ABOUT THE BOOK

This book is an in-depth study conducted about Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, examining the past and the current (increasingly) deteriorating political, security and economic situation. Among various facts that unfold during the course of this work, what comes to light is that, at times, the out-dated and miscalculated policies of the governments, especially those of Pakistan, have played a major role in the current disharmonious situation; that the authorities seem to be oblivious of the great potential and common opportunities/challenges that exist, if only the above-mentioned countries join hands to work in rhythm and harmony towards achieving peace and prosperity rather than tearing each other, and themselves, apart. “To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain perpetually a child. For what is the worth of a human life unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?”(Marcus).

In the course of our long history that goes back thousands of years, our region has witnessed a great past, founded by the great sons and daughters of this land. Their all-knowing vision, philosophy and thinking are still, and will remain relevant for this and other generations to come. They have left behind a legacy of great culture, tradition and values. Philosophically, Sayed Jamalludin Afghani, Alama Iqbal and Swami Vivekananda are examples, among many, who have added immense knowledge and innovation to our world. Economically, the 3,000km-long Great Trunk Road (known as the GT Road) pioneered by an Afghan Emperor Sher Shah Suri in 16th century, which links India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, is a shining example of our wisdom and potential for collective prosperity. Therefore, as a guiding principle, we must strive towards reviving and retaining the glory, which was once a way of life for us all.

ABOUT Author

Dr. Shaida Mohammad Abdali is the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Republic of India. He is also the non-resident Ambassador of Afghanistan to Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. He formerly served as the Deputy National Security Advisor and Special Assistant to the former President of Afghanistan, H.E. Hamid Karzai.

Under the leadership of President Hamid Karzai, Ambassador Abdali took part in the early resistance movement against the Taliban and its foreign supporters. In 2001, President Karzai appointed him as his Personal Secretary.

Dr. Abdali was awarded the High State Medal of Wazir Mohammed Akbar Khan in 2014 by President Karzai for his tireless and dedicated services as Deputy National Security Adviser (2009-2012), Special Assistant to the President (2001-2008), as well as for his hard efforts to further promote and expand Indo-Afghan relations as Ambassador of Afghanistan to India (2012-Present).

Internationally, he has been honoured with the CCI Technology Education Excellence Award in 2014 for initiating and promoting education ties between India and Afghanistan; the Honorary Texan Award in the United States of America; the World Green Diplomacy Award in New Delhi in 2013; a Gold Medal for fostering diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and India by Amity University; and a Life Time Achievement Award by the Lions International Club.

In 2015, Dr. Abdali received Outstanding Achievement Award as the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to India from National Defence University, United States of America; his picture has been mounted in the Hall of Fame. India International Friendship Society also honoured him with an Outstanding Achiever Award in 2015 for his excellent work in deepening the friendship ties between India and Afghanistan.

Dr. Abdali was born in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He is married, and has four children.