Book Review

“Pakistan At the Concurrent of History”

By
Lawrence Ziring
Presented by:

Malaika Sarfaraz 23l-6160

Hiba akhtar 23l-6148
M.Awais 23l-6115
Areej Sohail
Tayyab Tahir 23l-6118
Malaika Arif
Chapter 1: Origins and Independence

The first chapter depicting the flowering of Pakistan understands the historical groundwork for the
nation's birth. It creates a vivid picture of the historical waters of British India by staging the spheres of
influence in which that demand was made affordable. The story depicts the rebellion of the
independence movement led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the All-India Muslim League. The narrative
reveals what influenced the cultural, economic and religious varieties of the political scenario in 1947
that led to the partition of the Indian subcontinent.

The author through numerous detailed and empathetic stories constructs a true picture of the trials and
objectives experienced after its inception. From the bliss of independence to the heart-wrenching
dismemberment by partition, readers are made to experience the all-encompassing upheaval that made
the journey of a new nation an enjoyable but an overwhelming one. The partitions subtly but popously
reveals the varying perspectives on it, in turn, showing the very anxieties and aspirations of the affected
communities confronted with change in the past.

Likewise, the text focuses on the chapter critically analyzing partition's influential heritage on the
political and the society's self-concept of Pakistan. What is worth mentioning is that by developing the
themes of nation-building, tribal or social conflict, and state formation, the writer provides the readers
with unique perspective towards the difficult problems faced by the post-colonial state and its struggle
for unity among the various nationalities.

Chapter 2: Early Challenges and Nation-Building

The second chapter expatiates on the way these challenges enabled Pakistan to overcome the
immediate difficulties it faced in establishing its independence. Before the Hercules-like toil of state
building and the daunting challenge of refugee rehabilitation, this chapter explores and puts under a
microscope the myriad of issues that the newly born nation took on in its formative period.

Intricate storytelling of Pakistani politics broadly illustrates the country's defining political discourse,
from interplays between power players to debates aimed at rewriting the constitution, conversely
resulting in social and economic reforms. Providing sharp perspectives and shining historical stories, the
writer successfully brightens the contrast between centralism and autonomic regions, democracy and
military rule, secularism and islamization, in fact, all the major political issues in the country's
development process.
Consequently, this chapter of the text also provides a few vital revelations about a transcending figure in
the national life of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan who was the first Prime Minister. He gave the nation a firm
hand at a time when it got turbulent. It does not only explore the dynamics between internal and
external elements (such as the Cold War politics and the regional tensions) that have shaped Pakistan’s
foreign policy but it also looks into the different insurgencies of the state.

In short, the first couple of chapters of 'Pakistan at the Crosscurrent of Change' is a synopsis of history
through the author's interpretation of historical events with the use of theatre (scientific and literary)
and simple English. The book addresses the story of Pakistan and its past within a broader historical
context and provides the readers with the necessary background to understand what factors have
driven the nation over time. Thus, the stage is set for an interesting intellectual endeavor on current
struggles and opportunities.

Chapter 3: military and politics

In this chapter we investigate the close connection between Pakistan's military organization and its
political issues. The beginning is written to discuss the historical origins of the army's interference or
involvement in the country's politics since the Pakistani foundation or establishment. In our study, there
is an evaluation of the military rule and regimes like Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf which
focuses on the effect it had on governance and democracy.

The debate in the chapter investigates the intricacies of civil-military relations, involving the rivalry and
collaboration between civilian administrations and the military hierarchy (action). Lastly, the topic deals
with the military's functionality as a major influence not only when rule is applied directly by it but also
when it is done indirectly by it and what kind of challenges this influence poses to democratic
institutions and stability.

Ultimately, the chapter underlines that realizes that the military's function is of substantial importance
in molding the country's political structure and that it has some bearing on governance, democracy &
regional relations.

In so doing, this Crammer will be brief and summary, yet it will mostly touch upon the main issues stated
in Chapter 3 with the participation of the military in Pakistani politics.

Chapter 4: turning point-years of war

This chapter focuses on an important juncture in Pakistan's history, where, on one end, it was in
between wars internal, and on the other, a foreign one, that left a sharp imprint on the nation's course.

Introduction to Conflict: The chapter start with the main topic by presenting the general consequences
of 1970's, implied by Pakistan. Political crises, for instance, may also be the internal ones such as ethnic
struggle, separatist movement, and political unrest that are as well as external situation that might arise
because of conflicts with the neighboring states.

Indo-Pak Wars: The majority part of the chapter deals with the assessment of the Indo-Pak wars that
ensued particularly over Kashmir, power struggles in the region and the other territorial disputes. It is
for the time being this work that will showcase the root causes, outcome, and effects of these wars on
the country's internal governance, military matters, and external affairs.

The Afghan War and its Fallout: In other words, the second important topic is related to Pakistan's
participation in the war between Soviet and Afghanistan and the consequences which have followed.
The chapter talks about Pakistani assurance of the Afghan Mujahideen fighters, and the flood of Afghan
refugees into Pakistan, consequently the aggressive movements within Pakistan's borders have been
enhanced. The documentary also explores the conclusion of the tale, hence the Chapris-Taliban
conflicting role and the spreading of fundamentalism.

Internal Struggles and Political Instability: The government of Pakistan is confronted with many
problems in running that country because of terrorism which has been existent for a very long time now
and with instability. It looks at ethnic and sectarian violence, it sees how political parties and leaders are
involved and how these led to the failure of the country’s social cohesion; martial law, and rule by the
military.

The Turning Point: Earlier in the book, I contended that that time was considered as a notable turn in
the contemporary history of Pakistan. The conflict helps to shed light on the long term consequences of
the battles and the way they influenced by geopolitical, security policies and the regional dynamics.

CHAPTER : 7

DEMOCRACY AND HYPOCRISY:

The death of Zia-ul-Haq in a mysterious plane explosion marked a pivotal moment in Pakistan's history,
triggering a political vacuum and

allowing critics to openly condemn his regime's authoritarianism and manipulation of intelligence
agencies. While Zia's Islamization efforts

were touted as a return to Islamic values, they were seen by many as a guise for consolidating power
rather than genuine concern for the nation's welfare.

However, the demise of Zia did not usher in a democratic revival in Pakistan, as the country lacked a
strong democratic tradition from its inception.

The intertwined concepts of Islam and sovereignty have historically reinforced autocratic rule, with
leaders like Zia seeking absolute power under the guise

of religious legitimacy.

The idea of Islamic democracy is challenged by the historical dominance of autocratic rulers, both
theocratic and secular, in Muslim-majority countries.

Pakistan's democratic aspirations are influenced more by its diverse cultural landscape and shared
history with various religious communities than by Islamic

tradition.

Democracy, in essence, entails embracing diversity and inclusivity, a vision espoused by Mohammad Ali
Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. However,

the practical challenges and historical legacies often overshadow such ideals, shaping the course of
political actions and the nation's future.

Political revival:

After the sudden death of Zia-ul-Haq, the political landscape in Pakistan underwent significant changes.
The military junta lost its grip, creating an

opportunity for civilians to assert themselves. Ghulam Ishaq Khan, a seasoned civil servant, was swiftly
sworn in as President, tasked with stabilizing a

country torn by ideological, cultural, and economic differences.

President Ishaq declared a state of emergency and appointed General Mirza Aslam Baig as the new Chief
of the Army Staff. However, the military's influence
remained strong, leading to the formation of an emergency council composed of military and civilian
experts. Despite calls for full political party activity

by the Supreme Court, the military's role in politics persisted, especially concerning Afghanistan.

With the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, the ISI intensified efforts to influence Afghan politics,
aligning with groups like Hizb-i-Islami to establish

Islamist leadership. President Ishaq, wary of Islamic extremism, leaned towards secular politicians like
Benazir Bhutto, who won a plurality in the subsequent

elections. However, her tenure was marred by political infighting, economic challenges, and separatist
movements in provinces like Sindh.

Meanwhile, tensions rose with India over Kashmir, and Pakistan faced a new crisis when Iraq invaded
Kuwait. Benazir supported international efforts against

Saddam Hussein, but her stance angered elements within the military. Ultimately, in a swift move
orchestrated by the army and President Ishaq, Benazir was

ousted from power, marking the end of Pakistan's first experiment with female leadership and
highlighting the enduring influence of the military in the country's

politics.

CHAPTER # 8

THE EXTERNALITIES OF DOMESTIC CHANGE:

Democracy revisited?

In the turbulent political landscape of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, accused of constitutional breaches and
faced with charges of misconduct, found herself ousted

from office.

The Lahore High Court ruled in favor of dissolving the National Assembly, leading to new elections where
the IJI coalition, led by Nawaz Sharif, emerged victorious.

Sharif, a proponent of economic liberalism and Islamic values, quickly assumed office and focused on
economic stability and nuclear development. His government's
policies, however, favored the wealthy, leading to discontent among the populace.

Additionally, the enactment of the Shariat Bill raised concerns about the country's shift towards a more
theocratic state. Despite efforts to combat lawlessness

and economic challenges, Nawaz Sharif's administration faced criticism and loss of public trust, paving
the way for Benazir Bhutto's resurgence as a vocal

opposition leader.

The Afghanistan factor:

After the Soviet Union's collapse and the subsequent withdrawal of Soviet assistance, Afghanistan was
left vulnerable, leading to the swift fall of the

Communist regime under Najibullah. The country descended into chaos as various mujahiddin factions
vied for power, exacerbating ethnic tensions.

Pakistan, through its intelligence agency ISI, had historically supported Islamist forces in Afghanistan to
counter Afghan meddling in Pakistani affairs,

particularly in the NWFP and Balochistan regions. The ISI initially supported Hekmatyar's Hizb-i-Islami
faction but later faced challenges in reconciling

differences between various mujahiddin groups, especially between Pashtun and non-Pashtun factions.

General Asif Nawaz, the new army commander, attempted to mediate between these factions but had
limited control over the ISI, which favored certain factions

over others. Despite efforts by the Northern Alliance to assert Afghan autonomy and minimize Pakistani
influence, ethnic divisions continued to hinder peace

efforts in Afghanistan.

The politics of chaos:

Following the Peshawar Accord, which aimed to establish a ruling council representing all ethnic groups
in Afghanistan, tensions persisted among the

Afghan factions, particularly between Hekmatyar and Masud. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, General Asif
Nawaz's sudden death in January 1993 raised suspicions

and led to a power struggle between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Ghulam Ishaq Khan.

Amid allegations of conspiracy and intrigue surrounding Nawaz's death, Benazir Bhutto joined forces
with Ishaq against Nawaz. The situation escalated
when Ishaq dissolved the National Assembly and dismissed Nawaz's government, prompting legal
battles and deepening political chaos. The Supreme Court

eventually ruled in favor of Nawaz, but the power struggle persisted until both Nawaz and Ishaq
resigned under pressure from the military.

A caretaker government, led by Wasim Sajjad and later Moen Qureshi, was appointed to navigate
Pakistan through the crisis.

CHAPTER # 10

CHOOSING SIDES

"Choosing Sides" is a pivotal chapter within "Pakistan at the Crosscurrent of History," offering a
comprehensive exploration of the country's intricate socio-political landscape. It begins by
contextualizing Pakistan's creation in 1947 amid religious and ideological divisions following the
partition of British India. The chapter delves into the genesis of political divides, highlighting tensions
between various ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups, as well as the emergence of divergent political
parties. Central to the narrative is the recurring pattern of power struggles and military rule, shaping
governance and democracy. It also analyzes Pakistan's foreign policy dilemmas, social and economic
challenges, and the rise of religious extremism and terrorism, alongside the role of civil society and
media. Finally, it assesses prospects for progress, outlining potential strategies for overcoming
challenges and fostering sustainable development. Overall, "Choosing Sides" offers a nuanced analysis,
essential for understanding Pakistan's past, present, and future trajectories.

CHAPTER # 11

DEFINING THE FUTURE:

Chapter 11 "Defining the Future" depicts the complex political landscape in Pakistan during the early
2000s, focusing primarily upon the rule of Parvez Musharraf and his efforts to tackle down numerous
issues faced by Pakistan, including combating terrorism, promoting democracy, and managing relations
with the United States and neighboring countries like Afghanistan and India. His leadership style is
characterized by attempts to marginalize conventional parties while encouraging Pakistanis to abandon
Islamist groups. However, his methods, including constitutional amendments and political restrictions,
face opposition from political parties and civil society, who view them as undemocratic. The chapter
highlights Musharraf's struggle to balance military influence with democratic practices, as evidenced by
the establishment of the National Security Council and controversial amendments to the constitution
(i.e. the 17th amendment, which validated all the steps taken by the military regime since 1999).
Meanwhile, the government's crackdown on religious schools and terrorist organizations sparks protests
and further dividing public opinion. The text further goes in immense detail about challenges of
combating terrorism and sectarian violence, illustrated by attacks on religious minorities and foreign
tourists. Despite Musharraf's alignment with the United States in the war on terror, his administration
faces criticism and skepticism from both domestic and international parties. Amidst these challenges,
the chapter wraps up after calling for a revival of democracy and political pluralism in Pakistan,
advocating for the inclusion of all political parties in the political process. It emphasizes the need for
Pakistanis to direct their own course, acknowledging the failures of past leaders while recognizing the
nation's potential for progress and self-determination.

CHAPTER # 12

STILL ANOTHER CROSSROADS

Finally, the book concludes on chapter 12 "Still another Crossroads" which discusses the complexities
surrounding General Musharraf's efforts to stabilize Pakistan and reintroduce democratic processes. It
outlines the challenges faced during the 2002 parliamentary elections, including the rise of Islamist
parties (for example MMA) and Musharraf's strained relationship with the U.S. due to his collaboration
in the war on terrorism. The chapter explores the formation of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA), a
coalition of fundamentalist parties, and their opposition to Musharraf's government. Despite
Musharraf's attempts to consolidate power and manipulate the political situation, the elections resulted
in a fragmented parliament with no single party gaining a majority. Mir Zafrullah Khan Jamali emerged
as Prime Minister, marking a transition to civilian rule, albeit under Musharraf's influence. The chapter
also covers the subsequent Senate elections, reflecting continued political tensions and the dominance
of Musharraf's Pakistan Muslim League (Q). Overall, it portrays a nuanced picture of Pakistan's evolving
political situation and the persistent challenges facing its democratic transition.