ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 15th Jun, 2026) The book, ‘The Eyewitness: Standing in the Shadows of Pakistan‘s History’ written by Muhammad Saeed Mehdi, a former civil servant, was a generous contribution to Pakistan’s historical record, as it provided a rare firsthand account of major political conflicts, governance challenges and the inner workings of power corridors spanning several decades.
This was stated by the speakers at a Book Review event organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Monday, said a press release.
The speakers said the book combined personal experiences with historical developments, offering valuable insights for researchers, students, policymakers and future generations. The memoir documents key national events witnessed by the author during his long civil service career Bhutto era to military takeover in 1999.
Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director SDPI, said the book was much more than an autobiography that also presented an important historical account by a career civil servant who had observed some of Pakistan’s most critical political developments.
He said sustainability was not confined to environmental and economic dimensions alone but also required an understanding of the political economy behind historical and political events. He noted that social scientists and researchers would find the memoir particularly valuable because it provided insider perspectives on important national developments.
Dr. Suleri said the book traced the author’s journey from his family’s migration during Partition in 1947 to his education, entry into civil service and experiences during some of the most vibrant political periods in Pakistan’s history.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Saeed Mehdi, former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and former Chief Secretary Sindh, said the memoir was an attempt to preserve history as witnessed from within the system.
“What I have penned down is a living history,” he remarked, saying that many civil servants refrain from documenting their experiences, resulting in the loss of valuable knowledge of history. Mr Mehdi said he had witnessed both the use and misuse of power during his career and thus recorded events as he conceived them.
He described Bhutto’s last meeting with Begum Nusrat Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto as one of the most unforgettable moments of his career.
The author said civil servants must remain practical and objective while performing their duties and avoid emotional decision-making.
Acknowledged the role of his family, he said that behind every committed civil servant stands a family that faces uncertainty and hardship with patience and courage.
Mehdi said he had tried to remain fair and objective throughout the book. He described the memoir as “a mirror on the wall” which reflected events as he witnessed them. He has previously described the memoir as “living history” based on personal observation rather than official records.
Asim Imdad Ali, former civil servant, said senior civil servants who served at the highest levels of government should write books and document their experiences to preserve institutional memory and historical records. He described ‘The Eyewitness’ as a fascinating account of important political developments, particularly the final days of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and key decisions taken during the tenure of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
Ali said the author had not only narrated events but also shared his reflections on national issues and proposed reforms, including the creation of new federating units and improvements in civil service tenures.
He praised the author for presenting a balanced account, saying the author had subjected himself to the same scrutiny that he applied to others. He noted that the memoir acknowledged the support of the author’s wife and family and urged Mehdi to write a sequel covering additional experiences and untold stories.
Farhatullah Babar, the former senator and veteran politician, said the memoir was important because it was written by someone who had personally witnessed many of the events that shaped Pakistan’s political history.
He said the book covered a wide range of developments, including the eras of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and General Pervez Musharraf, while also shedding light on lesser-known aspects of governance and decision-making.
Babar observed that unlike many writers, Mehdi had not attempted to become an investigator, prosecutor or judge but had instead narrated what he witnessed, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. He acknowledged the author’s courage in remaining steadfast during imprisonment following the 1999 military takeover and said the support of his family had enabled him to withstand immense pressures without compromising his principles.
He also appreciated SDPI for providing a platform where diverse viewpoints could be expressed freely, describing such forums as increasingly important for promoting democratic discourse and intellectual engagement.
