Pakistan - Askari Malik

Technically this book is my memoirs. In essence, it is a record of my perceptions of those consequential events that shaped the history of Pakistan.

A greater part of this history I have seen, lived with and felt as a reasonably literate and sensitive individual. Sensitivity intensifies compassion as well as pain. I have had more than a fair share of both.

I was a college student when Ayub Khan declared his Martial Law. I was a captain when he left. I had taken part in 1965 and 1971 Indo- Pak wars. I was a major and part of the degraded Army in erstwhile East Pakistan. I was a prisoner of war for the two longest years of my life in India. As I grew in age and rank I became more and more aware and involved in the National affairs. I was one of the first ones outside Musharraf's inner circle to know about the reality of Kargil. I saw him take over the country. I retired with the hope that he would deliver and put Pakistan back on a historic course to real democracy. It was not because I had great faith in his abilities. But I thought as I do even today that a genuine man on top is worth many a hypocritical genius.