This explosive interview with Zafar Hilaly offers a rare look inside Pakistan’s power corridors. Born into a distinguished family that migrated with Quaid-e-Azam, Hilaly rose from Karachi schools to England’s law halls, later serving as a senior diplomat and Benazir Bhutto’s trusted advisor.
He speaks candidly on pivotal moments — the 1971 breakup, Pak-India wars, Afghan jihad, US interference, Army politics, Kargil, the Taliban era, and Musharraf’s dollar deals.
Hilaly examines ties with China, Iran, the US, and the Arab world, exposes CPEC corruption, critiques Qamar Bajwa, and praises Imran Khan for rejecting US bases.
He also reflects on migration, his marriage to Shamim Hilaly, his call for 12 provinces, and why Pakistanis continue to leave.
A bold, honest account of Pakistan’s political and diplomatic history — from someone who lived it.
Episode 1
In the first episode of Where Time Speaks, former Pakistani diplomat Zafar Hilaly reflects on his early life and the formative experiences that shaped his understanding of power, diplomacy, and history.
Beginning with the foundations of Pakistan–China relations to the strategic thinking behind Operation Gibraltar, and the events that culminated in the Fall of Dhaka in 1971, this episode traces the choices and moments that defined Pakistan’s early political and diplomatic direction.
Episode 2
Episode 2 of Where Time Speaks continues from the Fall of Dhaka, as Zafar Hilaly reflects on how the crisis unfolded and the political options that existed at the time, including the role of the Polish Resolution.
The episode also explores Pakistan’s role during the Cold War and the country’s political landscape in the years that followed, leading into the rivalry between Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif during the 1990s.
Drawing from his experience as Special Secretary for Foreign Affairs to Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Hilaly shares behind-the-scenes insights into decisions, pressures, and power dynamics that shaped this period.
Episode 3
Benazir Bhutto, the first female Muslim Prime Minister, was often seen as a symbol of courage and democracy. Zafar Hilaly served as her Special Secretary and played a key role during her government, particularly in foreign affairs.
In Episode 03 of Where Time Speaks, Zafar Hilaly shares his experience of working in the Foreign Office, discusses Benazir Bhutto’s leadership style, and reflects on the policies and decisions made during that time.
Episode 4
Episode 04 of Where Time Speaks continues the discussion on Pakistan’s foreign policy and internal political dynamics, focusing on three key themes. The episode moves from Pakistan–Iran relations to the 1999 military coup, and finally to the sensitive question of Pakistan’s recognition of Israel.
Drawing from decades of diplomatic experience, former Pakistani diplomat Zafar Hilaly shares his perspective on these issues and the forces that shaped them.
Episode 5 - The Finale
The finale of Where Time Speaks begins with a discussion on Imran Khan’s ‘Absolutely Not’, which He said to the American media as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Zafar Hilaly explains what the statement truly meant, the context behind it, and how continued American involvement has affected Pakistan’s strategic space and CPEC’s potential.
The episode then examines the reasons behind Imran Khan’s imprisonment, questioning how corruption charges are pursued in Pakistan and contrasting this with China’s approach to accountability.
In this final segment, Zafar Hilaly addresses Karachi’s deep-rooted infrastructure and governance failures, comparing its treatment with Punjab’s development model, and delivers a candid message to overseas Pakistanis, drawing from decades of diplomatic experience.
