Political Conflict in Pakistan

by Mohammad Waseem

Political Conflict in Pakistan addresses the issue of political instability in the country. While Pakistan is moving into the second decade of the 21st century, its long-standing conflicts have acquired a new level of intensity and brutality. This not only threatens the sovereign existence of the country but also demonstrates its potential of destabilizing the regional order. The book brings out the dynamics of conflict in the state and society and explores the potential for conflict transformation in the foreseeable future. Combining a high standard of scholarship, awareness of the full range of scholarly work on Pakistan, and an understanding of the dynamics of day-to-day politics, this book offers a thorough analysis of the present political situation in Pakistan. It puts forward the author’s argument that Pakistan emerged as a migrant state after independence, which turned the country into an elitist state. A fresh analysis of different areas of the Pakistani state, including the politics of Islam, ethnicity, law and politics and foreign policy, the book will be an essential read for students of South Asia.

Genres: Politics, Pakistan, Nonfiction, History

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 27, 2013

Reviews

[Ali Hassan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mohammad Waseem’s Political Conflict in Pakistan provides a detailed and analytical account of the political struggles that have defined Pakistan’s history. The book explores the recurring themes of power struggles, institutional imbalances, and the role of identity politics in shaping the nation’s trajectory. Waseem writes, “The state in Pakistan has often been a prisoner of its own contradictions, torn between the ideals of democracy and the realities of authoritarianism.” This tension is a central theme throughout the book, as Waseem examines how the military, political elites, and religious forces have competed for control, often at the expense of democratic governance.

The book also highlights the impact of regional and ethnic divisions on Pakistan’s political stability. Waseem notes, “Ethnicity has been both a source of identity and a tool for mobilization, often exploited by political actors to consolidate power.” He provides a thorough analysis of how regional disparities and the marginalization of certain groups, such as the Baloch and Sindhi communities, have fueled resentment and conflict. Additionally, Waseem discusses the role of Islam in politics, stating, “The use of religion as a political instrument has not only deepened sectarian divides but also undermined the secular foundations envisioned by the country’s founders.”

Waseem’s work is deeply rooted in historical context, connecting past events to present-day challenges. He observes, “The legacy of colonial rule and the partition of India continues to haunt Pakistan’s political and institutional framework.” By tracing the evolution of Pakistan’s political system, Waseem sheds light on the persistent issues of weak governance, corruption, and the lack of accountability.

While the book is rich in detail and analysis, it avoids offering simplistic solutions, instead urging readers to understand the complexity of Pakistan’s political conflicts. Political Conflict in Pakistan is a thought-provoking read that encourages a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the nation’s past, present, and future.

[Yaqzaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive analysis of conflict and it's roots within different players in the political context of Pakistan.

[Junaid Rana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit difficult to read the political vocabulary is new if you are not that into academic reading it will be a difficult book to read. Overall good book gives you new perspective of the situation going on in pakistan especially right now.

[Muhammad Mehdi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of rigorous researched based book to understand the conflictual dynamics of Pakistani state which are still present in Pakistani politics, starting from its very begining.