State Department advised President Clinton against visiting Pakistan, but he still did for Nawaz, reveals book
Shamim Shahid
PESHAWAR: Dr Naseem Ashraf, former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and former head of the National Commission for Human Development, has narrated in his upcoming book that the US State Department had advised President Bill Clinton against visiting Pakistan.
However, President Clinton decided to visit Pakistan to prevent the execution of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The US president also held a secret meeting with then-Chief Justice of Pakistan Irshad Hassan Khan to get an assurance that Nawaz would not be hanged.
He arrived in Pakistan for a few hours after receiving assurances from General Musharraf. Dr Ashraf expressed these thoughts in his book, “Ring Side,” which will be launched in Peshawar tomorrow, Tuesday, with additional launch events planned in various cities across Pakistan.
The book is published in Urdu under the title “Maidan-e-Amal.”
Regarding President Clinton’s visit to Pakistan, he revealed that Clinton went to the restroom during a luncheon hosted by Musharraf.
Moments later, ex-CJP Irshad also went to the restroom, where they spoke for five minutes. President Clinton asked the CJP whether Nawaz would be sentenced to death, to which Justice Hassan assured him that it would not happen.
This incident can be considered a significant and eye-opening historical event.
Dr Ashraf noted that Dr Musadik Malik, a member of Shahbaz Sharif’s cabinet, left a lucrative job in the US to return to Pakistan and work in human development, emphasising that he is a highly patriotic Pakistani.
He described former prime minister Imran Khan’s 2019 visit to the US as successful, stating it strengthened Pakistan-US relations.
Dr Ashraf recounted a meeting he had with former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh during General Musharraf’s visit to India, during which Singh confirmed that he had sent two tons of gold to the Bank of England to secure a loan, as he was not in favour of going to the IMF.
From the loan obtained from the Bank of England, he initiated a new economic policy in India.
Dr Ashraf wrote about Khan’s ex-wife, Jemima Khan, stating that she sacrificed everything for Pakistan and is a commendable humanitarian.
He regards the National Commission for Human Development as one of his great achievements, noting its significant role in promoting education and alleviating poverty.
However, as chairman, he faced numerous challenges, even contemplating resignation at one point. The programme’s success can be gauged by the fact that Tony Blair’s son, Nicholas Blair, came to Pakistan specifically for an internship.
On Pakistan-US relations, Dr Ashraf commented on several issues, asserting that the events of September 11 shook the US, which is why it targeted Afghanistan.
Nonetheless, he acknowledged that President Musharraf assured President George W Bush of full cooperation, accepting five out of seven demands. Had Pakistan not complied, it would have faced economic ruin, detrimental to national security.
Dr Ashraf clarified that Pakistanis living in the US are advocates of democracy and patriotic citizens who supported Pakistan during challenging times.
This is why, when Nawaz was ousted, protests were held for his reinstatement, advertisements were placed in newspapers, and letters were written to members of Congress and the US President, which eventually led to President Clinton’s visit to Pakistan.
As chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Dr Ashraf included his memories in the book, sharing that Younis Khan had visited then-chairman Sheryar Khan, but due to a delayed meeting, he announced his resignation before an important tour.
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