The Mystery of the Disappearing Egyptian Reports

by

Muhammad Zaid Bilal

Daastan Publishing 2026

First Published in Pakistan by Daastan

CB 197/A, Nishtar Road, Lalazar, Wah Cantt, Punjab 47040

www.daastan.com

Text copyrights © Muhammad Zaid Bilal

Book Design Copyright © Muhammad Zaid Bilal

Typesetting and Layout: Raazia Sajid

The moral rights of the writer, illustrator, and editor have been asserted.

All rights reserved

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or distributed in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN 978-627-526-150-6 (Print)

ISBN 978-627-526-149-0 (Ebook)

Special thanks to my parents and teachers.

INDEX

FOREWORD........................................................... vii

MR. ASAD’S SECRET.............................................. 1

LOOKING FOR CLUES............................................ 9

AT THE NEIGHBOURS’......................................... 16

ANOTHER ANGLE................................................ 21

VICTORY FOR JUSTICE........................................ 26

ABOUT THE AUTHOR.......................................... 29

FOREWORD

Welcome to my debut book, The Mystery of the Disappearing Egyptian Reports. As I embark on this literary journey, I am filled with both excitement and a sense of responsibility. I chose to write this book with a specific purpose in mind. My aim is to showcase the richness of Pakistani culture and heritage through the lens of a captivating mystery set in Marsala Village, Hyderabad. Amidst the pages of this story, I hope to highlight the values of modesty and integrity while addressing the challenges posed by the prevalent immorality and vices in our society. While crafting this narrative, I found myself immersed in the vibrant tapestry of our culture, drawing inspiration from the beauty of our traditions and the resilience of our people. It is my sincere hope that readers will not only enjoy the thrilling plot but also gain a deeper appreciation for the values that underpin our society. I welcome your feedback and suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to reach out to me at zaidbilaliqbal@gmail.com. Your insights will be invaluable as I continue to refine my craft and embark on future literary endeavors. Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Until we meet again in the pages of my next title, adieu.

Warm regards,

Muhammad Zaid Bilal.

MR. ASAD’S SECRET

t was a typical Sunday night and Ahmed was getting ready to sleep. He was a fourteen-year-old boy who had a reputation for being too curious. Living in the Eastern part of Marsala Village, he soon became a nuisance for the village policeman, Mr. Salem Khan, or ‘Mr. Khatarnak’ as everyone liked to call him. He had just changed into his night clothes and was checking if the windows were bolted when he heard an uproar.

'A strange noise', he thought. ‘It's coming from the direction of Meezan Bank’.

At first, he thought that he had imagined it. However, when he saw a strange red glow from the Bank, his worst fear was confirmed. He quickly roused his sleepy brother.

“Hasan, wake up. Wake up! There's something quite strange.”

Hasan sat upright, groaning. He was a year younger than his brother and liked to mind his own business. Nevertheless, his brother seemed to have the ability to always persuade him to accompany him on his adventures.

“What is it?” Hassan asked sleepily. “Looks like a blaze to me.” They both looked out of the window.

“Yeah, it is something on fire. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiu’n[1]. I say we go see what it is.”

Not bothering to change their clothes lest they should miss their chance, the two of them ran down the stairs. Their father had not locked the door yet, so they dashed out of the house. Following the crowds of people running wildly towards the blaze, they reached the site of the fire. As they tried to jostle their way to reach the front ranks, they made out the burly figure of Mr. Khatarnak. Upon spotting them, he said:

“Get out of here, you brats. You’ve got no right poking your heads into police business.”

He wanted to pounce on them but the front line blocked his view. Disgusted, he abandoned his intention and focused on the blaze instead. He directed his voice towards the people, “Back off! Don’t get near it.”