Karachi, 2 Nov.: Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri’s book Neither a Hawk nor a Dove: An Insider’s Account of Pakistan’s Foreign Relations Including Details of the Kashmir Framework was launched at an event held at a local hotel. Published by Oxford University Press (OUP), this book is the first comprehensive account by a Pakistani Foreign Minister who contributed in moving the peace process with India forward. Kasuri writes candidly about his Indian counterparts and provides a detailed analysis of the Kashmir issue and the complex Pakistan-US-Afghanistan-India quadrangular relationship. The book features rare insights into the workings of the Pakistan Army and the contributions of the Foreign Office. Kasuri also elaborates on Pakistan’s relations with China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran. The book was launched earlier in Lahore and recently in India.
Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri took part in various political movements for democracy in Pakistan including the PNA (Pakistan National Alliance), MRD (Movement for the Restoration of Democracy), and the PDA (Pakistan Democratic Alliance). He served as Pakistan’s Foreign Minister from 2002–07 and assumed office in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 when Pakistan faced challenges with the US, India, and Afghanistan. Khurshid Kasuri is currently Chairman of the Regional Peace Institute, an Islamabad based think tank. He is Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Senior Advisor on Political and International Affairs, Chairman of its Task Force on Kashmir, and a member of the party’s Core Committee.
The distinguished speakers present at the event included Salman Khurshid, former Minister for External Affairs, India; Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Petroleum Minister, India; and Sudneendra Kulkarni, Head of Observer Research Foundation who organized the launch of the book in Mumbai. The speakers were of the view that Kasuri’s narrative is intricately balanced, with the author providing anecdotes, both personal and political, alongside his observations on serious issues. The former President of Pakistan, General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf, was the chief guest on the occasion. Musharraf, who played a pivotal role in the promotion of peace between India and Pakistan during his tenure, shared his views regarding the peace process with India, which the book covers.
Earlier in her welcome address, Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan, introduced the author and said, “This book has been widely reviewed and cited and has become a bestseller.”
The book launch was jointly organized by Oxford University Press and Karachi Council on Foreign Relations.
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