Karachi Halwa

Ambassador Dayal was posted in Karachi as a consulate officer from 1982 to 1985 and thus obtained a unique insight into the political and diplomatic machinations of the Government of Pakistan under the dictatorship of General Zia-ul-Haq and subsequent Pakistani military political leadersIt appeared that General Haq’s politics and administration was more Machiavellian than even what Machiavelli had espoused. Among Machiavelli’s tenants are leaders should always mask their true intentions, and frequently “act against mercy, against faith, against humanity, against frankness, against religion, in order to preserve the state.” His name has become synonymous with cunning tyrants. General Haq fits and even exceeds these tenants. Pakistan politics it appears was a hothouse of deception and mendacity, with particular focus on trying destroying anything Indian, including if possible the sovereign state. No agreement or discussion was trustworthy, as every approach was filled with sinister ulterior motives. Nothing could be taken or believed at face value. And it appears this invidious culture dominated the entire Pakistan government, dominated by the military. It is strange that the Pakistan military developed this insidious culture, because, like India, the army officers were trained in British traditions, and honor and one’s word were the highly cherished values.In a popular US TV show ‘The Homeland’, the third season covers the efforts of the CIA to track and deal with known terrorists in Islamabad. Pakistan is shown to be an unreliable and untrustworthy ally, with duplicitous actions, supporting the terrorists, while pretending to help the US. Many Pakistanis objected to the depiction of their country in these episodes. Ambassador Dayal’s book makes the ‘Homeland’s third season judgments look fairly mild, as the reality of Pakistan’s political deception, double speak and perfidious policy was several times worse.This book should be required reading for the CIA and US foreign service professionals who operate in Pakistan, because as is pointed out in the book, their naivety is incredible, matched only by their repeated inability to realize the treachery of the Pakistani government.The book is eminently readable as Ambassador Dayal has an elegant, easy style of writing (Indian authors really know the English language !). His book is full on humorous anecdotes. Unlike today’s required political correct commentaries, Ambassador Dayal does not mince words and you know exactly what he thinks and where he stands. It was so refreshing to read a book, where one does not have to constantly second guess what the author really means!

I enjoyed reading Ambassador Dayal's book Karachi Halwa that dwells into the turbulent years of Pakistan's history during the early eighties when it was under Military rule. I liked the anecdotes, especially the ones concerning the late dictator Zia Ul Haq. Mr.Dayal has written a very pragmatic analysis of India Pakistan relations and his concerns and suggestions. Having known Mr.Prabhu Dayal as a bright and well liked Indian Consul General in New York, I am sure this book will be of value to people who value good relations with Pakistan and also have concerns of radicals that do not want the peace process to succeed. I hope Ambassador Prabhu Dayal writes more and also spends some of his time on helping India's diplomatic initiatives as he has a wealth of experience.

Living outside of India in the Middle East and having made friends with families and nationals based here from our neighboring countries, one always wonders reasons for the mosaic relationship with acquaintances from Pakistan. "Karachi Halwa' by Prabhu Dayal gives an insight into the mind-set and thought process of our neighbours from Pakistan. An interesting study and definite recommendation to all expats in this part of the world living and working with companions and colleagues from Pakistan.Also reading through references of cricket matches between India and Pakistan brought back fond memories of our Kuwait group visit to Lahore during the 'Friendship Series' of Vajpayee-Musharaf era in 2004.

I bought Karachi Halwa few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. I was sad to know about Zia and few other aspects of Pakistan but was envious to know that Mr. Dayal met Faiz Ahmed Faiz in person:). He managed to use humor even when he was describing frustrating situations he had to deal with in Pakistan. That made this book very entertaining. and yes, I agree that it is about time both the countries resolved their issues and lived in peace. He wrote it wonderfully. I would read it again and have already recommended it to my family and friends.

Personal anecdotes narrated in a breezy style. Refreshing to see the issues being discussed threadbare and author holds nothing back under the guise of diplomatic cover. Hostility, arrogance and ignorance of Pakistanis especially of their establishment towards India comes through. Sad to note that Mohenjo Daro gets hardly any recognition within Pakistan. Bottom line ... Karachi Halwa is a very tasty treat thanks to the Master Chef or Halwai who has recounted many tales sweetly.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book - and whether I would understand everything, not being of the same generation at the author. However, it was such an easy read, that I absolutely loved it. It was hilarious and I thoroughly enjoyed all the little anecdotes. All the little illustrations were pretty cool too - a great little read - highly recommend it. Looking forward to the next book!

A frank and uniquely insightful look at the relationship between India and Pakistan, including how Zia's military rule influenced it. The book is filled with events from the author's life including interactions with prominent people and details which few others could have provided. It is written in a casual style making it suitable for light-reading and yet remains very informative, educational and stimulating.

An extremely enjoyable read. The book is filled with detailed accounts of Zia's reign that only few would have known. There is lighthearted and witty humor throughout that I found very entertaining. I would recommend this to anyone looking to learn more about the evolution of Pakistan to its current state as well some history of India-Pakistan and US-Pakistan relationships.

After reading Karachi Halwa one is left without doubt Pakistan is not only a backward state. There are states within states and the deep state is dangerous where lives don't matter, though I could not see a clearly delineated the deep state's unmistakably clear objectives and goals and if they are, they are secondary to personal desires and egos. The cloak and dagger games are still the prewar dimensions, not that the purpose, objective and allegiances have become different, they are followed and priced open with more intelligence and subtlety. The old Regan Administration and its close and snug fit with ISI continues. It seems that Pakistan can do anything against the mighty UD and get away, so close are the ties between American intelligence and Pakistan's spy organizations and the army. What struck me was that some powerful Pakistani spies created themselves with little help from the ISI. One cannot but be struck with number of small spy outfits running their own networks and games. O cannot imagine them in any modern democratic society. In the final analysis there is drama, intrigue, double and triple crossing, suspense and greed, a backdrop that makes for a racy read.

> > I read this book karachi halwa.it is very very interesting. success of a book is judged when you start reading a book and don't want to leave it tillyou finish and if you have to leave it for some unavoidable reason , you are in search of first opportunity to read next pages of the book from where you left.in fact , there is impatience in back up of mind to finish reading of this book on top priority. your book has interesting contents as well as narration and writing style are reader friendly .it connects with reader.i have been very curious about life in pakistan and of thinking of Pakistanileaders and elite about us indians and your book gave me idea of the same.some of of the incidents are carrying element of humour also.i tried to visit pakistan but people discouraged me.Highly recommend this book!Satya Prakash. IRTS.

Sometimes, I ponder if India and Pakistan can be united again! Then I realized if that has to happen, it would have happened during Indian Rebellion of 1857 and we would be free from British but then would be back under Mughal rule.So, this was the fate of two countries to be independent and separate without peace.And to make matter worse, Pakistan wants to avenge creation of Bangladesh.

The book is a humorous and vivid account of life in Pakistan with specific focus on zia-ul-haq. If you would want to have a short read and understand Pakistan, this is the book to go for. It will surely leave you yearning for more.

The portions of the book which are anecdotes from the author's posting in Karachi are very readable. On the contrary, the epilogue and other portions where he tries to analyse foreign policy are terribly boring.