Islamabad:Leveraging oral history and storytelling to enrich Pakistan’s intellectual and policymaking traditions, ‘Beyond the Files’, a new memoir anthology, uncovers the lesser-known dimensions of the country’s governance by documenting the lived experiences of veteran civil servants.
The book preserves diverse perspectives, strengthens institutional memory and offers future generations a more authentic understanding of the country’s administrative journey, according to speakers.
The book launch, held by the Institute of Policy Studies in collaboration with the National Book Foundation here Thursday, brought together former civil servants, diplomats, policymakers and academics.
Former chairman of the Higher Education Commission Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed showed up as the guest of honour at the event, which was also addressed by IPS chairman Khalid Rahman, editor of the book and former federal secretary Syed Abu Ahmed Akif, ambassadors Syed Abrar Hussain and Naghmana Hashmi, assistant professor at the Quaid-i-Azam University Dr Mujeeb Afzal and NBF secretary Murad Ali Mohmand. Drawn from The Living Scripts, the flagship oral history initiative of IPS to document the life and times of veteran civil servants, the first volume of the series offers a rich tapestry of voices of those who served at the core of governance and shaped policies, managed crises and navigated the country’s shifting political, social and economic landscapes.
The oral histories showcased in this project were noted to be far more than personal memoirs. Collectively, they form a repository of institutional memory that offers future generations an inside view of Pakistan’s civil service culture, its challenges, and the complex decision-making environments officials have faced.
It was also noted that oral history is a uniquely engaging medium that captures multiple voices and lived perspectives across generations. However, participants emphasised the importance of supporting oral narratives with broader reference points to ensure balanced interpretation.
They urged retired professionals to document their experiences, as their reflections offer invaluable contributions to the country’s knowledge base. The speakers declared ‘Beyond the Files’ an essential read for both aspiring and serving bureaucrats.
The conversation also underscored the value of reading with intent to learn, grow and bring meaningful improvement to personal and institutional practice. Honest self-reflection was highlighted as a critical trait for educators, policymakers, and public servants, especially in light of declining institutional and educational standards.
IPS Chairman Khalid Rahman noted that writing and documentation must reflect a distinctly Pakistani mindset instead of relying on external narratives or borrowed frameworks.He also underscored the importance of truth-telling, framed not as an exercise in negativity or criticism for its own sake, but as a fair, balanced and honest engagement with national realities.
“This approach is equally essential for shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy, which must be informed by local experiences, indigenous thought, and on-ground realities rather than external influences,” he said.
