A highly significant diplomatic association copy, inscribed by General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq (1924-1988), President of Pakistan, to Sir Geoffrey Howe, British Foreign Secretary and later Deputy Prime Minister.
In April 1986, Sir Geoffrey Howe, then the British Foreign Secretary, officially visited Pakistan as part of a wider diplomatic trip to the South Asian subcontinent. During this state visit, he met with Pakistan's President, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, to discuss regional politics, the Soviet-Afghan War, and the growing burden of Afghan refugees. As part of the customary exchange of diplomatic gifts between heads of state and visiting dignitaries, General Zia-ul-Haq presented Sir Geoffrey Howe with a copy of Journey Through Pakistan. About the Gift
The Book: Journey Through Pakistan is a celebrated, high-quality coffee table photo-book originally published in 1982.
The Creators: The book features a detailed text written by the well-known British author Graham Hancock, alongside stunning photography by the renowned photojournalists Mohamed Amin and Duncan Willetts.
The Content: The book traces the visual and cultural landscapes of Pakistan, following the course of the Indus River from the high mountain passes of the north down through the fertile plains and historic cities. [1]
During the 1980s, the Pakistani government frequently utilized luxury, illustrated volumes like Journey Through Pakistan as official state gifts to showcase the country's rich history, geography, and tourism potential to foreign allies.
The book is inscribed to the title page is inscribed in Zia-ul-Haq's hand:
"With my very best wishes, to Sir Geoffrey Howe, M Zia Ul Haq, 02.4.86."
The book additionally bears the Geoffrey and Elspeth Howe library bookplate, firmly establishing its provenance from the personal library of one of the most influential British statesmen of the late twentieth century.
Sir Geoffrey Howe served as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from 1983 to 1989 and was a central figure in British foreign policy during the final decade of the Cold War.
President Zia-ul-Haq, Pakistan's Head of State from 1978 until his death in 1988, was one of the most consequential political leaders in South Asia during the Soviet-Afghan conflict and a pivotal ally of Western governments in the region.
The inscription, dated 2 April 1986, records a direct personal exchange between the Pakistani President and Britain's Foreign Secretary and transforms the volume from a standard illustrated work on Pakistan into an important historical artefact of Anglo-Pakistani diplomatic relations.
An unusually desirable political association copy linking two major international statesmen at the height of their public careers.
Condition: Near Fine book, Near Fine dust jacket and Near Fine publisher's slipcase. Internally clean and fresh, binding firm, the inscription bold and clear.
A scarce and historically important presentation copy with impeccable provenance.
Diplomatic presentation copy Inscribed to Britain's Foreign Secretary From the library of Sir Geoffrey and Lady Howe Cold War political association Signed by the President of Pakistan
