I am excited to share that the launch ceremony for my book, “Caught in the crossfire: The inside story of Pakistan’s secret services”, was held at Kutubna Cultural Centre in Dubai on 17th October 2024. In addition to a large number of notable figures from Pakistani community in Dubai, the event was attended by security professionals from US, UK, UAE, India, Sri Lanka and several other countries in the Middle East and Asia.
General Ehsan ul Haq, the former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Pakistan Armed Forces, honored us as the chief guest. The representation from key countries relevant to Pakistan’s security landscape made this event, in my view, the first success my book achieved at the international platform.
I am immensely grateful to God Almighty for turning this day into a reality, something that seemed a distant possibility just a year ago. I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported me through this journey. A special appreciation goes to the publisher Pen and Sword Books, UK, for believing in the project and taking on the responsibility to ensure its success.
The book presents a gripping narrative of power, strategy and survival, drawing on my personal experiences in the field of security and counterintelligence, with a focus on the critical role of ‘Pakistan’s Secret Services.’ It offers an exhaustive analysis of the power dynamics between regional and international stakeholders in our region and provides insights into the evolving scenario following the withdrawal of allied forces from Afghanistan in August 2021. I believe this will be a valuable resource for analysts looking to forecast situations, envision future scenarios and navigate the changing world order with a more realistic outlook.
My reflections on the key trends affecting global security, particularly those impacting the private sector, should provide an interesting read for anyone involved in the private security industry. By illuminating the intricate interplay between geopolitical dynamics and private security practices, I aim to equip professionals with the insights needed to navigate an increasingly complex landscape and safeguard against emerging threats.
— The writer is Security Management Professional, based in the UAE.
