The decision to author “Multan to Nakhchivan: A Post-Modern Road to Awakening” emerges from a profound engagement with the multifaceted and often contradictory socio-cultural landscape of Pakistan and its neighbouring regions. The impetus for this work is deeply rooted in the pervasive influence of conservatism and orthodoxy that continues to shape the collective consciousness of these societies, transcending mere geographical boundaries to permeate even the most educated strata.

This book is a scholarly endeavour to transcend the superficial binaries of right and wrong that dominate the discourse in Pakistan, a nation where conservatism has been historically endorsed and manipulated by state apparatuses to serve political and ideological ends. The narrative of this work is built upon a personal journey — a quest to dissect and understand the origins, manifestations, and countercurrents of this conservatism, both within Pakistan and in its neighbouring states of Afghanistan, Iran and Azerbaijan.

The structural foundation of this book is laid upon the exploration of key cities and regions, each symbolically chosen for its historical, cultural and philosophical significance. From Multan, the “City of Saints”, to Nakhchivan, a land rich in Sufi traditions, this journey is both literal and metaphorical, tracing the intersections of history, spirituality and modernity. The journey’s scope is not confined to a mere geographical traversal; it is a profound exploration of the human condition as it grapples with the forces of conservatism, orthodoxy, and the emergent voices of dissent and dialogue.

In choosing to write this book, I aim to contribute to the broader academic discourse on the role of Sufism and progressive thought in Muslim societies. The work aligns itself with the critical intellectual traditions that challenge the reductionist views often imposed by Western modernity on the Muslim public sphere. By drawing upon the works of Sufi poets like Hafez, Saadi Sherazi and Rumi, as well as contemporary figures such as Saif Samejo, this book seeks to illuminate the enduring relevance of Sufi philosophy in advocating for plurality, tolerance and coexistence in the face of rising extremism.

Moreover, the book addresses the resurgence of theocratic state Islamism, particularly in the context of the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. It explores how secular Sufi Islam presents a counter-narrative to this phenomenon, offering an alternative vision of a Muslim identity rooted in love, peace, and dialogue. By traversing the intellectual landscapes of postcolonial Pakistan, post-1979 Iran, post-Soviet Azerbaijan and post-US Afghanistan, this work critically examines how Sufi traditions continue to inform and shape the contesting public spheres in these regions.

“Multan to Nakhchivan: A Post-Modern Road to Awakening” is thus not merely a travelogue or a historical account. It is a scholarly reflection on the evolving nature of Muslim identity in the contemporary world, informed by the rich heritage of Sufi thought and the pressing need for a progressive reinterpretation of Islam. The book aspires to be a voice in the ongoing dialogue on the role of religion in public life, advocating for a return to the core values of human unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, as espoused by the Sufi saints and intellectuals whose legacies continue to resonate across centuries.

In writing this book, I seek not only to document my journey but to engage with and contribute to the critical debates surrounding conservatism, orthodoxy, and the potential for a more inclusive and harmonious society. It is an attempt to bridge the gap between the historical and the contemporary, the spiritual and the secular, and to offer a nuanced understanding of the complexities that define our region’s socio-cultural fabric. Through this work, I hope to inspire a reawakening — a post-modern road to awakening — that reclaims the lost values of love, peace, and human dignity in a world increasingly divided by fear and hatred.