad Saeed Mehdi shared his motivation behind the book, stating candidly, “I wrote this book to preserve the truth. I have written exactly what I saw, nothing more, nothing less.” The launch then transitioned into a panel discussion examining the memoir’s political, judicial, and journalistic dimensions.
Chief Guest Aitzaz Ahsan, Senior Lawyer, stressed the vital role of eyewitness accounts. “To understand Pakistan’s history, firsthand narratives are indispensable. The judicial details of the Bhutto case recorded in this book are a key part of our legal heritage,” he said. He added, “Writing a book is a form of jihad. In our society, a single sentence can trigger backlash, yet Saeed Mehdi has written courageously and truthfully.” He further reflected on the political climate, noting, “Oppression shaped an era where journalists were silenced, and political identities were forced, not chosen.”
Dr. Amjad Saqib highlighted the memoir’s contribution to national memory: “Nations are built on collective memory, and this book is a crucial effort to preserve it. The younger generation must learn from such honest and courageous accounts.”
Offering a bureaucratic perspective, Farhan Khawaja advised, “Young journalists and officials should read this book to understand the essence of professional integrity under pressure.” Moderator Raheela Baqai guided the discussion into the ethical and historical significance of the memoir.
Veteran journalist Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami, Chief Editor of Roznama Pakistan, praised Mehdi’s unwavering dedication to truth: “Muhammad Saeed Mehdi is among the rare individuals who never compromised on honesty, even during imprisonment under martial law and NAB.” He noted the author’s service at the highest government levels and emphasized the book’s value for academic study in journalism, politics, and history. “He never became a state witness; he remained a witness of the people,” Shami said.
Sohail Warraich remarked on the narrative power of the memoir: “The writing is simple yet deeply impactful, guiding readers through the defining moments of our history. This is not just reporting—it is the story of an era.” He also acknowledged the strong public turnout, calling it evidence that the audience still values truth.
The event concluded on an emotive note with Shayma Saiyid performing the patriotic song “Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai”, leaving the audience inspired and reflective. Attendees then participated in a lively book-signing session, engaging directly with the author and delving into the historical insights offered in The Eyewitness: Standing in the Shadows of Pakistan’s History.