– Intellectuals, Lawyers, and Journalists Pay Tribute to Young Legal Scholar Huzaifa Ashraf Asmi
By Special Correspondent
LAHORE: A grand launch ceremony of the book 15 Hours That Shook South Asia: The Battle of Bunyān al-Marsūs, focused on the India-Pakistan war, intellectuals, lawyers, and journalists praised young legal scholar, motivational podcaster, author, and poet Huzaifa Ashraf Asmi for addressing such a sensitive topic in an international language. Speakers highlighted that through this book, a strong intellectual response has been given to anti-Pakistan propaganda, while paying rich tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces.
The speakers noted that this book presents the challenges of South Asia, youth issues, and the dream of peace in the region through thoughtful analysis in the context of the May 2025 Pakistan-India war.
Renowned lawyer, researcher, and the author’s father, Sahibzada Ashraf Asmi Advocate, remarked that this book is not just analytical writing but a call towards peace, awareness, self-realization, and intellectual awakening. He said Huzaifa Ashraf has proved that the younger generation is not only capable of thinking deeply but can also shape national direction through their writings.
Veteran intellectual and former minister Qayyum Nizami said South Asia’s issues cannot be understood solely from a military perspective. “We need intellectual revolution, and this book is a starting point in that direction. The depth and confidence with which the author discusses peace is commendable,” he added.
Pride of Performance-winning singer Adeel Barki said, “I have witnessed wars and endured hatred, but art and thought are the languages that can defeat gunpowder with words. This longing for peace echoes throughout Huzaifa’s book.”
Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, Multimedia Head at UrduPoint, stated that amidst the daily noise in the media, this book is like a breath of fresh air. “It is not just analysis but a purposeful writing that empowers the youth with intellectual strength.”
Punjab Bar Council Vice Chairman Irfan Sadiq Tarar described Huzaifa Ashraf Asmi as a shining star in the field of law.
Iqbal Studies expert Professor Dr. Haroon Rasheed Tabassum said, “Just as Iqbal connected the concept of ‘Arzoo’ (Desire) with a grand dream, Huzaifa Ashraf’s book reflects that same tradition. It teaches the new generation to dream and then work to make those dreams a reality.”
Spiritual scholar Syed Mazhar Hashmi said, “The spiritual depth found in this book is the true foundation of peace. When religion, literature, and thought come together, change becomes inevitable.”
Renowned journalist and intellectual Nadeem Anjum declared the book a guiding light for the younger generation, emphasizing that love for the homeland is the need of the hour.
International trainer Mian Muhammad Akram said, “Youth like Huzaifa Ashraf give us hope that the flame is still alive. This book is a complete curriculum of training, insight, and awareness.”
Advocate Ali Ahmed Kayani called it remarkable and encouraging that a young writer could address such a sensitive topic with such comprehensive thought, combining logic, passion, and research.
Chairman Pakistan Civil Society Ali Imran Shaheen said, “This book is not just for youth but for anyone seeking peace. It is a beacon of hope for Asia.”
Dr. Muhammad Naeem Ghumman suggested the book should be part of college and university curricula as an excellent example of intellectual guidance.
Renowned lawyer, poet, and author Saadia Huma Sheikh remarked that the author has beautifully combined intellectual balance, academic integrity, and spiritual finesse.
Colonel Amjad Hussain called Huzaifa’s book a tribute to the martyrs and veterans of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Founder of GA Najm Literary and Social Forum said if youth possess such clarity of thought, there is no need to fear the future. “This book is a lamp for the new generation.”
Spiritual leader Pir Mian Muhammad Yousaf Khan Qadri Noshahi stated that peace, tolerance, harmony, and intellectual dialogue — the message of the Sufis — resonates in this book.
Mian Muhammad Azam from King Edward Medical University’s Library Department suggested that libraries should not only house medical or scientific books but also such thoughtful writings.
Pir Umar Ashraf Asmi commented that Huzaifa has instilled revolutionary thought among the youth.
Armaghan Masood Chaudhry, Nauman Shams Qazi, Tahir Khan, Abid Mushtaq Khokhar, and Bilal Hashmi all praised the book’s intellectual depth, courage of expression, and the young author’s vision.
In his concluding address, Sahibzada Huzaifa Ashraf Asmi said, “This book is not just my personal feeling but a collective thought. I have written what my generation is feeling. I want to become an ambassador of peace, but with my pen. I thank my respected father, my teachers, writers, and all those readers who honored my efforts.”
The ceremony was attended by Badr Zahoor Chishti, Sahibzada Hakeem Atif Mustafa, Khawaja Usama Zeeshan, Colonel Amjad Hussain, Hassan Kamal Pasha, Mian Usama Hassan, Engineer Mian Abdullah, Sahibzada Ahmad Raza Asmi, Sahibzada Imran Ashraf Asmi, Sahibzada Hassan Akram, Islamic scholar Ahsan Ali, Advocate Rida Zainab, Iqra Bukhari, Fatima Abdul Kareem, Mamin Abdul Kareem, Rayan Manzar, Iftikhar Khan, motivational speaker Ali Abbas, Sufyan Ali Farooqi, and others.
A large number of intellectuals, teachers, lawyers, students, journalists, researchers, spiritual figures, and civil society representatives participated in the event. Attendees described it as a festival of thought, a symbol of peace, and a ceremony that illuminated the trends of the younger generation.
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