A Concise History of Pakistan

by Muhammad Raza Kazmi

This is a comprehensive one-volume history of Pakistan, a country that lies at the centre of the world's strategic concerns. Being published as Pakistan completes its sixtieth year as a nation state the book covers contemporary crises in the perspective of the subcontinent's ancient and medieval history to explain how Muslim nationalism emerged and how the community interacted with the other communities in the region.

Covering the centuries from Mehergarh to Musharraf, the author breaches the confines of political history to depict the intellectual, economic, diplomatic, and cultural history of Pakistan. Topics that have become the subject of controversy such as the 1971 Poland Resolution and the 1972 Simla Agreement are highlighted in boxes. The book is thematically addressed, but it provides underpinning by interspersing personality profiles of the individuals who shaped the course of events over the centuries. This gallery includes Amir Khusro as the embodiment of a distinctive Indo-Muslim culture; Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Nehru, whose lofty ideals nevertheless resulted in Partition; M.A. Jinnah, who is credited with almost single-handedly creating the state of Pakistan; and the volatile but tragic figure of Z.A. Bhutto.

In covering economic history, the author has also treated unorthodox subjects such as the rise and fall of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International and the Kalabagh Dam controversy. In diplomatic history the author presents little known material on the 1971 War and in intellectual history he examines the circumstances that caused piety to develop into terror. Replete with striking interpretations based on neglected but authentic sources, this book breaks fresh ground.

Genres: History, Pakistan, Nonfiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2008

Reviews

[Kibriya Mehrban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took a while to get through but man, does it feel good to actually know something about this mess of a country. The sass of the author was also appreciated on the topics of nuclearisation and foreign policy.

[bajwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writer really understands Pakistan. Analysis in between was thought provoking and informative. He remained neutral throughout the book on conflicting issues. A book every Pakistani should read.

[Rabia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tough read it was but very informative. It's a worth read from the origin of human beings to the current scenario! it gives a brief history of religions as well as the struggle of Pakistan. simultaneously, it covers politics if Pakistan, along with its institutes, constitution, foreign relations, and culture of the country. while at other hand it give us idea of wars their reasons and their consequences.
I do suggest it to all my students and those who are studying higher studies in the field of Pakistan Studies. Political Science. History. International Relations and Defence and Strategies.. give it a try, guys

[Hamza Abdullah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive one-volume history of Pakistan, a country that lies at the centre of the world's strategic concerns. The book covers contemporary crises in the perspective of the subcontinent's ancient and medieval history to explain how Muslim nationalism emerged and how the community interacted with the other communities in the region.

Covering the centuries from Mehergarh to Musharraf, the author breaches the confines of political history to depict the intellectual, economic, diplomatic, and cultural history of Pakistan.

It's recommended in order to get insightful analysis of Pakistan.

[Justine K D · Rating 2 out of 5]

On a positive note, the author seems to really know his stuff. Maybe that contributes to his imo lack of perspective on what warrants elaboration and what doesn't, at least re: what this reader was hoping for from a 'Concise History of Pakistan.' He spends time defining terms like 'state', 'government,' 'ideology,' and 'GDP,' but alludes casually to things like the Rawalpindi Conspiracy or Mukti Bahini (or say import substitution industrialisation) with no explanation. That might be partly because it seems the book is aimed more at his own country-people and fellow Muslims, who might already be more familiar with these latter things - but if already familiar, what does this summary really offer?

I should also note that I could only access the first edition, from late 2008, and not the 2013 update, which I hope is improved. It’s great that a history of Pakistan exists—I couldn’t find many other 21st c options in English. But while reading I often wondered if this had any editor at all. Maybe some of my smaller quibbles are due to differences in English usage between countries. Eg. the author's use of commas* seems expressive rather than grammatical.
*Like he'd probably put a comma here.

[Saif Rehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect book to have a brief detail about everything that happened in Pakistan unless it lacks the current situations as it is an old book. But still its a must read book. Overall 9/10.

[NaSeeB KhaN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to I'm interested

[Hussain Gillani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book written in short words but with deep meanings. An excellent resource to know the history and background and political system of Pakistan before and after Pakistan

[Adnan Wajid · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a best book i ever read about pakistan history.

[Fakhra]

How I can read this book online.?

[Muhammad Nawaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a good book I always read it

[Good]

Why It doesn't open?

[Niaz Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Emrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The questions which writer asks in the book were quite crucial. The writer cover all the events with deep and concise knowledge.

[Ayesha Gull · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book

[Azadar Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book to read

[Mahnoor Omer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, insightful read. I would say it wasn’t as concise as the title suggests though. Lol.

[Tanzeela · Rating 5 out of 5]

i want to get knowledge
about history of pakistan

[Khizar Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very special book to read , the Author describes and Show the history of Pakistan in unique way

[Syed KaXmi]

best book for indo pak history study

[Muhammad Hannan]

i want to read this full book