The New Face of Pakistani Storytelling.
The Forsaken is a compelling psychological thriller that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Written by Pakistani author Hamza Khaskheli, the novel explores dark psychological tension & deep human suffering, offering an experience that stays with the reader long after the final page.
Published by Daastan, Pakistan’s leading publishing house, The Forsaken goes beyond standard fiction. It invites readers to reflect on dark themes of loss, betrayal, power, & the true cost of survival in a harsh world.
Let’s know about Hamza and how daastan helps him in his journey, in his own words.
Muhammad Hamza Khaskheli: The Author.
Muhammad Hamza Khaskheli is a 30-year-old with big dreams. He’s a businessman by profession and a storyteller by passion. He has a BBA & an MS in Business Administration, yet he says
“Life has taught him things that no school can.”
Beyond his work, he writes to uncover the deeper aspects of life. For him, writing isn’t just a hobby, but it’s also a tool & way to understand people, their minds, and what motivates them.
Hamza enjoys reading, writing, thinking, and finding peace in solitude, and he gets better ideas when he is alone. According to him.
“Being around a lot of people tires me out, but there’s something about solitude that makes me feel more focused.”
The Forsaken is Muhammad Hamza’s debut book and marks the beginning of his literary journey.
He is really interested in psychology, especially dark, power, and how complicated people can be.
The Forsaken.
“The Forsaken” takes the reader on a tense journey through a world where survival is certain, and trust comes at a risk. Set against a backdrop of conflict and moral struggle, the following characters pushed to their limits, both mentally & physically.
The Forsaken is a gripping psychological thriller that centers around Farhaad Azlaan, a man deeply affected by betrayal, state oppression, and trauma. Set in a dystopian world where fear and silence are tools of control.
Farhad is caught between feelings of guilt and a desire for revenge. It’s hard for him because of the choices he can’t change now.
When he brought Rida Maheen into his life, it left wounds that can’t be seen, turning love into betrayal. She acts wild sometimes, like a storm, and other times she’s just a sad ghost that tricks him. Thinking about her always feels like a trap.
Then there’s Naina Kareem. She’s smart and keeps things straight at work. She stays away at first, but when Farhaad’s pain comes out, she gets closer. What was just being on his side turns into something more. In the calm times during jobs, she starts liking the guy with all that fight in his eyes
The Forsaken tells a good tale about getting even, dark secrets, and what you pay for every decision in a place that forgot him. It seems like it gets messy toward the end.
What Inspired Hamza to Write The Forsaken?
Muhammad Hamza was inspired to write The Forsaken because he believes that staying silent often allows injustice to continue. The book explores the personal side of betrayal, showing how it quietly affects trust, identity, and inner strength.
The Forsaken gives voice to these experiences and shows that even in the darkest times, endurance, resilience, and the possibility of recovery remain.
Daastan’s Role in Bringing “The Forsaken” to Life.
At the heart of The Forsaken’s journey from manuscript to published book is Daastan, Pakistan’s leading publishing platform dedicated to supporting national and international authors. Daastan has a strong history of promoting writers who tell bold, unique, and valuable stories, assisting them in overcoming the challenges of the publishing industry while preserving their unique voice.
Hamza’s Experience with Daastan In His Own Words.
In his conversation, he says.
The cover design effectively captured the psychological depth of the story and visually conveyed its emotional weight. In marketing solutions, I availed a professional book reviewing service where I got an amazing review and honest feedback on my work.
He also praises Daastan.
Dastaan helped clear up the technical mess that usually gets in the way of writers. They did more than just publish “ The Forsaken”. They gave it its voice, stabilized it, polished it, and shaped it into a form enough to bear its darkness. The process was transparent & fairly priced. From cover design to marketing, my book Daastan did a fantastic job.
For an author, that kind of care and understanding makes a huge difference.
“Dastaan Publications delivered unwavering reliability. Led by Syed Umar, they transformed The Forsaken from manuscript into a polished masterpiece. The costs were fair, the process precise, and the experience nothing short of transformative. Dastaan didn’t just publish a book; they gave The Forsaken its voice. For that, they deserve every star.”
His Google review.
Why Readers Have to Read “ The Forsaken”
The Forsaken is not just a story. It’s an experience. From the very first page, Khaskheli immerses readers in a world filled with moral dilemmas and deep human emotions. Each scene pushes you to question what’s truly right and wrong, while every character invites you to explore the hidden depths of the human mind.
The novel is strongly recommended for readers who enjoy dark fiction, psychological thrillers, and character-focused stories. It holds value for writers and critics interested in the direction of publishing in Pakistan.
Author’s Message For Readers.
“The Forsaken” started without a set direction. Life often hands us challenges we are not ready for, and this story became my way of navigating them page by page. Some moments are difficult, others are lighter; forsaken can teach us how to keep going. This book is for anyone who has faced betrayal, abandonment, or hardship, a story about resilience, survival, and finding inner strength.
Investing in a new writer is always a risk, but Daastan took that leap of faith and showed me “Ek Kiran Andheron Mein” and gave me a “Shanakht” as a writer.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunities and guidance Daastan provided me, from encouraging to mentoring and publishing. For me it’s more than just a platform—it’s a place where new writers find their voice and recognition. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wishes to begin or enrich their writing journey.
Their team is super supportive and professional. They walked me through every step of the process, from editing to printing, and even helped me with marketing. I've heard amazing things about their work, and I'm not surprised - they're clearly passionate about what they do.
What I love about Daastan is their inclusive approach. They're all about empowering emerging writers, and it shows in the quality of their publications. I've recommended them to friends and fellow writers, and I'll continue to sing their praises!
If you're thinking of publishing your work, look no further. Daastan is the way to go!
I have worked with many publishers in Pakistan, of which Daastan tops among independent publishers on account of transparency, quality and earlier response.
Their publishing process was exceptionally smooth and reassuring. After I registered, Narmeen, their consultant and editor, handled my manuscript with remarkable professionalism, guiding me through every stage with clarity and patience. With their support, I successfully published two books: Love, Lucknow aur Lahore, which received immense appreciation, and a short story titled Gol Roti.
What truly elevates Dastaan is the authenticity of their team. Ommar, Narmeen, and every member of their staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in my growth as a writer. Their encouragement turned what could have been a daunting experience into an inspiring milestone in my creative journey.
As a first-time author venturing into the literary world with both excitement and hesitation, I could not have found a better publishing partner than Daastan Pvt Ltd. Under the thoughtful leadership of Syed Omar Amer, the team at Daastan was unwaveringly supportive, responsive, and professional, guiding me with care and insight through every step of the publishing process. Their facilitation turned what could have been an intimidating journey into one marked by encouragement and trust.
The quality of the finished product speaks for itself - readers and recipients of my books consistently comment on the exceptional standard of printing and presentation, especially preservation of the design colours. The books look and feel beautiful in the hand, which has enhanced both their reach and reception. For any author, whether stepping into print for the first time or seasoned in the craft, I wholeheartedly recommend Daastan as a go-to publisher and printer. They are capable, creative, and above all, committed to the stories their authors want to tell. I am truly delighted that I found my way to them.
Dr Haroon Awan
