PILDAT recently hosted the launch of two new anthologies by the distinguished author, filmmaker, and Senator (Retired) Javed Jabbar held at Avari Hotel, Lahore. The event featured dynamic discussions surrounding the themes of “Streams” and “Shade and Light,” highlighting Mr. Jabbar's intellectual contributions to Pakistan's literary and cultural discourse.

The event began with a warm welcome from Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President of PILDAT, who spoke about his longstanding relationship with Mr. Jabbar, spanning over 22 years. He talked about the importance of engaging with the nuanced perspectives Mr. Jabbar brings to the forefront in his works, particularly in an era of rapid global and local change.

Ms. Navid Shahzad, Professor Emeritus, Head of LGS Resource Centre, and accomplished author, introduced “Streams” as a vital offering. She referred to it as an “intellectual history of our times” that probes new dimensions of media, content, and culture, focusing on essays like “Knowledge and Nowledge” highlighting how Javed Jabar stated that in today’s fast paced world everything is NOW. She praised the book's ability to navigate contemporary complexities with clarity and depth.

Dr. Sikandar Hayat, Distinguished Professor and Dean at Forman Christian College University, introduced “Shade and Light” by reflecting on its unique treatment of historical figures such as Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The anthology delves into critical moments of Pakistan’s history, including lesser-explored narratives of East Pakistan and Bangladesh, while also analyzing the nation's evolving relations with India and the USA. Dr. Hayat noted that the anthology presents not just history, but lived experiences and personal insights that challenge traditional accounts.

Following these introductions, Mr. Javed Jabbar took the stage to deliver his keynote address. In his remarks, he shared the inspiration behind both anthologies, expressing how “Streams” embodies an exploration of knowledge and media in a rapidly changing world, while “Shade and Light” addresses pivotal historical events that continue to shape Pakistan today. With essays like “Saving the Quaid,” Mr. Jabbar explained how the work aims to offer fresh perspectives on well-trodden paths in Pakistani history. He emphasized the importance of maintaining optimism and focusing on Pakistan's achievements, while learning from, rather than dwelling on, the challenges of the past seven decades.

The event featured a dynamic Q&A session, during which attendees engaged with the author on a range of contemporary issues. Discussions touched upon censorship and bans in media, the gig economy and its impact on youth, the evolving sense of "Pakistaniat," and much more. The event concluded with gratitude extended to all speakers and participants, reinforcing the importance of dialogue in understanding Pakistan’s past and future. The event was attended by a diverse pool of individuals from academia, media & CSO community.