Lightstone Publishers has announced the publication of The Eyewitness: Standing in the Shadows of Pakistan’s History, a memoir by senior civil servant Muhammad Saeed Mehdi that offers a first-hand account of some of the most turbulent and defining moments in Pakistan’s political history.

The publication of the book was formally announced on Saturday by Ameena Saiyid of Lightstone Publishers.

The memoir chronicles Mehdi’s experiences as a civil servant who served at the heart of power during critical periods, providing an insider’s perspective on events that shaped the country’s political trajectory.

In The Eyewitness, Mehdi recounts his direct involvement in and observation of historic developments, including the trial and execution of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the sudden death of military ruler General Ziaul Haq, and the recurring struggle between democratic governance and military rule.

The narrative also captures the emotional and political significance of Benazir Bhutto’s return to Pakistan, alongside the personal toll of imprisonment and years marked by political uncertainty.

Beyond recounting major political events, the memoir seeks to humanise history by highlighting the personal experiences behind public moments.

Mehdi reflects on moral dilemmas faced in public service, questions of duty and justice, and the complexities of leadership in times of national crisis. His account is marked by introspection, humility and a deep attachment to Pakistan, offering readers insight into both the public and private costs of political upheaval.

Speaking at the launch, Mehdi discussed the motivations behind writing the book and the journey of documenting his experiences.

He said the memoir was an attempt to record history as witnessed from within the system, while encouraging reflection on Pakistan’s past and its continuing search for identity.

Published by Lightstone Publishers, The Eyewitness: Standing in the Shadows of Pakistan’s History is now available at bookstores nationwide.