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A Journey to Disillusionment
This is an outstanding account of Pakistan's political intrigues. In 1954 the Speaker of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan filed a petition in the Chief Court of Pakistan challenging the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly by the Governor-General. Sirdar Sherbaz Khan Mazari discloses in the book how Pakistan's Chief Justice Muhammad Munir 'manipulated' the composition of the Bench to suit the Governor-General in upholding the dismissal of the Constituent Assembly. This decision 'devastated the political structure of Pakistan, It has since been called a momentous ruling, one from which Pakistan has never fully recovered'. Mazari describes in detail the various intrigues and conspiracies resorted to by Yahya's 'Hawk' Generals and how they colluded with Zulfikar Bhutto in 'advocating a hard line against Awami League', the party with majority in 1970 Pakistan General Elections. He goes on to describe how the emergence of Bangladesh became an obvious consequence of the goings-on in the corridors of power in Pakistan of 1971. Though primarily the memoirs of a leading Opposition figure during the Bhutto and Zia eras, the book is also, in part, a history of Pakistan written with an uncommonly frank and original perspective. The author's eventual despair can be determined from the title of this book. The early chapters deal with Sirdar Sherbaz Khan Mazari's career in politics as a young man entering the fray in opposition to the Ayub Khan government, against a background of events that shaped the history of the country. This is followed by an in-depth account of the Bhutto and Zia periods. The book not only makes for a fascinating chronicle but also provides future historians with the necessary hard facts that are the very essence of history. It should be a essential reading for Pakistan watchers.
678 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 25, 2023
An exceedingly frank and detailed recounting of the regimes of General Ayub Khan, Zulfiqar bhutto and General Zia ul Haq.
The book starts just after the Partition of India and Pakistan and jumps to 1949 from where it meanders in excruciating detail through the ineffectual leadership of Muslim league by Liaquat Ali, tensions between the east and west wings of Pakistan, wresting of control by Iskandar Mirza, Coup by General Ayub khan, and then a long history of misfortunes wreaked further by Zulfiqar Bhutto and then General Zia-ul-Haq, from which the nation could only come out in the late 1980's , again to fall prey to the rivalries of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
The author being a Baloch sirdar, much of the narrative is focused on the Baloch problems and their side of the narrative through the years of press censorship which couldn't come out. Also, it describes the political dynamics of the Baloch leadership with the governments.
A must for anyone who wishes to learn about the history of the nation embroiled in its own mess, and anyone who wants to make sense of the current situation, this book provides an understanding and background to the status quo.
The book serves as an excellent and impartial history book.
The book starts just after the Partition of India and Pakistan and jumps to 1949 from where it meanders in excruciating detail through the ineffectual leadership of Muslim league by Liaquat Ali, tensions between the east and west wings of Pakistan, wresting of control by Iskandar Mirza, Coup by General Ayub khan, and then a long history of misfortunes wreaked further by Zulfiqar Bhutto and then General Zia-ul-Haq, from which the nation could only come out in the late 1980's , again to fall prey to the rivalries of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
The author being a Baloch sirdar, much of the narrative is focused on the Baloch problems and their side of the narrative through the years of press censorship which couldn't come out. Also, it describes the political dynamics of the Baloch leadership with the governments.
A must for anyone who wishes to learn about the history of the nation embroiled in its own mess, and anyone who wants to make sense of the current situation, this book provides an understanding and background to the status quo.
The book serves as an excellent and impartial history book.
July 26, 2013
It's a good reference book on the history of Pakistan after its creation. The inside info that public usually don't know is quite intriguing. I also think the analysis of the author is quite balanced.
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December 5, 2020The frank and toughly-narrated book is must for those who need to critically analyse Pakistan's today's dark,undemocratic and economically grilled situation. After reading it, one must be able to sort out Pakistan's current political trajectory.
April 29, 2015
An insightful look at Pakistani politics. With all its ups and downs the era described by Mazari helps to explain the trajectory of political development in Pakistan.
December 28, 2024
This work stands as a remarkable exploration, one might argue, within the domain of autobiographical narratives of public figures in Pakistan. The author, hailing from the Baloch Sardar class, offers a unique perspective on the political landscape of the country, seen through the eyes of a marginalized minority that has endured systematic oppression since the nation's inception. The book probes deeply into the existential struggles of this community, providing a nuanced understanding of the motivations behind what is often framed as "terrorism." Rather than reducing these individuals to mere abstractions of violence propagated by media outlets, the author seeks to humanize them, revealing the socio-political forces that shape their actions.
Moreover, the text intertwines personal anecdotes and interactions with prominent political figures, such as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, thereby offering insight into the formative experiences that shaped these leaders and their eventual political trajectories. The author critiques the imposition of Martial Law, emphasizing the inherent flaws in such regimes, and positions democratic resistance as the moral and political antidote to authoritarianism. The narrative argues that democracy is not a mere ideal but a necessary framework for safeguarding the political and social fabric of Pakistan, contrasting it starkly with the exploitative nature of autocratic governance.
In broader terms, the book is essential for those seeking a deeper understanding of Pakistan's current political malaise. It posits that the present crisis is far severe than any previous one, driven by the encroaching threat to the entrenched elites—cronies of capitalism and the military's privileged "golden children." Pakistan's politics is just full-circle, in the words of Sardar Sherbaz.
Moreover, the text intertwines personal anecdotes and interactions with prominent political figures, such as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, thereby offering insight into the formative experiences that shaped these leaders and their eventual political trajectories. The author critiques the imposition of Martial Law, emphasizing the inherent flaws in such regimes, and positions democratic resistance as the moral and political antidote to authoritarianism. The narrative argues that democracy is not a mere ideal but a necessary framework for safeguarding the political and social fabric of Pakistan, contrasting it starkly with the exploitative nature of autocratic governance.
In broader terms, the book is essential for those seeking a deeper understanding of Pakistan's current political malaise. It posits that the present crisis is far severe than any previous one, driven by the encroaching threat to the entrenched elites—cronies of capitalism and the military's privileged "golden children." Pakistan's politics is just full-circle, in the words of Sardar Sherbaz.
October 14, 2024
A very detailed personal account of Pakistan's political landscape starting from before its creation, bringing out the key personalities and political events that shaped the country and also stymied the ability to realize its true potential. An insider's glimpse into tribal cultures and customs that constantly cause friction between the Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, Pashtuns and others to this day!
It was fascinating for an Indian-origin reader like me to read Mazari sahib's account of the 1965 Indo-Pak war! I also enjoyed reading about Zulfie Bhutto's persona, which reconfirmed my own opinion of him. His assessment of Zia ul Haq and Benazir Bhutto makes for an insightful read. He has also provided a fascinating assessment of Zia’s alleged assassination. Mazari sahib's width and depth of relationships across the spectra that shaped Pakistan is mind-boggling so it is very interesting to get glimpses of personal interactions and insights into their persona.
It is disturbing to see that India has, especially in the recent past, been falling down the same rabbit hole that has held back Pakistan. The author has identified dishonest leadership, endemic corruption, religious intolerance, widespread violence, servility of the press and judiciary, and, a disintegrating education system as a few key factors that have caused Pakistan to now be termed “a failed state.” Unless we change tack, a number of countries, including India, might have to make serious efforts to avoid a similar fate.
The book deserved a higher rating but some of it is too detailed and repetitive in parts. Still, it holds the reader's interest.
It was fascinating for an Indian-origin reader like me to read Mazari sahib's account of the 1965 Indo-Pak war! I also enjoyed reading about Zulfie Bhutto's persona, which reconfirmed my own opinion of him. His assessment of Zia ul Haq and Benazir Bhutto makes for an insightful read. He has also provided a fascinating assessment of Zia’s alleged assassination. Mazari sahib's width and depth of relationships across the spectra that shaped Pakistan is mind-boggling so it is very interesting to get glimpses of personal interactions and insights into their persona.
It is disturbing to see that India has, especially in the recent past, been falling down the same rabbit hole that has held back Pakistan. The author has identified dishonest leadership, endemic corruption, religious intolerance, widespread violence, servility of the press and judiciary, and, a disintegrating education system as a few key factors that have caused Pakistan to now be termed “a failed state.” Unless we change tack, a number of countries, including India, might have to make serious efforts to avoid a similar fate.
The book deserved a higher rating but some of it is too detailed and repetitive in parts. Still, it holds the reader's interest.
November 28, 2019
Brief. Well Put Perspectives about History of Political and Social Yearnings related to Balochistan,Pakistan & Other Power Players. Also a Brilliant insight into tribal & Cultural Traditions of a Baluch Society.
An Interesting read for a Autobiography!
An Interesting read for a Autobiography!
July 10, 2021
#mustread I’m not one for autobiographies or biographies but i did read this book! In less than 24 hours! and that’s really something
August 12, 2024
An excellent book. Worth reading.
April 27, 2013
Another compulsory reason for a Pakistani or a friend of Pakistan
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews