India Post News Service
NEW DELHI: Ambassador Arshad Sami Khan, better known as father of well-known singer Adnan Sami, was privileged to a ringside view of Pakistani politics having served under three Pakistani Presidents. He has now penned his experiences in a book 'Three Presidents and an aide' which is a first hand story of intrigue, betrayal and political cynicism as much as idealism and courage under fire.
The book, published by Pentagon Press, was released by former Prime Minister IK Gujral at India International Center. Arshad Sami Khan said that his book of 280 pages although talks of Pakistan it cannot help but touch and look at the subcontinent as a whole in its content.
Having served three presidents namely Bhutto, Yahya Khan and Ayub Khan, he witnessed the stalwarts and time and time again had the opportunity to see them as individuals in flesh and blood. He read out excerpts from the book.
In passing, he mentioned that although he was a decorated officer having fought in an Indo-Pak war, he was not very proud of it. For after all, he said, it was one people fighting each other. Launching the book, former Prime Minister I K Gujral shared an anecdote of his own sending the audience into peals of laughter.
When he was with the external affairs ministry, he met with Nawaz Sharif for the first time in Male where he came up to him and said "Gujral sahib, I know it is not possible for me to take away Kashmir nor possible for you to give it up but what's the harm in talking about it."
He congratulated the author on writing a historic book with a human touch as well as for being present in India for its launch here. Former chief minister of Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh spoke of his pleasure to be there on two accounts - first of his personally knowing the author and his family.
Second, of his visit to Pakistan Punjab on various occasions and the love he has received on his journeys there. He observed how the people are in fact one, sharing a common culture.
Pentagon Press Editor Col A K Sharma revealed how the script was originally rejected by him and then later reviewed and accepted.
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