Page 293 - James Caan - The Real Deal

29 · Getting to Know Pakistan

know that counts, it’s who you know,’ must have been coined
about Pakistan. The social network I have established there means
I am never more than a phone call away from the person I need
to sort something out or make something happen.
In recent years I have started commercial investments in
Pakistan, as I believe supporting the economy is better for the
country than simply handing out money through charitable
initiatives. It’s an extension of the work of the HDO, and it means
I am in regular contact with the minister for human development.
On one trip, I had a really productive meeting with him in
Islamabad, and he called me up the following day.
‘It was good to talk yesterday, James. Listen, we’re having a
dinner party at the house tomorrow and I’d like you to come.’
‘Thank you for the invitation, but I’m actually visiting friends in
Karachi now.’
‘I really think you should come.’
There was something about the way he said this that made me
think I had better get back on a plane and fly to Islamabad. When
I reached his house the next evening, I couldn’t help noticing the
number of security guards present. In Pakistan, which has been run
by the military for almost a decade, seeing men on the street with
guns isn’t that uncommon, but there seemed to be more guns than
usual. It’s impossible not to have a flash of fear when you see that
many armed men. Still, I reasoned, it wasn’t that surprising given
it was a minister’s house.
There were about twenty people there when I arrived, and I was
introduced to one dignitary after another. I had been there about
twenty minutes when I turned round and saw the President walk
in! Wow! I had never been in such impressive company. Imagine
being at a private house party and having the head of state walk in.
President Musharraf wasn’t in uniform, which was how I was
used to seeing him, and he was surprisingly informal and offered
me a cigar. While we were chatting, the Prime Minister walked in.

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