The 1980s were a crucial yet turbulent period in Pakistan`s history, marked by power struggles, military dominance, and deep ideological divides rather than transparent governance or democratic principles. For my generation, unraveling the true history of this era often felt like deciphering a puzzle cloaked in secrecy and propaganda.

As a journalist, I was particularly intrigued by how politicians of the 1980s managed to rise to prominence despite the stringent surveillance and political repression of the early 1980s. Many journalists either left the country or withdrew into silence, but a determined few remained in the profession, documenting the truth in an era of misinformation.

One such individual is Jabbar Mufti from Multan. He is a man wellversed about the inner workings of the leaders who have shaped our history. Drawing from his memories and professional experiences, he has authored an exceptional book titled Sahafi Ki Qalamguzisht [The Pen-Journey of a Journalist]. True to its name, the 286-page book offers pen-portraits of prominent political leaders, ranging from Maulana Maudoodi to Imran Khan.

Jabbar Mufti skillfully covers the three eras of martial law, including the first which he experienced growing up, and their profound impact on Pakistan`s political landscape. His firsthand accounts and analyses give readers a nuanced understanding of Pakistan`s political evolution. The book`s neutral perspective makes it a valuable resource for comprehending the country`s complex political history. It also has a section where he has added his finest articles, which shows his command over regional issues.

Have you ever wondered where and why Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (ZAB) was clapping and singing `Sohni dharti Allah rakhay` with music director Suhail Rana and his troupe of young singers in a famous black and white video clip now circulating on social media? When and how did the former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is now loyal to Imran Khan, rise to prominence? How did a brilliant speaker and writer like Maulana Kausar Niazi become an outspoken critic of the Jamaat-i-Islami in the 1960s? Why did the former president of Pakistan Gen Ziaul Haq oppose the then finance minister Nawaz Sharif`s appointment as chief minister of Punjab? And what connection did former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan have with US President Dwight D. Eisenhower? The book provides answers to all these questions.

Before becoming a professional journalist, Mufti had multiple opportunities to meet Maulana Maudoodi, a prominent figure in the early days of Pakistan. The book begins with such meetings in the very first chapter, offering a deep dive into the political and professional aspects of Maudoodi sahib. He praises the writings of the maulana and explains how they managed to attract youth towards religion.

He also recalls an incident when, as a pre-teen, he witnessed the escape of a gunman who, moments earlier, had shot at Maulana Maudoodi in ajalsa in the Old City area of Lahore. The second chapter meticulously explores his party Jamaat-i-Islami`s involvement in the 1970s elections and the crucial role played by its affiliated student unions in supporting it. A student leader himself, Jabbar has a lot to tell regarding the rise and fall of student politics in Pakistan.

Next, the book explores ZAB`s rise, beginning with the 1965 war.

The author vividly details his excitement and eagerness to catch a glimpse of Bhutto as he ascended to power. A dedicated chapter gives a thorough account of the case that led to ZAB`s decline as well as the `dirty politics` employed by the military dictator Ziaul Haq.

He also highlights the names of the `approvers` from the Federal Security Force (FSF) who were used to target ZAB and were mistreated under the military regime. There is another chapter in which former religious affairs minister Maulana Kausar Niazi gets special mention. His rise to power, his shifting of loyalties away from the Jamaat, the death of his son and his political career under ZAB are also covered.

This book is tailored for readers who appreciate in-depth profiles of political figures, akin to the style of veteran journalist-turned TV presenter Suhail Warraich. The `Shah Mahmood Qureshi ke walid sahib Multan ke sajjada nasheen thay CShah Mahmood Qureshi`s father was the custodian of the Multan shrine]` way of explaining reflects how journalists who matured in the 1970s possessed an intimate understanding of the politicians who emerged in the late 1980s.

For readers seeking comprehensive and insightful narratives about Pakistan`s political landscape, this book offers a treasure trove of information. The way Mufti sketches the streets of old Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan of the `70s, the influence of his late father and the prominent personalities who helped shape his journalistic career, truly makes him an inspiration for those who are taking up journalism as a career.

Whether it was former premiers such as ZAB, Nawaz Sharif, Yousuf Raza Gilani, or Imran Khan, Jabbar Mufti`s encounters with these leaders and his thoughtful analyses provide future history enthusiasts with a clearer understanding of the great game of Pakistani politics.

It was interesting to read about the humble beginnings of former lawminister Babar Awan and how Malik Zaheeruddin Babar became Babar Awan. The early life of former Muslim Leaguers Javed Hashmi and Shaikh Rasheed Ahmed is also covered in the book, without dedicating an entire chapter to them.

Jabbar Mufti entered the field of journalism sometime around the beginning of the most horrible period in Pakistan`s history the jailing of ZAB and the martial law of Ziaul Haq. Print media was never the same after the military dictator had the reins in his hand.

Ziaul Haq was also behind the division of the journalist community, as explained in various chapters. Reading the book at home was more like meeting a veteran journalist in a press club, who not only tells you about the history of the press but also the role of `unsung` heroes.

Multan was a vibrant hub in the 1980s and Jabbar Mufti, who later ascended to the position of the president of his city`s press club, played a pivotal role in ensuring it retained its lively and dynamic character. The way he interacted with leaders, who he had known for long, gives one a clear view of how a journalist should behave. Jabbar Mufti witnessed the rise of these leaders, and his vivid descriptions of the era he recounts transport the reader back in time, offering a compelling glimpse into Pakistan`s political history.

His contributions are especially significant given the challenges faced by journalists during politically turbulent times in Pakistan.

Sahafi Ki Qalamguzisht has documented Pakistan`s political and social history, offering a unique perspective rooted in the author`s experiences in journalism.

The reviewer writes on old films and music and loves reading books. X: @suhaybalavi