Ex-ISI Chief Asad Durrani Co-authors A Book With Ex-RAW Chief & Pakistanis Are Upset

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Araiz Shahid
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Ex-ISI Chief Asad Durrani The Spy Chronicles

Former Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General Asad Durrani left most Pakistanis in shock when the news of his upcoming book, The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace surfaced last week.

It is not the first time, of course that a former spymaster has decided to chronicle his experiences but what sets this effort apart from the others is the fact that Lt. General Durrani has co-authored the book with A.S Dulat, the former head of Indian intelligence agency, RAW.

Watch: Nawaz Sharif Turns To Facebook Following Media Blackout – Watch Video

Given the perpetual volatility of the Indo-Pak relations and the central role that their respective spy agencies play in this regard, it was only natural for citizens on both sides of the border to be surprised.

While many in India seem to be anticipating the book with great curiosity, their counterparts in Pakistan seem rather upset with the endeavour.

Why are Pakistanis Unhappy with the Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace?

It’s an Indian Publication

It makes sense for the Indians to anticipate the book since it has been written by an Indian journalist, Aditya Sinha with extensive inputs from the two former spy chiefs.

Read: The Misogynistic Face Of Pakistani Politics

Given that two-third of the authors are Indians, Pakistanis feel that their version of history might not be depicted accurately.

The fact that the publisher is also based in India (i.e. HarperCollins India) is not making Pakistanis feel less nervous.

Excerpts from the Book Endorse the Indian Narrative on Kashmir

Many misgivings are already being certified after excerpts from the book, claiming that the All Parties Hurriyat Conference led by Kashmiri leaders was ISI’s creation were released to press.

This certainly puts a question mark on the entire freedom movement in Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) as well as the integrity of Pakistan itself.

The Civilian vs. Uniform Debate

The book is arriving at a time when a lot of hue and cry was recently raised by the military leadership following former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s interview to Dawn. Sharif during the infamous interview to Cyril Almeida had hinted at the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the 26/11 Mumbai Attacks.

Read: Don’t Shoot the Messenger!

Following the interview Director General ISPR, Major General Asif Ghafoor had advised Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to call a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).

Sharif’s statement was condemned in the NSC meeting while many took to unofficial channels such as Twitter to label him a ghaddar (traitor).

Read: The Best Among Believers – A Look At The Faizabad Sit-in

Quite naturally, with the “Nawaz ghaddar” mantra very fresh Sharif’s supporters – and even those civilians who might not be PML-N voters – are now wondering if the same condemnation will be vetted out to the former ISI Chief for divulging state secrets for a book that is essentially Indian?

Whether the apprehensions of the Pakistani citizens are valid or as the authors claim, the book might serve as a huge effort towards peace-building in the South Asian region is yet to be seen.

On our part we promise to return with a cover-to-cover review of The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace as soon as it hits the book stores.

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