Dying to Serve: Militarism, Affect, and the Politics of Sacrifice in the Pakistan Army

South Asia in Motion

by Maria Rashid

The Pakistan Army is a uniquely powerful and influential institution, with vast landholdings and resources. It has deep roots in the colonial armed forces and relies heavily on certain regions to supply its soldiers, especially parts of rural Punjab, where men have served in the army for generations. These men, their wives and mothers, and the military culture surrounding them are the focus of Maria Rashid's Dying to Serve, which innovatively and sensitively addresses the how does the military thrive when so much of its work results in injury, debility, and death? Taking ritual commemorations of fallen soldiers as one critical site of study, Rashid argues that these "spectacles of mourning" are careful manipulations of affect, gendered and structured by the military to reinforce its omnipotence in the lives of its subjects. Grounding her study in the famed martial district of Chakwal, Rashid finds affect similarly deployed in recruitment and training practices, as well as management of death and compensation to families. She contends that understanding these affective technologies is crucial to challenging the appeal of the military institution globally.

Genres: Pakistan, Nonfiction, Politics, Anthropology, War, Sociology, History

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2020

Reviews

[Sohail Babar]

Most biased piece of writing, i ever came across. Baseless and alleged criticism of celebrated act of sacrifice reflects nothing but devoid of soul. Stooping too low to defame motherland's martyrs is an act of betryal. There is no doubt that the writer will be ready to sell her everything for few pennies. I urge you to read divine message about Shahdat and introspect your inner thoughts to get the underlying truth. Rest your rotten materialistic gains will resonate your agonies on deathbed.
A total crap and worst book ever . 0/5

[Sanaa'i Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A monumental sociological and feminist text.

[Mudassir Ajmal · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is not A Book but a propaganda Manuscript intended to tarnish image of Pak Army globally in general and to India in particular. This piece of crap seems to be a personal vendetta of the author against Pak Army. Author albeit a Pakistani National and a wards Army Offrs; is advised not to spread despair and sow revoltic sentiments among pak masses including rank & files of Pak Armed Forces.
Each and every account or chapter is a half truth story presented that too out of context, just to suite her evil and malicious agenda.
Please do not make mockery of the deceased soldiers (irrespective of the country they belonged) by writing bullshit like this book.
An Urdu phrase (Jis Thaali me sari zindagi khaya, osee me chhaid ) meaning " by writing this book Author has purportedly, revolted against the very same institution under whose patronage, she was fed and grown up by her father".

Army of Pakistan or another Country is built around just to secure territorial and ideological boundaries of her country at any cost.
Ostensibly, The sole purpose of writing this book seems to appease author's masters residing accros the border i.e. India.

[Musa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving and compelling account of soldiering in modern, national armies. Only a discerning reader will look past the hallmark stereotype and truly understand the meaning behind the writing.

[Vineeth Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. Splits open Pak Army, its soldiers, and the Army’s self aggrandisement of its own soldier martyrdom to maintain its relevance in Pak polity.

[Zubair Ashraf · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s like dissecting the Military Procedures, than pinning it on the Pak Military and writing a critique based on assumptions and generalisations.
A biased piece of writing with factual inaccuracies and tilt towards an extreme that opposes the Military!

[Manraj Sohi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read. How pak military sustains itself & militarism. Well researched, case study based on first hand interaction in chakwal district. While the case is of Pakistan but it applies equally to all nation states. I loved reading it

[Genevieve Guerra · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you are interested in the military this is a mist read.

[Namita Barthwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.claws.in/dying-to-serve-m...

[Sagarika · Rating 5 out of 5]

no complaints, beautifully written book, i loved it.