ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP): A quiet yet powerful Tuesday evening at Biblio Café unfolded the launch of debut author Saira Sheikh’s deeply personal and culturally resonant book, Healing in the Shadow of Loss. More than just a self-help guide, the book invites readers on an intimate journey through grief, resilience, and the often unspoken struggles of emotional healing within South Asian societies.
The book delves into themes of personal grief, emotional resilience, and cultural silence around loss, aiming to guide readers through the healing journey in a Pakistani context.
Saira Sheikh, a Pakistani expatriate and MBA graduate from Cardiff University, UK, shared that her entry into writing emerged from a deeply personal experience of loss. Formerly running “Wick & Whiff” — a boutique home-based brand specializing in soy scented candles while raising two children, Sheikh now turns to literature to spark societal dialogue around emotional health.
“Writing became my sanctuary when traditional forms of processing grief felt insufficient,” she told the audience. “With this book, I hope to make space for conversations that are often overlooked in our culture.”
The session was moderated by Mona Raza, founder of Readers Lounge, Pakistan’s largest female readers’ platform. She led an engaging conversation with the author, exploring the emotional weight of suppressed grief and the need for collective healing.
Audience members also participated actively, raising questions about societal expectations around strength, the stigma surrounding emotional expression, and the importance of empathy-driven communities.
“Healing is not something to be rushed in isolation,” Sheikh emphasized. “We often hear phrases like ‘be strong’ or ‘move on,’ but true healing requires time, space, and acknowledgment.”
Published by Thazbook under the editorial direction of Tanzeela K Hassan, the book has garnered praise from literary figures and mental health professionals for its accessible language and compassionate tone.
Prominent attendees included LalaRukh Dhar, Director Staff College; Dr Aqeela Asif, Assistant Professor at COMSATS University; renowned photojournalist Mobin Ansari; Rai Riaz Hussain, former Press Secretary to the Prime Minister; Dr Rubia Usman, Consultant in Medicine and General Physician; and Assistant Professor Junaid Ghouri. The event was also graced by several noted figures from literary and journalistic circles.
The evening concluded with a book signing, where the author engaged personally with readers, fostering the very sense of connection that her book advocates.