What did Quaid-e-Azam deeply regret after the creation of Pakistan?
It’s a question few have dared to ask, and even fewer have answered. Between Borders: A Diplomat’s Journey takes you into the heart of this forgotten regret, as well as the most important decisions, power struggles, and quiet miscalculations that shaped Pakistan’s destiny.
In this documentary, we sat down with the Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Shamshad Ahmad Khan. A veteran diplomat who shaped Pakistan’s foreign policy during pivotal moments, including nuclear tests, peace talks, and regional cooperation. With him, we uncover how diplomacy shaped moments of nuclear crisis, regional tension, and fragile peace.
But beyond the official narratives, deeper questions linger:
What fatal errors were made by Muslim leaders before and after the Partition?
Why did those who helped create Pakistan, especially the Bengalis, ultimately choose to leave it behind and form a new nation?
Who’s to answer?
Who’s responsible for it all?
Episode 1
In the first episode of Between Borders, Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Shamshad Ahmad Khan recounts his family’s journey of Hijrat (migration) during the Partition of 1947. From narrowly escaping violence in Ambala to starting over in Lahore, this is a deeply personal reflection on the cost of freedom and the vision of Pakistan that was never fulfilled.
Episode 2
In the second episode of Between Borders: A Diplomat’s Journey, former Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmad Khan reflects on the years that followed Pakistan’s creation. From his academic life in Lahore to the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan, from Cold War politics to the Fall of East Pakistan. This is a candid recollection of how a nation’s dream slowly unraveled, one decision at a time.
Episode 3
In episode 3 of Between Borders, Shamshad Ahmad Khan shares the story of the Lahore Declaration. He talks about how it came together, what it meant for Pakistan and India, and the hope it brought at the time. We hear about Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee’s visit to Lahore. The bus journey. The meetings. The emotions on both sides. But then came Kargil. Just months after the declaration, everything fell apart.
Episode 4
In episode 4 of Between Borders: A Diplomat’s Journey, Shamshad Ahmad Khan walks us through what happened in those tense days. The internal debates. The fear of sanctions. The pressure from world powers. And the warnings that followed. He talks about the mood in Islamabad. Why the cabinet hesitated. What Nawaz Sharif was being told. And how, despite it all, the decision to go nuclear was made. Hear it from Shamshad Ahmad Khan, who was present in the middle of everything.
Episode 5
In Episode 5 of Between Borders: A Diplomat’s Journey, veteran diplomat Shamshad Ahmad Khan revisits Pakistan’s turbulent early years. While India built a constitution and unified its princely states, Pakistan cycled through eight governments in the first nine years, struggling with weak leadership, constant political change, and a lack of clear direction. Hear it from Shamshad Ahmad Khan, who was present in the middle of everything.
Episode 6
In the sixth episode of Between Borders: A Diplomat’s Journey, former Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmad Khan talks about why reform never really took hold in Pakistan. From oversized provinces and powerful bureaucrats to leaders who are reluctant to change the system, episode 6 of our documentary series examines how these forces are hindering progress and holding the country back.
