What a circus! This morning when Dr. Ayesha’s book Military Inc was to be launched at the Islamabad Club, we were told that the reservation has been cancelled. All the hotels of Islamabad were ordered not to give space. After running around the city trying to find a place, Lead Pakistan’s office was chosen as the venue. Hats off to LEAD Pakistan for coming through.
Inspite of all the efforts to disrupt the launch, the book launching was a hit. The mike didn’t work, most of the people were standing, there was no proper stage for the speakers, the ACs also ceased to work when more than two hundred people were cramped inside a small hall , but still the launch was successful. As Dr. Ayesha said , “ I am extremely well connected. I asked the khakis to impose a ban on the book launching so that I can get all of you people interested in buying the book!”
As we ran from pillar to post in the morning trying to find a venue… when we kept the new venue a secret right upto an hour before the launch, we kept reminding ourselves that this is not Zia’s Pakistan. But perhaps it is .
Dr. Ayesha said it all when she said ,“ This book is not against the Army. It is about the Army written for the wretched of my land. It is written by me for me and you so that we can ponder over where we are going. “