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.
Teaser 2
‘Afghanistan Claims Half of Pakistan’ Zafar Hilaly
Former Ambassador of Pakistan Zafar Hilaly discusses the historical and diplomatic roots of Afghanistan’s claims related to Pakistan, explaining how these positions shaped bilateral relations over the decades.
This exclusive conversation is part of Rava Documentary Films’ upcoming documentary, Where Time Speaks, a deep dive into regional politics, diplomacy, and strategic realities.
Teaser 3
Former Ambassador Zafar Hilaly reflects on key moments in Pakistan’s political history in the upcoming documentary series Where Time Speaks. From Pervez Musharraf’s plane landing incident to the balance of power between the Prime Minister and the Army, and Benazir Bhutto’s time in office, the series revisits moments that shaped the country’s political landscape.
More coming soon in Where Time Speaks by Rava Documentary Films, featuring Zafar Hilaly.
Promo - EP 01
Where Time Speaks, featuring Zafar Hilaly, begins with reflections on his early life and the historic moments that shaped Pakistan’s political and diplomatic journey.
Episode 1 touches on the origins of Pakistan–China relations, Operation Gibraltar, and the events surrounding the Fall of Dhaka in 1971, pivotal moments that continue to influence the region.
Promo - EP 02
In Episode 2 of Where Time Speaks, Zafar Hilaly talks about a time when Pakistan’s politics were shaped by both internal decisions and the wider Cold War.
Pakistan’s relationship with the United States and the Soviet Union is discussed in this episode.
These global pressures are also seen alongside domestic leadership, beginning from the era of Ayub Khan to the governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
Promo - EP 03
Episode 03 of Where Time Speaks covers Zafar Hilaly’s time as the Special Secretary (Foreign Affairs) to then Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
He shares his experience of working with her and his time in the Foreign Office.
The episode looks at how the Foreign Office functioned during the 1990s, and how key diplomatic decisions were made under Benazir Bhutto’s leadership.
Promo - EP 04
The conversation with Zafar Hilaly continues in Where Time Speaks as Episode 04 focuses on the sensitive issue of Pakistan–Israel relations.
- Can Pakistan recognize Israel?
- What hidden costs could the country face if it chooses to do so?
- And can the Government of Pakistan manage the internal political pressure that such a decision would bring?
In this episode, former diplomat Zafar Hilaly shares his perspective on the Israel recognition debate, drawing from decades of diplomatic experience.