Karachi Halwa by Prabhu Dayal

"Karachi Halwa" by Prabhu Dayal -  Reminiscing Pakistan!

This book is published by Zorba Books in 2015 and has 205 pages.

Author was posted to Indian consulate in Karachi during reign of Zia. This book is about author's memories and observations of his Karachi days. Karachi was Pakistan's capital till 1957, it was then shifted to Rawalpindi and then to Islamabad. 

Zia is described as wily and deceitful person with steely determination and ruthlessness. He calls Zia and Musharraf highly ambitious, scheming and unscrupulous. His theory is that Zulfilar Ali Butto's nationalization of Nawaz Sharif's steel mill was the reason Sharif came into politics. The rest is history.  

Zia won over Morarji Desai (who had a pathological hatred for RAW and who denied refueling permission to Israeli aircraft that was going to attack Pakistani nuclear facility, Kahuta) completely by his guile. No wonder he was conferred Pakistan's highest civilian award.

Madarasas received state sponsorship for first time under Zia. By censoring film industry he did irreparable damage. Pakistan's existence is tied to its Kashmir policy. He enumerates how India accorded MFN status to Pakistan and how Pakistan neither reciprocated not cooperated, on the contrary created obstacles for import of Indian goods and artists.

Author is very critical of American policy of providing aid to Pakistan, knowing that Pakistan is developing nuclear weapons. He squarely blames Pakistan for fanning, aiding and abetting the Kalistani terrorists.

Great Pakistani poets Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Ahmad Faraz went into self exile rather than living under martial law. Author fondly remembers poetry and music concerts he attended in Pakistan. He laments that discontinuing teaching Urdu in India was a mistake. 

Author narrates a few Pakistani jokes about Zia, army and bureaucracy. The jokes not only bring smile to readers face but also give a profound insight about how Pakistanis had a low opinion about them. Each chapter of the book  starts with a cartoon and a one liner to accompany it.

Author justifies withdrawing our troops back to LOC after 1971 war with a laughable argument that Pakistan would have still created trouble in J&K. Very unconvincing. 

Although this book paints a bleak picture of Pakistan as failed state beyond repair, author ends the book with a hopeful epilogue. He recommends non-first use of nuclear weapons treaty. He also supports converting LOC to international border and ends the book on a hopeful note. 

As a common Hindustani, there is a curiosity about Pakistan and about our similarities and differences with them. This book provides good insights without becoming sour. It's a wonder how the two counties that became independent simultaneously charted such diverse paths economically, socially and religiously. 

The book isn't too lengthy. Author has succinctly captured the essence of Pakistan during his time. It's a take in lighter vein, so the book, despite being non-fiction, becomes enjoyable. 

Why did I read this book? Curiosity. 

What I didn't like? Justification of going back to LOC in 1971.

What did I like? The book, in general. 

Recommend reading.