islamabad - It was an evening not only for the residents but also for the diplomats living in Islamabad to celebrate the arrival of autumn season.

Marc P George, Ambassador of Switzerland, and Dr Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, Ambassador of Afghanistan, joined hands to co-host a cocktail reception in the afternoon on the occasion of a book launch, with support of  UNESCO and Swiss Agency Cooperation (SDC), titled “Keeping History Alive: Safeguarding Cultural Heritage in Post-Conflict Afghanistan.”

The reception was well attended with a mix of a few Pakistanis with taste and knowledge of history and archaeology. There were no long speeches on part of federal minister on the occasion. The well manicured garden of Swiss ambassador’s residence, chilly autumn air and aroma of Afghani kebabs on the BBQ grill made the guests enjoy every minute of their stay at this literary event.

“Afghanistan is a country of more than 30 languages and multiple ethnicities, which has gone through civil wars and conflicts over four decades. Switzerland being living example of a country where different languages, cultures and religions co-exist peacefully, has played its part in support of the publication of this book,” informed the Swiss ambassador who is also accederated as Swiss ambassador to Afghanistan.

One of the two editors of the book, Sara Noshadi also spoke on the book highlighting the need to promote and preserve cultural diversity of this region. The Afghan ambassador while shedding light on the efforts in getting this book published said, “When you introduce yourself as an Afghan to anyone, the first question asked is how is the war going, are Taliban still there, and so on and so forth. Moving away from this image, we need to focus on highlighting our traditional and cultural values. It was a necessity as such publications have been rare, with very little published since 1970,” said Dr Hazrat in his welcoming speech. 

The focus of the diplomats present the occasion was either Cyrill Almedia or Aisa bibi’s blasphemy case. There were many frequently asked questions. Many wanted to know what the government is doing as many conspiracy theories have been making rounds in the capital or should one just judge the book by its cover. Is media being bullied by the government in the aftermath of the story in general or is freedom of expression at stake? How is the military establishment taking all this drama?

Aisa Bibi case too seemed to be of utter importance, especially for the western diplomats. “The decision was very much awaited and closely monitored by the European Union member countries. One governor lost his life in relation to this case and the decision outcome would also help the western world to form their opinion on how Pakistan is toeing with radical islamization. This is why the judgement was eagerly awaited,” informed one ambassador from European country.

The book ‘Keeping History Alive’ takes the reader on a journey starting from 1919 and on its way picks pieces of history encompassing tales from the valley of Wakhan and Kabul old city, architectural conservations and historical monuments in Ghazni, Herat, and closing on restoration of Timur Shah Mausoleum and off course the famous Buddha Statues of Bamiyan, Islamic Shrines of Khoja and the religious monument of Bamiyan. It is indeed in-depth and a treasure trove for readers of history as well as archaeology pregnant with breathtaking photographs.

—The writer is a freelance

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