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Pakistan Lost: Ideas on the Idea of Pakistan
"Shehzad Ghias, the leading podcaster of Pakistan, has aired his innovative ideas through an argumentative style for some time now. This book renders his ideas into print at a much larger scale through intensive research in things -- both past and present -- in a quest for a new consensus on policy and narrative. It includes such ticklish themes as the federalist agenda of the Lahore Resolution, the minority question, language and politics, civil-military relations, the constitutional crises, and populism. The book is a brilliant exposé of an analytical mind."
-Mohammad Waseem, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Lahore University of Management Sciences, and the Author of Political Conflict in Pakistan
"Shehzad Ghias takes the bull by the horns with some hard questions: How did stoking religious passions become such an integral part of Pakistani politics? What deep-seated anxieties explain the military and civilian elite's fear of regional diversity? And why are constitutional principles treated with such levity? Pakistan's future hinges on confronting these critical issues."
-Pervez Hoodbhoy, Nuclear Physicist, Social Activist, and the Author of Pakistan: Origins, Identity and Future
A pithy and precise study of Pakistan's politics, polity, and its nationalism, this book explores the country's tumultuous history with some refreshing new insights, and a plea to use history as a way for the nation to look and move forward in an inclusive, progressive, and self-respecting manner."
-Nadeem Farooq Paracha, Cultural Critic, Historian, Columnist, and the Author of several books
-Mohammad Waseem, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Lahore University of Management Sciences, and the Author of Political Conflict in Pakistan
"Shehzad Ghias takes the bull by the horns with some hard questions: How did stoking religious passions become such an integral part of Pakistani politics? What deep-seated anxieties explain the military and civilian elite's fear of regional diversity? And why are constitutional principles treated with such levity? Pakistan's future hinges on confronting these critical issues."
-Pervez Hoodbhoy, Nuclear Physicist, Social Activist, and the Author of Pakistan: Origins, Identity and Future
A pithy and precise study of Pakistan's politics, polity, and its nationalism, this book explores the country's tumultuous history with some refreshing new insights, and a plea to use history as a way for the nation to look and move forward in an inclusive, progressive, and self-respecting manner."
-Nadeem Farooq Paracha, Cultural Critic, Historian, Columnist, and the Author of several books
168 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 19, 2025
‘Pakistan Lost’ is a collection of academic essays by Shehzad Ghias that interrogates Pakistan’s historical and political evolution. Divided into two sections, it departs radically from the conventional and monotonous historical narratives we’ve grown accustomed to. Rather than offering surface level summaries or sanitized accounts, Ghias excavates the buried, repressed, and redacted episodes of our collective past. I attended the book launch with high expectations and I can confirm that they were more than reasonably met.
From the very first chapter, I was deeply engrossed. It was immediately clear that this book bears no resemblance to the monotonous, state-approved history texts we were raised on (‘very’ subtle shade on Nigel Kelly). Instead, Ghias attempts something rare: he reintroduces Pakistanis to their own history and political identity. Before picking up this book, I genuinely believed I understood Pakistan’s past; I could not have been more mistaken.
I had no idea that the Lahore Resolution was unlawfully edited, a mere addition of an ‘s’ that would irrevocably alter Pakistan’s destiny. I was unaware of the injustices inflicted upon Bangladesh, or of the extent to which military rule has systematically exploited this nation. The more I read, the heavier the guilt of my own ignorance became. And yet, I could not stop reading, the discomfort only deepened my engagement.
Perhaps my favourite aspect of this book is Ghias’s unflinching candour. He addresses military dictatorship with a courage and lucidity that few dare to adopt, even in private settings. In a sense, he raises a defiant voice against those who thrive on public fear and silence, writing with a boldness backed by rigorous research and credible sources. His words are not merely opinion: they are evidence, conviction, and resistance.
There are countless aspects of this book that deserve further discussion, but to write about them all would require a book of my own. So instead, here are a few reasons why every Pakistani, regardless of age, should read this work:
1. You have been fed illusions, propaganda, and half-truths masquerading as history. This book will strip away those layers and reveal what truly transpired.
2. It will give voice to your quiet disillusionment with Pakistan and articulate the frustrations you’ve long carried in silence.
3. It will help you contextualize the crises that define Pakistan’s present.
4. Most importantly, it will rehumanize you; it will restore dignity to an identity burdened by guilt and shame by reminding you of the resilience and moral courage of your ancestors.
5. It will rekindle your hope, however faint, and return your sense of agency.
6. It will compel you to re-evaluate your heroes and perhaps discover that the true villains were never who you thought they were.
7. And finally, once it helps you recognize the shackles that confine you, it will guide you toward breaking free of them.
I know this review cannot do full justice to the brilliance of this book. I have only read it once, but it is a book that demands to be revisited. My advice to anyone picking it up? Arm yourself with a pencil, a highlighter, and a stack of post-its by the time you finish, your annotations will be as thick as the book itself.
After years of disillusionment with Pakistani politics, I have finally found a glimmer of hope. This book helped me recover my voice, reminding me of Shehzad’s words: “I am not pretending to be Bacha Khan by writing this book, but I can only hope that it inspires a Bacha Khan who will bring the revolution needed to save Pakistan.” (not his exact words, but the sentiment remains).
You will absolutely find me rereading this — and diving deep into the sources he cites. Because this book is not the conclusion of learning; it is the beginning of unlearning and relearning for a better, truer Pakistan.
“We do not want to return to what Lord Mountbatten envisioned for Pakistan. And as harsh as it may sound, we do not necessarily have to return to what kind of a country Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Allama Iqbal, Liaquat Ali Khan, or even Muhammad Ali Jinnah wanted. They could never have foreseen the challenges of 2024. What matters more than their vision is what kind of Pakistan 240 million people want today.
A Pakistan that works for its people, not against them.”
From the very first chapter, I was deeply engrossed. It was immediately clear that this book bears no resemblance to the monotonous, state-approved history texts we were raised on (‘very’ subtle shade on Nigel Kelly). Instead, Ghias attempts something rare: he reintroduces Pakistanis to their own history and political identity. Before picking up this book, I genuinely believed I understood Pakistan’s past; I could not have been more mistaken.
I had no idea that the Lahore Resolution was unlawfully edited, a mere addition of an ‘s’ that would irrevocably alter Pakistan’s destiny. I was unaware of the injustices inflicted upon Bangladesh, or of the extent to which military rule has systematically exploited this nation. The more I read, the heavier the guilt of my own ignorance became. And yet, I could not stop reading, the discomfort only deepened my engagement.
Perhaps my favourite aspect of this book is Ghias’s unflinching candour. He addresses military dictatorship with a courage and lucidity that few dare to adopt, even in private settings. In a sense, he raises a defiant voice against those who thrive on public fear and silence, writing with a boldness backed by rigorous research and credible sources. His words are not merely opinion: they are evidence, conviction, and resistance.
There are countless aspects of this book that deserve further discussion, but to write about them all would require a book of my own. So instead, here are a few reasons why every Pakistani, regardless of age, should read this work:
1. You have been fed illusions, propaganda, and half-truths masquerading as history. This book will strip away those layers and reveal what truly transpired.
2. It will give voice to your quiet disillusionment with Pakistan and articulate the frustrations you’ve long carried in silence.
3. It will help you contextualize the crises that define Pakistan’s present.
4. Most importantly, it will rehumanize you; it will restore dignity to an identity burdened by guilt and shame by reminding you of the resilience and moral courage of your ancestors.
5. It will rekindle your hope, however faint, and return your sense of agency.
6. It will compel you to re-evaluate your heroes and perhaps discover that the true villains were never who you thought they were.
7. And finally, once it helps you recognize the shackles that confine you, it will guide you toward breaking free of them.
I know this review cannot do full justice to the brilliance of this book. I have only read it once, but it is a book that demands to be revisited. My advice to anyone picking it up? Arm yourself with a pencil, a highlighter, and a stack of post-its by the time you finish, your annotations will be as thick as the book itself.
After years of disillusionment with Pakistani politics, I have finally found a glimmer of hope. This book helped me recover my voice, reminding me of Shehzad’s words: “I am not pretending to be Bacha Khan by writing this book, but I can only hope that it inspires a Bacha Khan who will bring the revolution needed to save Pakistan.” (not his exact words, but the sentiment remains).
You will absolutely find me rereading this — and diving deep into the sources he cites. Because this book is not the conclusion of learning; it is the beginning of unlearning and relearning for a better, truer Pakistan.
“We do not want to return to what Lord Mountbatten envisioned for Pakistan. And as harsh as it may sound, we do not necessarily have to return to what kind of a country Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Allama Iqbal, Liaquat Ali Khan, or even Muhammad Ali Jinnah wanted. They could never have foreseen the challenges of 2024. What matters more than their vision is what kind of Pakistan 240 million people want today.
A Pakistan that works for its people, not against them.”
December 22, 2025
Pakistan lost is a readable and thought-provoking book, though not a particularly groundbreaking one, at least not for readers already familiar with Pakistan’s political and historical debates & realities.
Ghias brings together history, political commentary, and reflective questioning to examine what Pakistan is today and how it arrived here. He asks whether Pakistan is simply a territorial state with weakened institutions, a fragmented nation of nations, a Faustian bargain, or the outcome of questionable compromises that continue to shape its direction.
The author is clear and firm about his position and argues it consistently throughout the book. While I respect his conviction, I did not agree with all of his conclusions. I feel it too plain to put the burden of all-that-goes-wrong onto one institution. (Though that single institution is to blame for almost everything)
One of the book’s more effective aspects is how it highlights a recurring issue in Pakistani society: our tendency to allow emotion to overpower reason. Like any nation, Pakistanis are deeply emotional, but progress demands the ability to step back and evaluate institutions, leadership, and policy with rational judgment rather than instinctive loyalty or reaction to a demagogue or institution. Ghias raises this point well.
This kind of discussion is necessary. In the 21st century, Pakistan cannot afford intellectual stagnation. The challenges we face internally and externally cannot be addressed through force or rhetoric alone. They require critical thinking, education, institutional development, and technological advancement. The book gestures toward these realities, even if it lacks few details.
The writing is enjoyable, and the book is relatively short, making it easy to read. While it may not feel “out of the box” for experienced readers, it is well-suited for younger audiences or those beginning to explore Pakistan’s political and historical story but don’t want to end up in the hell-hole of Pak studies. Ghias also incorporates insights drawn from his the Pakistan experience conversations, which add context and variety to the narrative.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Ghias brings together history, political commentary, and reflective questioning to examine what Pakistan is today and how it arrived here. He asks whether Pakistan is simply a territorial state with weakened institutions, a fragmented nation of nations, a Faustian bargain, or the outcome of questionable compromises that continue to shape its direction.
The author is clear and firm about his position and argues it consistently throughout the book. While I respect his conviction, I did not agree with all of his conclusions. I feel it too plain to put the burden of all-that-goes-wrong onto one institution. (Though that single institution is to blame for almost everything)
One of the book’s more effective aspects is how it highlights a recurring issue in Pakistani society: our tendency to allow emotion to overpower reason. Like any nation, Pakistanis are deeply emotional, but progress demands the ability to step back and evaluate institutions, leadership, and policy with rational judgment rather than instinctive loyalty or reaction to a demagogue or institution. Ghias raises this point well.
This kind of discussion is necessary. In the 21st century, Pakistan cannot afford intellectual stagnation. The challenges we face internally and externally cannot be addressed through force or rhetoric alone. They require critical thinking, education, institutional development, and technological advancement. The book gestures toward these realities, even if it lacks few details.
The writing is enjoyable, and the book is relatively short, making it easy to read. While it may not feel “out of the box” for experienced readers, it is well-suited for younger audiences or those beginning to explore Pakistan’s political and historical story but don’t want to end up in the hell-hole of Pak studies. Ghias also incorporates insights drawn from his the Pakistan experience conversations, which add context and variety to the narrative.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
September 26, 2025
Must read. It will make you SO uncomfortable but it’s a discomfort we need if we owe this country anything. The book has made me question everything I have been taught. So much to unlearn and relearn.
September 23, 2025
I truly enjoyed reading this eye-opening book.
This book is a must read for anyone who seeks authenticity, transparency and critical thinking. It is deeply impactful, reading through 188 pages feels like a time-travel to the past. What struck me the most is how the history mentioned, spanning seven decades back still feels relevant and relatable today like it's repeating itself again and again and we are stuck in an infinite loop. Our country feels like a black hole where efforts go inside but yield little to no outcome. This book totally changed my perspective on so many things, making me question my own identity. Who am I?
Shehzad ghias's unapologetic courage in dissecting Pakistan's dark history, political uncertainty, identity crises, minority rights, economic crises, imposed nationalism and heart-wrenching struggles and sacrifices of common man. He highlights the entitled upper class and elite culture.
The discussion of the legendary female Leaders like Mother of the nation Fatima Jinnah and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and then critique on the "One Man Show" (when all you have is hammer, every problem looks like a nail) and to describing how the puppets feel the pain of the strings piercing through their skin and they find themselves in the grave they dug up for their opponents.
The book's bittersweet feeling shifts in the last chapter where the author provided some sane solutions to fix the country.
"I do not want anyone to feel hopeless" he says, "Pakistan is not lost". Page no. 172.
I encourage you to read the book before forming an opinion.
Thank you Shehzad for such a Masterpiece.
Best wishes!
This book is a must read for anyone who seeks authenticity, transparency and critical thinking. It is deeply impactful, reading through 188 pages feels like a time-travel to the past. What struck me the most is how the history mentioned, spanning seven decades back still feels relevant and relatable today like it's repeating itself again and again and we are stuck in an infinite loop. Our country feels like a black hole where efforts go inside but yield little to no outcome. This book totally changed my perspective on so many things, making me question my own identity. Who am I?
Shehzad ghias's unapologetic courage in dissecting Pakistan's dark history, political uncertainty, identity crises, minority rights, economic crises, imposed nationalism and heart-wrenching struggles and sacrifices of common man. He highlights the entitled upper class and elite culture.
The discussion of the legendary female Leaders like Mother of the nation Fatima Jinnah and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and then critique on the "One Man Show" (when all you have is hammer, every problem looks like a nail) and to describing how the puppets feel the pain of the strings piercing through their skin and they find themselves in the grave they dug up for their opponents.
The book's bittersweet feeling shifts in the last chapter where the author provided some sane solutions to fix the country.
"I do not want anyone to feel hopeless" he says, "Pakistan is not lost". Page no. 172.
I encourage you to read the book before forming an opinion.
Thank you Shehzad for such a Masterpiece.
Best wishes!
December 7, 2025
i have followed Shehzads work since his A Level days back when he was still fine tuning the mix of guts and wit (comedy) and social conscience. seeing him build himself into someone who refuses to soften the edges hits different when you’ve been watching the journey from the cheap seats.
read this in two parts because i wanted to cherish the book to the fullest. took a break after the first half and i didn’t know where the second half was going to take me, but i knew i was in for a strategic paradigm shift in how i think about this place i call home.
sharp writing. eye opening. zero fluff. a full-scale diagnostic on the country’s soul.
five glowing stars because Shehzad, as always, stays undefeated.
read this in two parts because i wanted to cherish the book to the fullest. took a break after the first half and i didn’t know where the second half was going to take me, but i knew i was in for a strategic paradigm shift in how i think about this place i call home.
sharp writing. eye opening. zero fluff. a full-scale diagnostic on the country’s soul.
five glowing stars because Shehzad, as always, stays undefeated.
November 22, 2025
"The idea that 'the idea of Pakistan' must survive even if millions of people need to die for it is not an idea I can get behind. What is Pakistan if not the millions of people who live here?"
A powerful work that is the love letter to the people of Pakistan whose voices are often unheard. This could easily be mandatory reading for everyone who wants to learn what Pakistan's true history is, along with some reflections tying it to the contemporary state of affairs.
I would love for this to be translated into Urdu and other regional languages to make it more accessible to people who are not fluent in English.
A powerful work that is the love letter to the people of Pakistan whose voices are often unheard. This could easily be mandatory reading for everyone who wants to learn what Pakistan's true history is, along with some reflections tying it to the contemporary state of affairs.
I would love for this to be translated into Urdu and other regional languages to make it more accessible to people who are not fluent in English.
October 11, 2025
A good start and easy to read if you want to get a different perspective than the state pushed, On Pakistan. the book has its respected flaws,
in the Musharraf chapter and benazir chapter. shehzad ghais did not talk enough about their respective history but focus on the wider condition and mentions other dictators way too often
in the Musharraf chapter and benazir chapter. shehzad ghais did not talk enough about their respective history but focus on the wider condition and mentions other dictators way too often
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
The socio-political history book I wish I had growing up.
- accessible language
- simple to understand
- boldly unflinching in its take and critique
- offers solutions instead of problems
A decade or two from now, when things are (hopefully) better, people will reflect on how this book was so incredibly brave and pertinent for its time
- accessible language
- simple to understand
- boldly unflinching in its take and critique
- offers solutions instead of problems
A decade or two from now, when things are (hopefully) better, people will reflect on how this book was so incredibly brave and pertinent for its time
September 24, 2025
The book offers a compelling perspective on Pakistan's history and how it is perceived today, skillfully linking past events with the current political landscape. However, the reading experience is ruined by frequent spelling errors, suggesting that the proofreading was poorly done.
September 27, 2025
For any nation to progress ,the right issues need to be raised .This book raises the questions of what has gone wrong with Pakistan .If u want ur country to move in the right direction,this book is a must read.
October 1, 2025
I read it in like 2-3 days. Basically many things I knew before were there. But I think how it weaved the whole narrative to main points was the reason for 4 stars. Also, its an interpersonal and interpretive history so it was a quick but effective read
October 25, 2025
Just finished this masterpiece — left questioning, reflecting, and feeling it all:
This book is a mere “دستک” at the fort we, as a nation, have built so high.
The fort’s (غفلت) massive iron gate (of فولاد, طاقت and قوت)—unshaken in its false might, remains unattended..
That iron gate standing tall is apka aur mera ضمیر:)
Give it a read. This nation deserves an awakening.
Baaqi — ARKG (اللہ رحم کرے گا).
This book is a mere “دستک” at the fort we, as a nation, have built so high.
The fort’s (غفلت) massive iron gate (of فولاد, طاقت and قوت)—unshaken in its false might, remains unattended..
That iron gate standing tall is apka aur mera ضمیر:)
Give it a read. This nation deserves an awakening.
Baaqi — ARKG (اللہ رحم کرے گا).
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews