Working With Zia

Pakistan's Power Politics 1977-1988

The book narrates the fall of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto;s government and the rise to power of General Ziaul Haq. It analyses the various facets of Zia's personality, and focuses on the main historical events of the era.

Referring to Shahi's telegram, Alvie conveyed the instructions in Urdu. He said, '
Ap Security Council mein janay ke liye koi qaddam nauthaen. Mazeed hidayat ka
intizar karen. Aglay chhatees ghanton mein kuch honay wala hai.'M (Do not take
any step to approach the Security Council. Await further instructions. Something
will happen within the next 36 hours.) The 'thirty-six hours' enigma was also
reflected in the signal message sent by President Yahya to the Governor East
Pakistan ...