The volume entitled “My Political Struggle” is based on extracts from the diaries of M. Asghar Khan and from Tehrik‑i‑lstiqlal’s record of events from 1971 to 1975. 

The launch ceremony was attended by diplomats, bureaucrats, academics and journalists.      

The events, experiences, and reflections of the author provide a full picture of his political journey and his perception of

the events that have contributed to the crises being faced by Pakistan today. 

This book outlines his efforts to propel Pakistan towards democracy, and completes the picture of his life in politics presented in his earlier work We’ve Learnt Nothing from History.

M. Asghar Khan commanded the Pakistan Air Force from 1957‑65 and was its first Pakistani Commander‑in‑Chief. 

Speaking on the occasion, M. Asghar Khan expressed the hope that Pakistan would have a bright future and emphasized that

it is incumbent on all citizens to continue to work for peace and harmony, root out corruption, and differentiate between right and wrong. 

He said the misrule of the Ziaul Haq period left far‑reaching effects on Pakistan and added that his interference in Afghanistan was a mistake from which the nation was suffering even today.

He said Afghan war suited the US to support Jehadi culture and as US money poured in Pakistan, Zia ul Haq declared Jehad against Soviet Union.      

But, he said it was ironic that same Jehadi culture that the US did so much to promote, has turned against them.     

While lauding M. Asghar Khan as having made his mark as a man of integrity and standing in political circles, the guest speaker, Asma Jahangir, human rights activist and lawyer, was of the view that his political struggle was made possible by his belief in certain values that are the foundation of a just society.

She also underlined the need for taking concrete steps to strengthen democracy in the country, which she added presented solutions to all evils.

Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director, Oxford University Press, in her introductory address said that the book gives an

unambiguous and precise account of everything it touches on, and combined with M Asghar Khan’s reputation for honesty and integrity, it should provide a very reliable account of the history it covers.

She also added that the book will prove to be good source material for researchers.

The author entered the political arena in 1968, and led a movement for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. M. Asghar Khan formed his own political party, the Tehrik‑i‑Istiqlal, in 1972 and was elected to the National Assembly in 1977.

He continued to oppose dictatorial and autocratic rule through the difficult years of Ayub Khan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Ziaul Haq. 

He has recently been awarded the Jinnah Award by the Jinnah Society for outstanding services to the cause of democracy and human rights in Pakistan. M. Asghar Khan is the author of a number of books, Pakistan at the Cross Roads; Generals in Politics; Islam, Politics and the State‑The Pakistan Experience; and We’ve Learnt Nothing from History: Pakistan‑Politics and Military Power.