Stolen Stripes and Broken Medals is a true account of the life of a Pakistani naval officer who despite reaching the star ranks and with outstanding record of service had to prematurely say good bye to his long career. In fact those achievements created enemies who ultimately staged the fatal conspiracy when he was at the pinnacle of his career and was just about to get his second star. The title of this book reflects as to how his hard earned stripes were stolen and his medals broken by no one other than the top brass of the Navy since he had refused to tell a lie to safeguard their personal interests. This book tells the story of his long naval career which was full of adventures, challenges, and achievements and of course the due recognition which he had earned through sheer hard work and dedication to the service. This is an eye opening account for those who want to see as to what happens to those who are upright and honest but without any backing in a country like Pakistan. It also reflects on what happens behind the close doors of the top leadership in the Armed Forces, who are trusted with nations' sacred duty. It is for the first time that someone has taken such a bold step to touch the untouchable, apprising his nation and those in the helm of affairs, expecting some positive outcome.

Pakistan has been subjected to numerous pulls an pressures since its independence. Despite being part of the US-led alliances, Pakistan was dismembered in 1971. With the end of the Cold War, the situation has gone from bad to worse and even after a long period of existence Pakistan's security remains threatened by the adversary. Consequently Pakistan has to spend much more on defence than her resources permitting. The only plausible way out for Pakistan is to look for Friends near Home who could act as the relief zones to off-set the potential threat and provide all possible assistance to safeguard her strategic security interests. Friends Near Home presents the realistic perspective, analysis and aspirations by someone from the soil which should interest the civilians as well as those in uniform. Focussing on Pakistan's strategic security options, the thesis succinctly examines the politico-strategic and maritime environment of the region which includes South Asia, South-West Asia and Central Asia with special reference to the North-West Indian Ocean Region milieu. The author has made a positive effort to analyse the viability and efficacy of the regional states i.e. Friends near Home, with a view to enhance Pakistan's security parameters. All this reflects author's vision of Pakistan into 21st Century and beyond. This book also presents the guiding principles for the regional as well as extra regional countries. Some bold thoughts and recommendations suggested in this book could serve as the stabilizing factors for the region and ultimately contributing towards the world peace and stability. Expansion of the Gulf Cooperation Council leading to the establishment of the EnlargedEconomic Cooperation Organisation is one such realistic but challenging proposition. Pakistan's envisaged maritime orientation should conveniently help attainment of this difficult but achievable objective. Those in power should carry this vision to the testing grounds for the sake of a promising future ushering a new era of cooperation and development in this resource-rich region, and striving together for world peace and stability.