THIS refers to the event where former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri’s book ‘Neither a hawk nor a dove’ was launched in Karachi (Nov 3). The former president, retired general Pervez Musharraf was the chief guest, who received a standing ovation by the capacity-packed hall of a local hotel.

Mr Kasuri’s book narrates how close Pakistan and India had come to amicable solution to the Kashmir issue. Credit goes to Musharraf’s farsightedness, whose tenure as president was the most challenging one.

World leaders acknowledged Musharraf’s policies. George Bush received Musharraf at Camp David, a unique gesture for only a few world leaders like Anwar Sadat of Egypt and the Israeli prime minister.

What an irony that the man who is respected the world over and whose economic policies brought stability and investment to the country is now being forced to live a solitary life and his name has been placed on the ECL.

Mr Kasuri has done a great favour by narrating unbiased account of events during the most troubled period of Pakistan’s history.

His book will serve as a great reference for the future generations for understanding the complicated foreign relations of the country with neighbouring countries and world powers.

It tells how in a dignified manner matters were taken care of and resolved without sacrificing dignity and honour.

Aamir Aqil

Lahore

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2015

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