PEN and Sword Books, UK has released its much-awaited publication of the book titled ‘Caught in the Crossfire: Inside Story of Pakistan’s Secret Services’ and it is now available on all prominent social media outlets worldwide.
The book provides an insightful look into Pakistan’s national security paradigm from the perspective of an insider who has been at the forefront of the country’s defence for nearly four eventful decades. It examines significant security developments in Pakistan and the region during this period, with far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s national security.
The author discusses in detail the turmoil in Afghanistan since the Russian invasion in 1979, the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath, the power dynamics between regional and international actors, and the emerging scenario following the withdrawal of allied forces from Afghanistan, with a focus on their security implications for Pakistan. The Indo-Pak stand-off is also explored at length.
The book highlights some of Pakistan’s internal vulnerabilities, which the author believes exacerbate foreign threats to the country. It reveals a startling nexus between Pakistan’s external and internal enemies, exposing the crossfire faced by Pakistan’s security forces and the networks involved in conspiracies driven by power politics and self-interest. This disclosure will likely be a shocking revelation for many, both within Pakistan and abroad.
The narrative is based on the author’s personal experiences and access to authentic information, presented with an independent viewpoint and a patriotic outlook. This makes the account distinct from other narratives currently presented at various national and international forums, which often serve vested interests.
The author contends that much of the strategic manoeuvring in the region by power brokers is based on misinformation fabricated by Pakistan’s adversaries and their agents of influence within the country, aimed at undermining Pakistan’s interests for personal gain. Understanding the true perspective of Pakistan and its security forces is therefore crucial not only for the people within the country but also for the international community, so that they can pursue relationships and cooperation in the region based on ground realities.
In his non-political analysis of the ongoing turmoil in the country and the region, the author asserts that this book should serve as a timely reminder for strategists and security professionals to realistically assess the fragile security situation in Pakistan. It will help them thoughtfully interpret the security implications within the broader context of the region’s overall security landscape, particularly in light of the impending changes in the global order. This book is an important and timely resource that can aptly assist to realistically and credibly assess Pakistan’s fragile security situation for remedial measures at appropriate forums.
