Between Dreams and Realities: Some Milestones in Pakistan's History

by Sartaj Aziz

The political history of Pakistan is an illuminating record of the milestones and turning points that this nation has faced since its inception. In this comprehensive book, Sartaz Aziz explores the basic causes of the failure of democracy in Pakistan and proposes that only a genuine democratic dispensation -- not military rule with a civilian facade -- can ensure the country's survival as a viable federation. As Finance Minister under Nawaz Sharif and Foreign Minister during the Kargil crisis of 1999, Aziz bore witness to numerous key episodes in Pakistan's history. He was the main architect of many far-reaching reforms introduced in the early 1990s, and his retelling of the Kargil crisis is one of the most authentic and fascinating accounts of that conflict to date. In this book, he details how public policy is formulated in Pakistan and borrows from his insider's view of the Pakistan economy to argue that the vitality of a nation comes not only from economic progress and military might but also from shared values, cultural heritage and social energy.

Genres: Pakistan

350 pages, Hardcover

First published September 6, 2010

About the author

Sartaj Aziz (Urdu: سرتاج عزيز ) was a Pakistani economist and strategist who served as Senator for Islamabad and later in several Cabinet positions under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Reviews

[Aarish Khan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notwithstanding the author's bias towards Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (his political party), Its a decent account of Pakistan's political and economic history from a person who has lived it. The book has editing flaws though. There is repetition here and there. The chapters about Nawaz Sharif's second term, the Kargil conflict, and the 1999 coup are particularly interesting. Anyone who doesn't want to take another ride through the history of Pakistan, should read Chapter 10 "The Perils of a Heavy Mandate", Chapter 12 "Kargil Crisis 1999" and Chapter 13 "The Fourth Military Takeover, October 1999". The basic theme of the book is that dictatorships have been disruptive for Pakistan's politics, economy, and society, and that if democracy was left to test itself, the situation in Pakistan would have been far better. Aziz brings forth some strong arguments in favor of his assertion. Aziz writes in his concluding remarks in th book, "Irrespective of the initial reasons of any army takeover, the net impact of such takeovers has been highly negative for the strength and unity of the federation and for the growth of a sustainable political process."

[Ali Assad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sartaj Aziz makes an impressive attempt to dissect Pakistan's complex history. The author's career slides along with the inception of Pakistan. From being a member of Muslim Student Federation during independence struggle to heading the committee of FATA reforms resulting in FATA merger, Sartaj sahab takes you on a roller coaster ride of Pakistan's political evolution.

[Sanjay Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Pakistani’s perspective of the History of Pakistan from inception to Prime Ministership of Imran Khan. The author has been a bureaucrat - both in Pakistan and in organisations like FAO and then a politician and ex-Finance Minister and ex-Foreign Minister.

[Obaid Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

One expects a more neutral analysis from someone of such stature. A bit disappointed!