Dandelion Blooms: The Evolution of Islamabad

This is the firsthand account of how Islamabad has evolved over the years since its inception in 1961. It is the story of three generations of Saud’s family living in Islamabad and who have seen Islamabad change and evolve over the years. With earlier landmarks such as the American Centre, Siraj covered market and NAFDEC cinema gone now, he had to write this book to at least preserve them in stories.

Let’s celebrate literature, history, and the fascinating journey of Islamabad in this captivating exploration of Islamabad’s past, present, and future.

About the author:

Saud Mukhtar works in the developmental sector and has around 25 years of experience spanning the financial, engineering, and consulting sectors with both national and multinational organizations. He has spent his entire life in Islamabad and has witnessed the city’s evolution over the years. His mother’s family was among the first few families to relocate from Karachi to Islamabad when it became the capital in the early 1960s. Saud holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UET and an MBA from LUMS. His book, ‘Dandelion Blooms,’ serves as anecdotal evidence of Islamabad’s transformation over the years, drawing from stories shared by his mother and other residents of the city. He is committed to improving not only Islamabad but also other cities, striving to make them better places for all to live.

About the moderator:

Aisha Sarwari is a public speaker, women’s rights activist, co-founder of the NGO Women’s Advancement Hub, and author of two books on feminism. Her commentary has appeared in The Economist, The Guardian, The Express Tribune, NPR and the BBC World Service.

This session is free and open to all. Just visit the venue to attend it.

The Black Hole
Plot 5H, Street 100, G-11/3, Islamabad.
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