Historian Ayesha Jalal Urges Critical Approach to Pakistani Historiography

Lahore: At a recent session organized by the Punjab University Department of History and Pakistan Studies, renowned historian Ayesha Jalal emphasized the importance of approaching history as an investigative discipline rather than one shaped by ideology. Addressing students and faculty, she highlighted concerns over the influence of ideology in shaping Pakistan’s historical narrative and called for more balanced and nuanced historical discourse.

According to a statement by University of the Punjab, the session, titled “History as Method,” featured a comprehensive address by Prof. Jalal, a distinguished historian and professor at Tufts University. She advocated for the development of alternative popular histories that reflect Pakistan’s multicultural nature, urging historians to link history with literature to enhance engagement and accessibility.

Prof. Jalal also addressed challenges faced by Pakistani historians, including restricted access to archives and poor archival management. She noted a decline in Urdu literacy among the younger generation and called for a revival of studies in Persian and early modern history to deepen historical awareness.

Prof. Dr. Mahboob Hussain, Chairman of the Department of History and Pakistan Studies, expressed gratitude for Prof. Jalal’s insightful talk, noting that the event was a significant step in fostering academic discourse on the critical role of history in shaping national identity and development.