Removal of book
55
THERE is a strong tendency in Pakistan to try and control public opinion and discourse — whether by fair means or foul.
In the latter category must fall the news about the non-availability of the book Truth Always Prevails by business tycoon Sadruddin Hashwani.
Since its launch a few days ago, there has been much talk about the allegations he has made in the book against former president Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman of the party that has held the reins in Sindh for the past six years.
While bookstores in most of the country had to order fresh stocks of Mr Hashwani’s book because of high demand, on Tuesday a spokesperson for the author said there had been a “forceful removal” of copies from outlets in Karachi.
When this newspaper followed up, representatives of a couple of prominent bookstores said the book had been ‘banned’ and would no longer be available. One spokesperson claimed the book had been removed from the shelves because it contained derogatory remarks against “some influential national personalities”.
There is no official ban on the book, of course, and a few obvious answers present themselves when the source of the command to pressurise Karachi stores into refraining from stocking the title is pondered.
The move lays bare the truth of politicking in Pakistan. Consider, after all, that in essence there is little distinction between this case, and that of the book written by Malala Yousafzai, which the banned TTP intimidated bookstores in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into staying away from.
However, there is a world of difference between the TTP and the PPP — or so the observer would have thought.
Mr Hashwani has made a number of serious allegations, and Mr Zardari has already served a legal notice on him as he is well within his rights to do.
This dispute now needs to be settled through the courts; bringing extra-legal pressure to bear only reduces the stature of those who resort to intimidatory tactics.
Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2014
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Comments (55) Closed
Nov 20, 2014 01:50am
PPP and Nawaz league always give us the lessons about democracy but the fact of the matter is that they are the biggest dictators in the world.
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Nov 20, 2014 03:50am
It is the right of Asif Sardari to fight this book legally and politically. The forcible removal of the book from the shelves would strengthen the viewpoint of the author Sadruddin Hashwani.
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Nov 20, 2014 05:09am
This should be an excellent book for all of us to read. Mr. Hashwani whom I recently seen in Jirga with Saleem Safi, seems an upright, conscientious person and a businessmen. Honestly, I was impressed with his direct approach without shielding behind the big vocabulary. These men are essence of Pakistan and should have been in the forefront like fixing the PIA or Pakistan Railways. He has proven that a successfull business can be achieved in Pakistan without cowowing the big bureacracy and their vested political hencmen. The free circulation of this book would welcome many other who like to adopt the same course and inform us with the negativity in our country. Of course, there is no defamatory material. Truth is always the biggest defense to any defamation. Mr. Zardari was corrupt to the core, and his selection to the highest office was one single proof of our failure of the so called democratic institutions.
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Nov 20, 2014 07:27am
After all you have written against Mr. 110% and he has to make sure he save his already tarnished image and character with all the muscle power he has.
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Nov 20, 2014 07:40am
The forcible removal of the book from bookstores confirms exactly what was written in the book.
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Nov 20, 2014 07:48am
One more "Democratic" move by Mr. square pants.
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Nov 20, 2014 07:50am
I hope Mr. Hashwani's publisher will bring out the e-book which could be purchased online as a PDF file.
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Nov 20, 2014 07:50am
Kindle Zindabaad! Or download this book directly from Amazon onto a tablet, pc or mobile phone : )
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Nov 20, 2014 07:57am
Dear all,
you can purchase the electronic book from Amazon for $9.99. The link is:
http://www.amazon.com/Truth-Always-Prevails-Sadruddin-Hashwani-ebook/dp/B00M4491M8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=
The book is in Kindle format. You can download Kindle App for your tablet, smart phone, or computer from a link at Amazon's website.
Let us not be intimidated by foul tactics.
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Nov 20, 2014 07:58am
Sadruddin Hashwani pays millions in taxes to Pakistan. His words hold more weight than others who don't pay any taxes.
How much taxes Zardari gives?
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Nov 20, 2014 08:00am
There must be some truth to allegations made by Mr. Hashwani in this book, or the powers that be, would not have forced book stores to remove it from their shelves...
The important question than is 'which reputation of Mr. Zardari was tarnished by these allegations (if he even had any left to be tarnished) and how did he arrive at the value of the tarnished image at Rs. 1 Billion in damages claimed? One can then venture to guess Mr. Hashwani has a networth of Rs. 10 Billion. So it was easy for Mr. Zardari to seek 10% of it! ??
Hmm.... the legend continues....
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Nov 20, 2014 08:03am
A self proclaimed honest, rich & born again Muslim businessman is trying to settle score against a formidable opponent; who is just as equally rich, a savvy politician and devilish when it comes to revenge.
If Mr. Zardari allegedly accumulated his wealth in somewhat questionable manner, then Mr. Hashwani did it with the help of his friendship with Retired Army Generals and other influential people. He may not have given them the cash to return the favors, but certainly provided them post retirement consulting gigs to get the jobs done.
Couple of friends who interviewed with Hashu Group mentioned, that a frequently asked question during the interview was if they happen to have any relatives in high places. So if Mr. Hashwani claims that he is as clean as a whistle, he is in denial.
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Nov 20, 2014 08:05am
This is 'Jamoriat' of Nawaz sharif and Zardari that they have in their mind and which they endavour to save.
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Nov 20, 2014 08:07am
I think Mr. Hashwani is counting of our shor memory span. Not that I am a suporter of Zardari but in his defence there were many other reasons given at the time of the Blast at the Merriot in Islamabad.
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Nov 20, 2014 08:17am
Sick and tired of PPP and PMM(N) and their partners in crime.
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Nov 20, 2014 08:31am
Might is always right here...
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Nov 20, 2014 08:32am
'Removal of book' indicate the tolerance level of a society. In Pakistan, book 'Removal'-culture started in '50s & 60's with the 'Removal' of Rabindranath Tagore's books from public/ school-college libraries {and Tagore's song from the Radio and TV). 'Removal' tradition continues . . .
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Nov 20, 2014 08:41am
Let Hashwani upload this book as epub or pdf files on the net, and the world will get it, no govt. can stop it.
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Nov 20, 2014 08:43am
This the political culture of Pakistan...instead of facing the truth pressure is being used
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Nov 20, 2014 08:46am
as they say "Democracy is the best revenge" hence "democratic forces" are taking revenge from a businessman
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Nov 20, 2014 08:53am
The book is selling fast. Everybody in Pakistan wants to know how much Zardari plundered this country with impunity. PPP has no prayers. Zardari was the last nail in the PPP's coffin.
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Nov 20, 2014 09:03am
Why is Dawn editorial surprised. This is sham democracy ! Don't they get it. Keep making fun of Imran and support this sham democracy. You have no right to protest now.
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Nov 20, 2014 09:10am
The appearance on the scene of Zardari was after the death of Benazeer by bringing out some mysterious wish of his wife from his sleeves to take her place after her. In the society he always had an image of goon which is still alive. We heard lot of stories about him and his personality which seems all true after the removal by force the book of Mr. Hashwani. Fortunately for him and unfortunately for the nation that he reached to the post of president of Pakistan by accident and not by his personal abilities.
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Nov 20, 2014 09:20am
Some excerpts from “Truth Always Prevails,” a memoir by Sadruddin Hashwani. Back with old tricks: According to Hashwani, President Zardari was back to his old tricks, and started running presidency like a cartel. So, there were attempts on Hashwani’s life. His house was set on fire. His office was burned, and his hotel in Peshawar was subject of a bomb attack. And this time, Zardari had an alibi – he could blame all disturbances to ‘terrorism.’ Attempts to his life continued, and one day, Hashwani’s hotel in Islamabad, the Marriott, was attacked with an explosive-laden truck. 1000 kg of RDX was used. Hashwani wonders that Islamabad Marriott hotel is located at a high-security zone. The Parliament, the Supreme Court, the President’s and Prime Minister’s residence – all are located close by. It is not an area where you can simply drive around for the sake of it. So it was odd that a whole truck, packed with explosives reached there without being stopped. The truck was apparently escorted by a car. An official call: And then a senior government official called Hashwani. “You must tell the media that the President was intended to be the target of the bombing.” Zardari and his office told international media that he was scheduled to have dinner at the Marriott, and the bombing had been planned to kill him. Minister’s investigation: The same night, the then interior minister, Rehman Malik, invited Hashwani to tea. While having tea, Hashwani wondered aloud, “Who did this?” “Obviously Baitullah Mehsud.” Came a prompt reply by Rehman Malik. Hashwani was surprised. How did the minister know so quickly, within five hours?
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Nov 20, 2014 09:27am
What else do you expect from the political mafia, the Zardari gang.
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Nov 20, 2014 09:37am
zar at work.
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Nov 20, 2014 09:37am
they can stop all from getting the book from afew stores . Many already got the book & we forward the book once wee have read it
Boohahha hahhha
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Nov 20, 2014 09:42am
These people are thugs.....very different from the nice clean image that they portray on the media.
Thugs!
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Nov 20, 2014 10:05am
I am continually fascinated at the difficulty intelligent people have in distinguishing what is controversial from what is merely offensive.Removing the book from the shelf has given me this eagerness to read..and there would be more and more people interested... well Mr Zardari you advertise this book for NOTHING... and you have become a more controversial figure...
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Nov 20, 2014 10:11am
Behind removal of the book by hook or crook claimed to be guardians of democracy, constitution and up holding of law of the land
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Nov 20, 2014 10:28am
Mr. Hashwani's book is available as eBook so please download and enjoy. We must make our decision on the veracity of allegations, it is not necessary that the writer may have remembered the instances as they happened, there is always a chance that his perception of things was somewhat influenced by future interactions with certain individual. We must also remember that he is not a professional writer or journalist who generally speaking keep their facts straight because they know that they will be scrutinized.
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Nov 20, 2014 10:29am
Yes Zardari has many problems when it comes to "Zar" (Money)....
But Hashwani's righteousness is evident from the fact that he is speaking the truth only when:
1. the opponent is week and vulnerable
2. knows that speaking the 'truth' in book form can fill his coffers as well
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Nov 20, 2014 10:31am
Forceful removal of book is a prove itself that what has been written in it is nothing but TRUTH!
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Nov 20, 2014 10:32am
This is vivid example of feudalism and filthy mindset.
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Nov 20, 2014 10:33am
Go Zardari Go Please retire now and get out of Pakistan before it is too late.
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Nov 20, 2014 10:44am
@inam101
wewll said
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Nov 20, 2014 10:48am
@Miristan well zardari is already out from pakistan.............enjoying all his wealth somewhere in dubai...uk or france....
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Nov 20, 2014 10:53am
A must read book!
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Nov 20, 2014 10:54am
Truth always prevails .Zardari can not evade that
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Nov 20, 2014 12:44pm
I don't know why people hate Mr. Asif Zardari so much, he's such an honest man.
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Nov 20, 2014 12:52pm
I bought the book on Amazon and started reading on my Ipad. Trust me the book is so vivid and honestly written that I could not leave it till I finish till 4am. I believe Zardari is the most corrupt person and leader our country has produced. He has never done his bachelors and very cleverly opted for President as he knew that otherwise his degree will be checked. People have no doubt that he even gone down to kill his wife to get to power. Karachites know that he is a con man who plan and do things to destroy people and institutions. He made heartless and talentless Yousaf Gilani our PM and deny the most educated and talented Shah Mahmud Querashi. I hope people will never forget his interview with BBC where he asked Pakistanis to leave if they are not happy as that is not his job to do any good for them. At the end I once again congratulate and salute S Hashwani who is indeed a brave man who refused to bend infront of snakes of our society.
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Nov 20, 2014 01:00pm
There should be Sindhi, Pashto and Baluchi version of the book. There are people I know who are arranging to have it translated in other languages.
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Nov 20, 2014 01:42pm
Its democracy. Strange. What kind of democracy? It is dictatorship behind the name of so called democracy. Shame. We am also looking for this book and hope that I will find it soon
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Nov 20, 2014 02:08pm
" Never believe anything unless and untill it is officially denied"- this is a time tested adage applicable to the land of the pure. Remember "the one who hits the first blow has already lost the argument." This act itself adds tons of credibility to the book.
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Nov 20, 2014 02:26pm
This book is a conspiracy against democratic forces in Pakistan, his Royal Highness Nawaz Shareef and His Majesty Asif Zardari. Part of the London plan hateched by Imran Khan, Qadri, Pasha, Netanyahu; Dajjaal and the Devil himself. All to destabilize Nawaz and Zardari Shareef!
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Nov 20, 2014 03:02pm
@Hassan
Very very true my friend.
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Nov 20, 2014 03:20pm
Mr Hashwani can write and publish a book and capable enough to sustain any pressure later. What about several Hashwanis who cannot write nor publish and also cannot stand the wrath or backlash. If those Hashwanis are allowed to write, many intriguing conspiracies will emerge including bombing of French naval engineers at Sheraton and another of recent Polio campaign failure.
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Nov 20, 2014 03:26pm
This proves that the book is true..
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Nov 20, 2014 04:06pm
Both are in power, both have similar interests, both can face each other, both can blame each other. Many similarities, Mr. Hashwani is businessman he knows when and what to say! Mr. Zardari is not afraid from anyone ever. If he bettered his wife entire house watched, if he ruled country and remain quiet none of us made him speak. So Mr. Hashwani knows the next persons limits!
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Nov 20, 2014 05:31pm
@NASR If AZ thinks he has any image left to be saved, he is utterly wrong.
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Nov 20, 2014 05:37pm
@TKHAN If so then AZ can also arrange a book against Hashoo instead of using intimidating tactics and getting the book removed from stores. What ever Hashoo may or may not be the question is whether what ever written against AZ is correct or not ? High handed tactics suggest that allegations against AZ are true.
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Nov 20, 2014 05:56pm
For non resident or overseas Pakistanis, the book will soon be available. If the US government could not stop Wikoleaks it is doubtful that this forceful removal of books will succeed. If anything more publicity has been now given to this book and it will in the end sell more copies.
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Nov 20, 2014 07:20pm
Zardari has much more to lose if he goes ahead with 1 billion defamation case. He is already losing by banning the book.
THANK YOU Mr. Hashwani for the book. We pray for your health and life! Let us hope we can get a similar book on Nawaz.
The axis of Zardari and Nawaz Sharif must be dismantled. The army and the judiciary must help, directly or indirectly, to get rid of this coin with Zardari on one side and Nawaz Sharif on the other side.The verdict of the judiciary can only be implemented with the help of the army.
Imran Khan and Dr. Qadri were / are very right in their struggle against the Muk-Muka of PML-N and PPP.
I BEG MR. AITZAZ AHSAN TO GIVE HIS COMMENT ON THE BOOK.
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Nov 21, 2014 12:17pm
Why can't we read books by REAL writers for a change ? The reading habits are dismal in Pakistan. We are into buying books because they make "startling revelations" or because "everyone else is reading them" . Let us read for the sake of the joy or reading , please !!! There are a lot of good books out there that are NOT controversial .Do we really have to read books that have some angle of controversy attached to them??
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Nov 22, 2014 01:09pm
Mr Hashwani is a good fellow.He is not a liar.He is an example for hardwork and success.A good Pakistani
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