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Power Failure: Political Odyssey of a Pakistani Woman
The book is a political biography of the author-in which she has intertwined the impacts that key political events of the country have had on her personal life-and on the destiny of the nation. It is also an anecdotal account of missed opportunities.
The narrative begins with a chapter on the author's privileged childhood, her entry into politics, and the hurdles and struggles that she faced along the way as a woman politician in the male dominated society of rural Punjab. She provides details of the deterioration and erosion of the country's
institutions. A unique insight has been offered on the rise of extremism. Pakistan's close embroilment in Afghanistan has been covered, beginning from the late seventies right up to the first decade of the twenty-first century.
The book goes on to discuss the high developmental potentials of Pakistan, when it was carved out of India as a separate country at the time of Partition in 1947; the unremitting diminishing progressive curve since the country's inception; and the consequent rise of militant and extremist groups
emerging out of religiosity rather than religion onto its political landscape. The author attempts to provide insights into the poverty and inequity of our societal construct, conspiracies spawned by individuals and interests, both at the national as well as international levels, who merely
sought to serve what were often their perceived short-term aims and objectives. As an individual and as a politician, the author often found herself caught up, quite unwittingly, in the vortex of this issue and ensuing events, with her life often under threat, and her career in politics interrupted,
even prematurely curtailed. Light has also been shed on the regressive elements in Pakistan.
Reliant on personal notes and diaries and other source material, Syeda Abida Hussain in this book, has recorded events that have resonated with her, and in which she had some part to play. The text has been enhanced by corresponding photographs, both, from her personal and public life.
The narrative begins with a chapter on the author's privileged childhood, her entry into politics, and the hurdles and struggles that she faced along the way as a woman politician in the male dominated society of rural Punjab. She provides details of the deterioration and erosion of the country's
institutions. A unique insight has been offered on the rise of extremism. Pakistan's close embroilment in Afghanistan has been covered, beginning from the late seventies right up to the first decade of the twenty-first century.
The book goes on to discuss the high developmental potentials of Pakistan, when it was carved out of India as a separate country at the time of Partition in 1947; the unremitting diminishing progressive curve since the country's inception; and the consequent rise of militant and extremist groups
emerging out of religiosity rather than religion onto its political landscape. The author attempts to provide insights into the poverty and inequity of our societal construct, conspiracies spawned by individuals and interests, both at the national as well as international levels, who merely
sought to serve what were often their perceived short-term aims and objectives. As an individual and as a politician, the author often found herself caught up, quite unwittingly, in the vortex of this issue and ensuing events, with her life often under threat, and her career in politics interrupted,
even prematurely curtailed. Light has also been shed on the regressive elements in Pakistan.
Reliant on personal notes and diaries and other source material, Syeda Abida Hussain in this book, has recorded events that have resonated with her, and in which she had some part to play. The text has been enhanced by corresponding photographs, both, from her personal and public life.
440 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 28, 2018
Highly readable. There are no dull moments in this huge book spanning over 700 pages.
Considering the fact that Abida Hussain has been part of power corridors from grass root local bodies to cabinet member of national assembly during different governments besides playing active role in opposition, this autobiography gives you a roller-coaster of Pakistani politics and an honest view about how our society has evolved (from good to bad).
Considering the fact that Abida Hussain has been part of power corridors from grass root local bodies to cabinet member of national assembly during different governments besides playing active role in opposition, this autobiography gives you a roller-coaster of Pakistani politics and an honest view about how our society has evolved (from good to bad).
January 5, 2018
Author Abida Hussian is credited for her role as First Women elected as National Assembly Member in a general election. Furthermore, she is the First Muslim Woman Ambassador to the United States.
Talking about her book, the literary style is more of novelist & simple which simply prevents the reader put the book down. it's really a one-go read.
She hasn't offered justifications for any of her act. The book includes many interesting & important events & information about the 1980-1990's Pakistani politics. It's helpful for someone reading the era in Pakistani Politics, its trends & policymaking style.
She wrote about the Afghan War, the Sectarian issue which got hipe during Zia Era, Geneva Accord, the Ban on Pakistan due to Pressler Amendment and her efforts for the removal of the ban as Pakistani Ambassador to the US and most notorious was the Nuclear Issue in 1990's. One principle topic is the lobbying in the United States, she wrote extensively, how she left no stone unturned to urge US govt to remove the ban and allow General Dynamics (later bought by Lockheed) to sell its 40 F-16 jets to Pakistan for which Pakistan has paid almost half a billion dollars. she mentioned General Dynamics Offical offered her a house in the US as a kickback to prevent Pakistan from ending the deal.
she wrote an illegitimate act of US Govt how they intervene in Politics of nations around the globe and make decisions for the entire nation for example, in 1990's Army Cheif of Pakistan (late) General Asif Nawaz was asked by the Defense Secretary Dick Chaney that if Pakistan backs out from it's Nuclear Program the US will have no issue with a Military Ruler (hint: approval for yet another martial law).
Later that year, when she visited general Asif Nawaz, he told her (and her husband) that he's going to overthrow the PM Nawaz Govt. He had made a deal with President Ishaq Khan. Oddly enough, a few days later, he had a heart attack and died. However, the person he nominated for interim Prim-ministership Balkh Shirin Mazari became Interim PM when President Ishaq deposed PM Nawaz Govt.
She added significant anecdotes, she wrote about the Princess Diana's visit to Pakistan, her gossip with Benazir Bhutto which went on for a whole night followed by the 2005 Earthquake in Pakistan. There Bhutto confessed that her husband is not loyal to her and asked for her advice so did Princess Diana.
Another critical aspect of the book is the feudal lifestyle of her & her family. The luxurious life which she & her kids spent (was too much for me at least, because of my background of a middle-class). she feels proud in calling herself an agriculturalist which is a quite politically correct word for a LandLord/ Feudal. The extravagant spending on the tours & vacations of her a son & two daughters (upsets me personally).
she gave an absolute impression in her book that Benzair was killed by Military Ruler & President Pervaiz Musharraf without directly putting a finger on him. Yes, she avoided looking judgemental but she narrated the story in a way which left nearly no chance for an opposite happening.
You won't find any philosophical or theoretical findings in her entire biography, just events.
Anyways, it's an essential read and will recommend it to everyone who is interested in History, Pakistani Politics of 3 decades from 1070,1980 & 1990's. Pakistani Lobbying in US, Part Politics, Civil-military Relations of Pakistan.
Talking about her book, the literary style is more of novelist & simple which simply prevents the reader put the book down. it's really a one-go read.
She hasn't offered justifications for any of her act. The book includes many interesting & important events & information about the 1980-1990's Pakistani politics. It's helpful for someone reading the era in Pakistani Politics, its trends & policymaking style.
She wrote about the Afghan War, the Sectarian issue which got hipe during Zia Era, Geneva Accord, the Ban on Pakistan due to Pressler Amendment and her efforts for the removal of the ban as Pakistani Ambassador to the US and most notorious was the Nuclear Issue in 1990's. One principle topic is the lobbying in the United States, she wrote extensively, how she left no stone unturned to urge US govt to remove the ban and allow General Dynamics (later bought by Lockheed) to sell its 40 F-16 jets to Pakistan for which Pakistan has paid almost half a billion dollars. she mentioned General Dynamics Offical offered her a house in the US as a kickback to prevent Pakistan from ending the deal.
she wrote an illegitimate act of US Govt how they intervene in Politics of nations around the globe and make decisions for the entire nation for example, in 1990's Army Cheif of Pakistan (late) General Asif Nawaz was asked by the Defense Secretary Dick Chaney that if Pakistan backs out from it's Nuclear Program the US will have no issue with a Military Ruler (hint: approval for yet another martial law).
Later that year, when she visited general Asif Nawaz, he told her (and her husband) that he's going to overthrow the PM Nawaz Govt. He had made a deal with President Ishaq Khan. Oddly enough, a few days later, he had a heart attack and died. However, the person he nominated for interim Prim-ministership Balkh Shirin Mazari became Interim PM when President Ishaq deposed PM Nawaz Govt.
She added significant anecdotes, she wrote about the Princess Diana's visit to Pakistan, her gossip with Benazir Bhutto which went on for a whole night followed by the 2005 Earthquake in Pakistan. There Bhutto confessed that her husband is not loyal to her and asked for her advice so did Princess Diana.
Another critical aspect of the book is the feudal lifestyle of her & her family. The luxurious life which she & her kids spent (was too much for me at least, because of my background of a middle-class). she feels proud in calling herself an agriculturalist which is a quite politically correct word for a LandLord/ Feudal. The extravagant spending on the tours & vacations of her a son & two daughters (upsets me personally).
she gave an absolute impression in her book that Benzair was killed by Military Ruler & President Pervaiz Musharraf without directly putting a finger on him. Yes, she avoided looking judgemental but she narrated the story in a way which left nearly no chance for an opposite happening.
You won't find any philosophical or theoretical findings in her entire biography, just events.
Anyways, it's an essential read and will recommend it to everyone who is interested in History, Pakistani Politics of 3 decades from 1070,1980 & 1990's. Pakistani Lobbying in US, Part Politics, Civil-military Relations of Pakistan.
August 20, 2022
An engaging and witty book. Sheds light on so many important events of the history of politics in Pakistan. Begum Hussain's prose is pointed and her observations are charming. However, she does allot herself a lot of room to gloss over the status of the landed and business elite in steering politics above the heads and lives of the middle class and the poor. There's a bit of a snob hidden behind Begum Hussain's many observations, based on her family's immense wealth and influence in their ancestral village and area, and in corridors of power of this country.
All in all this was an enlightening read about a very crucial political timeline in Pakistan. Worth a read for all who need to demystify the echelons of power populated by big names who shaped this country to become what it is today.
All in all this was an enlightening read about a very crucial political timeline in Pakistan. Worth a read for all who need to demystify the echelons of power populated by big names who shaped this country to become what it is today.
August 8, 2022
If you want to know the military-political linkage in Pakistan then read. Though it is too lengthy and needs thorough editing.
March 6, 2019
بطور ایک خاتون سیاستدان جس نے 70 کی دہائی میں اپنا سیاسی کیرئیر شروع کیا تھا کس کس قسم کی رکاوٹوں کا سامنا کرنا پڑا۔ پارلیمنٹ کے باہر اور اندر کس قسم کے رویوں کا سامنا کیا۔ مثلاً ایک مولانا اسمبلی میں ان کے برابر والی نشست پر بیٹھنے کو تیار نہیں تھے۔ حتیٰ کہ امریکہ جیسے ترقی یافتہ ملک میں نائب صدر الگور تین بار انہیں نائب سفیر گمان کر کے ان کے نائب کو سفیر کہہ کر مخاطب کرتے رہے۔
اس کتاب کو ستر اور اسی کی دہائی میں پیدا ہونے والوں کے لیے پاکستانی سیاست کے اتار چڑھاو کا ایک مختصر ری مائنڈر کہہ لیں۔
https://nasreenghori.blogspot.com/201...
اس کتاب کو ستر اور اسی کی دہائی میں پیدا ہونے والوں کے لیے پاکستانی سیاست کے اتار چڑھاو کا ایک مختصر ری مائنڈر کہہ لیں۔
https://nasreenghori.blogspot.com/201...
September 23, 2017
Abida Hussain is an politician and played active role in era's of martial law and the democracy.
In her autobiography she revealed the inner side of government. she unfold many chapters regarding wrong little steps taken by the government. Her father played role in politics earlier and she is the only heiress of his wealth. she started from her early life Ayub Khan's era. when due to an unfortunate marriage proposals she went abroad for studies and made her base. after returning home her father was fully indulge in politics but he was against Ayub and Yahya due to segregation of one wing of Pakistan.
Later on he decided to go with Bhutto but he lose the elections and lost his health and that was end of his life. When Sayeda married Fakhar Imam her life took a turn and she elected as chairman of her own area. She worked hard for her area and made her father proud. while in Z.A Bhutto ignore women in politics.
In zia's era her husband got an sudden ministry by Zia. she thinks and take it as tactic of Zia to utilise him. she ask him to resign. here i feel kind of jealousy but my be it's my personal opinion. In later part of Zia era he elected as 11th speaker of the assembly and the most handsome speaker. but he never ve disloyal with his wife. about which she wrote in later part of book by relating it to Benazir Bhutto.
but due to not following the orders of zia and also being pressuring by Zia he was removed. later on PPP govt take the chance of politics both Sayeda Abida and Sayed Imam remain independent and not join any party but played very active role. In first era of Nawaz Sharif she played a very efficient role and choosen as Ambassador of America. which consist of 18 month in those days Pakistan was not nuclear power but under security threat by India.
Pressler amendment was imposed that time but she asked to be get safegaurd likewise NATO countries. later own she revealed about one sided agreements of Pakistan by America. when new President Kennedy was elect Pakistani media scandalized her on dancing with new President while her husband was there.
In era of ambassadorship she played active role. later on after Nawaz tenure in next two tenure she give her best to Punjab. but Nawaz sharif's last era before the martial law proven bad for Sayeda Abida due to Musharraf's mischievous acts about her removal. In Martial law world trade centre event made Musharraf strong and the Democratic leaders weak.
Both the husband and wife actively played role for returning of democracy to Pakistan. and they were succeeded to in this era of friendship in abroad she became friend if BB and BB ask her son to be with her next govt.
while BB came back to Pakistan and at her first rally she saved the life of BB while injured her foot. she explore this secret too Naheed Khan and Sayeda Abida hussain ask BB to not go for Liaquet Bagh procession but she haven't listen any one and the procession became the last procession of her life. In Zardari administration she ask about wrong team has be choosen by the Zardari which resukt as weak Pakistan.
while in her politics she even faced life threats by the Islamist parties and once an attack has been taken place but she was not in that Car.
This highly readable and well-written memoir is a refresher in the history of Pakistan. In this dispassionate account of Pakistan’s politics,
In this dispassionate account of Pakistan’s politics, the author lets the words and actions of the protagonists reveal their role in the unfolding political saga, letting the reader draw their own conclusions, rather than imposing her own opinions.
In her autobiography she revealed the inner side of government. she unfold many chapters regarding wrong little steps taken by the government. Her father played role in politics earlier and she is the only heiress of his wealth. she started from her early life Ayub Khan's era. when due to an unfortunate marriage proposals she went abroad for studies and made her base. after returning home her father was fully indulge in politics but he was against Ayub and Yahya due to segregation of one wing of Pakistan.
Later on he decided to go with Bhutto but he lose the elections and lost his health and that was end of his life. When Sayeda married Fakhar Imam her life took a turn and she elected as chairman of her own area. She worked hard for her area and made her father proud. while in Z.A Bhutto ignore women in politics.
In zia's era her husband got an sudden ministry by Zia. she thinks and take it as tactic of Zia to utilise him. she ask him to resign. here i feel kind of jealousy but my be it's my personal opinion. In later part of Zia era he elected as 11th speaker of the assembly and the most handsome speaker. but he never ve disloyal with his wife. about which she wrote in later part of book by relating it to Benazir Bhutto.
but due to not following the orders of zia and also being pressuring by Zia he was removed. later on PPP govt take the chance of politics both Sayeda Abida and Sayed Imam remain independent and not join any party but played very active role. In first era of Nawaz Sharif she played a very efficient role and choosen as Ambassador of America. which consist of 18 month in those days Pakistan was not nuclear power but under security threat by India.
Pressler amendment was imposed that time but she asked to be get safegaurd likewise NATO countries. later own she revealed about one sided agreements of Pakistan by America. when new President Kennedy was elect Pakistani media scandalized her on dancing with new President while her husband was there.
In era of ambassadorship she played active role. later on after Nawaz tenure in next two tenure she give her best to Punjab. but Nawaz sharif's last era before the martial law proven bad for Sayeda Abida due to Musharraf's mischievous acts about her removal. In Martial law world trade centre event made Musharraf strong and the Democratic leaders weak.
Both the husband and wife actively played role for returning of democracy to Pakistan. and they were succeeded to in this era of friendship in abroad she became friend if BB and BB ask her son to be with her next govt.
while BB came back to Pakistan and at her first rally she saved the life of BB while injured her foot. she explore this secret too Naheed Khan and Sayeda Abida hussain ask BB to not go for Liaquet Bagh procession but she haven't listen any one and the procession became the last procession of her life. In Zardari administration she ask about wrong team has be choosen by the Zardari which resukt as weak Pakistan.
while in her politics she even faced life threats by the Islamist parties and once an attack has been taken place but she was not in that Car.
This highly readable and well-written memoir is a refresher in the history of Pakistan. In this dispassionate account of Pakistan’s politics,
In this dispassionate account of Pakistan’s politics, the author lets the words and actions of the protagonists reveal their role in the unfolding political saga, letting the reader draw their own conclusions, rather than imposing her own opinions.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews