If I were to make up a list of ten novels from Pakistan and India—and I want to say Pakistan and India, not Pakistan or India—Zaheda would be at the top of this list. At a time when our two countries are again building hatred towards each other, and thwarting all attempts by people to build friendships, I, as an Indian woman, am both proud and honoured to be asked to write a short note to introduce the work of my friend Zaheda Hina, a woman and a Pakistani.