Honour Among Spies By Asad Durrani | Author Speaks

[muhammadhafeezmalik]

In May 2018, a book was published that set off a perfect storm in the intelligence circles in the subcontinent. What made The Spy Chronicles unusual was that two of its authors, A.S. Dulat and Asad Durrani, co-writing with journalist Aditya Sinha, had headed their respective spy agencies – Dulat had been chief of India’s RAW, and Lt Gen. Durrani of Pakistan’s ISI. The fallout of the book would result in Lt Gen. Durrani being put on the exit control list and having his pension revoked.
His latest book, Honour Among Spies, is a fictional account of a spy who is sent out into the cold, but one that reflects all too accurately the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. Read this Q&A with the man himself to find out more:




Could you give us an overview of what Honour Among Spies is all about?


Essentially about the events that followed the appearance of Spy Chronicles in May 2018 – and how they guided me to understand the rancor some in the military hierarchy had been harbouring against me for the last many years.
Their objections to my second book merely confirmed that the two books merely provided them the pretext to settle some old scores.
There is plenty in the book that didn’t happen, but may in some form in the future – the court scenes for example.
Fictional meetings with the foreign intelligence agents were more to establish a link with both the books – but importantly also with the drop scene on OBL.


After two works of non-fiction, what prompted you to gravitate towards writing fiction this time?


Number of reasons: much of it is assessment that cannot be proven if someone were to take a legal recourse; without some padding a wholesome book could not be written; a fictional account provides more flexibility; and indeed to spice up the narrative.


One aspect of the story is that it reflects the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. How much of you and your experience is mirrored in the book?


This is probably the most important reason – along with the need to reassure my co-author, Mr. Dulat, that it wasn’t the joint venture (his idea) that landed me in trouble – for writing this book. It largely reflects my career, experience and outlook . The chapter on the female Obama is based almost entirely on actual events.


Your last book, The Spy Chronicles, kicked up quite a storm two years ago in India and in Pakistan. The fallout for you was heavy, with your pension being revoked and you being put on the exit control list. Are you expecting similar backlash following the publication of Honour Among Spies too?


No idea; it may be ignored, or create a heavier storm. But getting the truth out overweighed the costs of any negative consequences.


The Pakistan government has now reportedly restored your pension, which had been revoked earlier following the publication of The Spy Chronicles. Do you feel a sense of vindication – and does it give you the confidence that your critics don’t have firm ground to stand on?


Restoration of pension was no big deal. The court case is actually about the legitimacy of the process and the GHQ’s jurisdiction – both the points amply highlighted in the novel. This was also the statement I made publicly.


Having now tried your hand at both, which do you think is the bigger challenge – writing fiction or non-fiction?


Writing fiction was great fun, but I would rather stick to my time-tested practice of making assessments of events relating to my experience and expertise.


What are you currently working on?


Reading more, writing random articles on day to day developments, but also thinking about the framework of the next book.

A Q&A with Asad Durrani | Honour Among Spies - HarperCollins Publishers India

Vikram Sood's latest book, Honour Among Spies, is a fictional account of a spy who is sent out into the cold, but one that reflects all too accurately the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. Read this Q&A with the man himself to find out more.

harpercollins.co.in

He used fictional names in the book but similarities are clear.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329512359786844165

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329508768472772609

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329507068634689539

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329669316292136964

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329679948194455552

https://twitter.com/krishnDG/status/1328317836842831872

The Pakistan government has now reportedly restored his pension, which had been revoked earlier following the publication of The Spy Chronicles.

 

[Ahmet Pasha]

This Uncle property dealer has become a security risk for Pakistan. Just removing his retirement money and DHA plot is not enough. Make an example out of this Uncle.

 

[TheSnakeEatingMarkhur]

In May 2018, a book was published that set off a perfect storm in the intelligence circles in the subcontinent. What made The Spy Chronicles unusual was that two of its authors, A.S. Dulat and Asad Durrani, co-writing with journalist Aditya Sinha, had headed their respective spy agencies – Dulat had been chief of India’s RAW, and Lt Gen. Durrani of Pakistan’s ISI. The fallout of the book would result in Lt Gen. Durrani being put on the exit control list and having his pension revoked.
His latest book, Honour Among Spies, is a fictional account of a spy who is sent out into the cold, but one that reflects all too accurately the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. Read this Q&A with the man himself to find out more:




Could you give us an overview of what Honour Among Spies is all about?


Essentially about the events that followed the appearance of Spy Chronicles in May 2018 – and how they guided me to understand the rancor some in the military hierarchy had been harbouring against me for the last many years.
Their objections to my second book merely confirmed that the two books merely provided them the pretext to settle some old scores.
There is plenty in the book that didn’t happen, but may in some form in the future – the court scenes for example.
Fictional meetings with the foreign intelligence agents were more to establish a link with both the books – but importantly also with the drop scene on OBL.


After two works of non-fiction, what prompted you to gravitate towards writing fiction this time?


Number of reasons: much of it is assessment that cannot be proven if someone were to take a legal recourse; without some padding a wholesome book could not be written; a fictional account provides more flexibility; and indeed to spice up the narrative.


One aspect of the story is that it reflects the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. How much of you and your experience is mirrored in the book?


This is probably the most important reason – along with the need to reassure my co-author, Mr. Dulat, that it wasn’t the joint venture (his idea) that landed me in trouble – for writing this book. It largely reflects my career, experience and outlook . The chapter on the female Obama is based almost entirely on actual events.


Your last book, The Spy Chronicles, kicked up quite a storm two years ago in India and in Pakistan. The fallout for you was heavy, with your pension being revoked and you being put on the exit control list. Are you expecting similar backlash following the publication of Honour Among Spies too?


No idea; it may be ignored, or create a heavier storm. But getting the truth out overweighed the costs of any negative consequences.


The Pakistan government has now reportedly restored your pension, which had been revoked earlier following the publication of The Spy Chronicles. Do you feel a sense of vindication – and does it give you the confidence that your critics don’t have firm ground to stand on?


Restoration of pension was no big deal. The court case is actually about the legitimacy of the process and the GHQ’s jurisdiction – both the points amply highlighted in the novel. This was also the statement I made publicly.


Having now tried your hand at both, which do you think is the bigger challenge – writing fiction or non-fiction?


Writing fiction was great fun, but I would rather stick to my time-tested practice of making assessments of events relating to my experience and expertise.


What are you currently working on?


Reading more, writing random articles on day to day developments, but also thinking about the framework of the next book.

A Q&A with Asad Durrani | Honour Among Spies - HarperCollins Publishers India

Vikram Sood's latest book, Honour Among Spies, is a fictional account of a spy who is sent out into the cold, but one that reflects all too accurately the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. Read this Q&A with the man himself to find out more.

harpercollins.co.in

View attachment 689571
He used fictional names in the book but similarities are clear.

View attachment 689572

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329512359786844165

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329508768472772609

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329507068634689539

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329669316292136964

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329679948194455552

https://twitter.com/krishnDG/status/1328317836842831872

The Pakistan government has now reportedly restored his pension, which had been revoked earlier following the publication of The Spy Chronicles.

He went against code of conduct... like he went against his oath when he was in ISI

 

[muhammadhafeezmalik]

This Uncle property dealer has become a security risk for Pakistan. Just removing his retirement money and DHA plot is not enough. Make an example out of this Uncle.

That was an eye-wash, The Pakistan government has now reportedly restored his pension, which had been revoked earlier following the publication of The Spy Chronicles.

He went against code of conduct... like he went against his oath when he was in ISI

Will the government of Pakistan initiate a case against him or will SHO Shahdra will file an FIR against him??

 

[Zarvan]

This Uncle property dealer has become a security risk for Pakistan. Just removing his retirement money and DHA plot is not enough. Make an example out of this Uncle.

First bother to prove he has a plot in DHA. It's people who are blinded by bias and liberal propaganda are real danger to Pakistan.

 

[Signalian]

First bother to prove he has a plot in DHA. It's people who are blinded by bias and liberal propaganda are real danger to Pakistan.

Brig and above are entitled plots in DHA by army. Thats the price these officers pay for getting posted every two years in different areas of Pakistan -from Siachen to Gwadar. They and their families have to learn to adapt in new city or town like this and the schooling of their kids affected. In some cities they dont get official residence and have to go through a lengthy process to requisition a house for their family, sometimes paying some amount of money from their own pocket also- and yes this happens with serving brigadiers also in Rawalpindi too.

The DHA plot doesn't come free for officer at the end of the day, neither does the entitled house at retirement or any other plot. The DSOP fund that is sort of compulsory saving for every officer is filled up through cuttings from his salary from all his years of service. in 99% of cases, all the DSOP fund saving goes towards the payment of his house at the end of retirement. As an example, if the officer saved Rs 20 lacs from his DSOP fund in 25 years of service, he will get his retirement house when he pays the remaining amount he owes on the house, which maybe 15 lacs or 18 lacs. so the saving is gone. Similarly, the DHA plot is also cut from his salary or paid lump sum if he wishes too. He gets the plot cheap though.

Those members who complain on this forum about DHA plots have not got plots in DHA so they need a medium to take out their sheer ignorance and frustration. These members wouldn't have survived one day in uniform, listening to their CO's or taking orders without complaining from superiors for 20 or 30 years. Nor do these members have the courage to spend a day at the border or LOC with troops on frontlines while their family is stacked up in a one room apartment (as in case of FCNA officers quarters in Skardu and Gilgit).

I don't know if Colonels or below get DHA plots, but there will always be elements in our society (just as disgruntled members on this forum) who would want a cheap DHA plot but will not wish to wear uniform, follow orders like a robot for 25 years and be prepared to lay down their life when required. Such members will spend their lives pointing out that senior Army officers are getting DHA plots and out of helplessness they can do nothing about it. This is the life such members choose to live themselves.

In May 2018, a book was published that set off a perfect storm in the intelligence circles in the subcontinent. What made The Spy Chronicles unusual was that two of its authors, A.S. Dulat and Asad Durrani, co-writing with journalist Aditya Sinha, had headed their respective spy agencies – Dulat had been chief of India’s RAW, and Lt Gen. Durrani of Pakistan’s ISI. The fallout of the book would result in Lt Gen. Durrani being put on the exit control list and having his pension revoked.
His latest book, Honour Among Spies, is a fictional account of a spy who is sent out into the cold, but one that reflects all too accurately the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. Read this Q&A with the man himself to find out more:




Could you give us an overview of what Honour Among Spies is all about?


Essentially about the events that followed the appearance of Spy Chronicles in May 2018 – and how they guided me to understand the rancor some in the military hierarchy had been harbouring against me for the last many years.
Their objections to my second book merely confirmed that the two books merely provided them the pretext to settle some old scores.
There is plenty in the book that didn’t happen, but may in some form in the future – the court scenes for example.
Fictional meetings with the foreign intelligence agents were more to establish a link with both the books – but importantly also with the drop scene on OBL.


After two works of non-fiction, what prompted you to gravitate towards writing fiction this time?


Number of reasons: much of it is assessment that cannot be proven if someone were to take a legal recourse; without some padding a wholesome book could not be written; a fictional account provides more flexibility; and indeed to spice up the narrative.


One aspect of the story is that it reflects the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. How much of you and your experience is mirrored in the book?


This is probably the most important reason – along with the need to reassure my co-author, Mr. Dulat, that it wasn’t the joint venture (his idea) that landed me in trouble – for writing this book. It largely reflects my career, experience and outlook . The chapter on the female Obama is based almost entirely on actual events.


Your last book, The Spy Chronicles, kicked up quite a storm two years ago in India and in Pakistan. The fallout for you was heavy, with your pension being revoked and you being put on the exit control list. Are you expecting similar backlash following the publication of Honour Among Spies too?


No idea; it may be ignored, or create a heavier storm. But getting the truth out overweighed the costs of any negative consequences.


The Pakistan government has now reportedly restored your pension, which had been revoked earlier following the publication of The Spy Chronicles. Do you feel a sense of vindication – and does it give you the confidence that your critics don’t have firm ground to stand on?


Restoration of pension was no big deal. The court case is actually about the legitimacy of the process and the GHQ’s jurisdiction – both the points amply highlighted in the novel. This was also the statement I made publicly.


Having now tried your hand at both, which do you think is the bigger challenge – writing fiction or non-fiction?


Writing fiction was great fun, but I would rather stick to my time-tested practice of making assessments of events relating to my experience and expertise.


What are you currently working on?


Reading more, writing random articles on day to day developments, but also thinking about the framework of the next book.

A Q&A with Asad Durrani | Honour Among Spies - HarperCollins Publishers India

Vikram Sood's latest book, Honour Among Spies, is a fictional account of a spy who is sent out into the cold, but one that reflects all too accurately the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. Read this Q&A with the man himself to find out more.

harpercollins.co.in

View attachment 689571
He used fictional names in the book but similarities are clear.

View attachment 689572

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329512359786844165

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329508768472772609

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329507068634689539

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329669316292136964

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329679948194455552

https://twitter.com/krishnDG/status/1328317836842831872

The Pakistan government has now reportedly restored his pension, which had been revoked earlier following the publication of The Spy Chronicles.

He looks like " Spooky " from Commandos game

 

[Ahmet Pasha]

Brig and above are entitled plots in DHA by army. Thats the price these officers pay for getting posted every two years in different areas of Pakistan -from Siachen to Gwadar. They and their families have to learn to adapt in new city or town like this and the schooling of their kids affected. In some cities they dont get official residence and have to go through a lengthy process to requisition a house for their family, sometimes paying some amount of money from their own pocket also- and yes this happens with serving brigadiers also in Rawalpindi too.

The DHA plot doesn't come free for officer at the end of the day, neither does the entitled house at retirement or any other plot. The DSOP fund that is sort of compulsory saving for every officer is filled up through cuttings from his salary from all his years of service. in 99% of cases, all the DSOP fund saving goes towards the payment of his house at the end of retirement. As an example, if the officer saved Rs 20 lacs from his DSOP fund in 25 years of service, he will get his retirement house when he pays the remaining amount he owes on the house, which maybe 15 lacs or 18 lacs. so the saving is gone. Similarly, the DHA plot is also cut from his salary or paid lump sum if he wishes too. He gets the plot cheap though.

Those members who complain on this forum about DHA plots have not got plots in DHA so they need a medium to take out their sheer ignorance and frustration. These members wouldn't have survived one day in uniform, listening to their CO's or taking orders without complaining from superiors for 20 or 30 years. Nor do these members have the courage to spend a day at the border or LOC with troops on frontlines while their family is stacked up in a one room apartment (as in case of FCNA officers quarters in Skardu and Gilgit).

I don't know if Colonels or below get DHA plots, but there will always be elements in our society (just as disgruntled members on this forum) who would want a cheap DHA plot but will not wish to wear uniform, follow orders like a robot for 25 years and be prepared to lay down their life when required. Such members will spend their lives pointing out that senior Army officers are getting DHA plots and out of helplessness they can do nothing about it. This is the life such members choose to live themselves.

He looks like " Spooky " from Commandos game

Whatever dude but this Uncle has gone rogue. He will severly hurt Pakistani interests one day. DHA plot or not.

 

[CatSultan]

he absolutely destroyed mehdi in this interview

 

[Ahmet Pasha]

he absolutely destroyed mehdi in this interview

No he damaged our stance. He said all the wrong things.

 

[Itachi]

In May 2018, a book was published that set off a perfect storm in the intelligence circles in the subcontinent. What made The Spy Chronicles unusual was that two of its authors, A.S. Dulat and Asad Durrani, co-writing with journalist Aditya Sinha, had headed their respective spy agencies – Dulat had been chief of India’s RAW, and Lt Gen. Durrani of Pakistan’s ISI. The fallout of the book would result in Lt Gen. Durrani being put on the exit control list and having his pension revoked.
His latest book, Honour Among Spies, is a fictional account of a spy who is sent out into the cold, but one that reflects all too accurately the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. Read this Q&A with the man himself to find out more:




Could you give us an overview of what Honour Among Spies is all about?


Essentially about the events that followed the appearance of Spy Chronicles in May 2018 – and how they guided me to understand the rancor some in the military hierarchy had been harbouring against me for the last many years.
Their objections to my second book merely confirmed that the two books merely provided them the pretext to settle some old scores.
There is plenty in the book that didn’t happen, but may in some form in the future – the court scenes for example.
Fictional meetings with the foreign intelligence agents were more to establish a link with both the books – but importantly also with the drop scene on OBL.


After two works of non-fiction, what prompted you to gravitate towards writing fiction this time?


Number of reasons: much of it is assessment that cannot be proven if someone were to take a legal recourse; without some padding a wholesome book could not be written; a fictional account provides more flexibility; and indeed to spice up the narrative.


One aspect of the story is that it reflects the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. How much of you and your experience is mirrored in the book?


This is probably the most important reason – along with the need to reassure my co-author, Mr. Dulat, that it wasn’t the joint venture (his idea) that landed me in trouble – for writing this book. It largely reflects my career, experience and outlook . The chapter on the female Obama is based almost entirely on actual events.


Your last book, The Spy Chronicles, kicked up quite a storm two years ago in India and in Pakistan. The fallout for you was heavy, with your pension being revoked and you being put on the exit control list. Are you expecting similar backlash following the publication of Honour Among Spies too?


No idea; it may be ignored, or create a heavier storm. But getting the truth out overweighed the costs of any negative consequences.


The Pakistan government has now reportedly restored your pension, which had been revoked earlier following the publication of The Spy Chronicles. Do you feel a sense of vindication – and does it give you the confidence that your critics don’t have firm ground to stand on?


Restoration of pension was no big deal. The court case is actually about the legitimacy of the process and the GHQ’s jurisdiction – both the points amply highlighted in the novel. This was also the statement I made publicly.


Having now tried your hand at both, which do you think is the bigger challenge – writing fiction or non-fiction?


Writing fiction was great fun, but I would rather stick to my time-tested practice of making assessments of events relating to my experience and expertise.


What are you currently working on?


Reading more, writing random articles on day to day developments, but also thinking about the framework of the next book.

A Q&A with Asad Durrani | Honour Among Spies - HarperCollins Publishers India

Vikram Sood's latest book, Honour Among Spies, is a fictional account of a spy who is sent out into the cold, but one that reflects all too accurately the predicament of a distinguished officer fighting to protect his reputation. Read this Q&A with the man himself to find out more.

harpercollins.co.in

View attachment 689571
He used fictional names in the book but similarities are clear.

View attachment 689572

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329512359786844165

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329508768472772609

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329507068634689539

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329669316292136964

https://twitter.com/x/status/1329679948194455552

https://twitter.com/krishnDG/status/1328317836842831872

The Pakistan government has now reportedly restored his pension, which had been revoked earlier following the publication of The Spy Chronicles.

For someone who was the head of ISI once.......co-authoring a book with your rival was a stupid move...

The Indians used the book and milked it. How could this old geezer not see that coming.

 

[Norwegian]

The Pakistan government has now reportedly restored his pension, which had been revoked earlier following the publication of The Spy Chronicles.

Case is still in court

How could this old geezer not see that coming.

Because he headed the bestest spy agency in the world.

 

[Itachi]

Because he headed the bestest spy agency in the world.

Is this sarcasm that I detect?

 

[muhammadhafeezmalik]

Case is still in court

Because he headed the bestest spy agency in the world.

The government has restored the pension of the former director general of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) retired Lt Gen Asad Durrani, he told the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday.


However, Mr Durrani also asked the court to seek an explanation from the government as to why his pension was suspended.

Govt has restored pension to former ISI head, LHC told

Durrani asks court to seek an explanation from the government as to why his pension was suspended.

www.dawn.com

 

[Norwegian]

Is this sarcasm that I detect?

Of course

 

[maverick1977]

i am of a different opinion, that Gen Durrani was allowed to write a book, for ISI publicity and to give a human face to ISI..
Indians make a big deal out of everything, they by design are speculative people, such people have fear of even a spider or an ant, and hence, their gods..