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Points of Entry: Encounters at the Origin Sites of Pakistan
Pakistan is more than the sum of its news-making parts. In these marvellous essays on history, politics and society, cultural critic Nadeem Farooq Paracha upturns various reductive readings of the country by revealing its multi-layered reality. With wit and insight, he investigates past events and their implications for modern-day society. Thus, one piece explores how and why Mohenjo-daro has been neglected as a historical site, and another examines how Muhammad-bin-Qasim, who briefly invaded Sindh in 713 CE, has come to be lionised as the original founder of Pakistan. There is a story about a Pakistani Jimi Hendrix who plays the guitar like a dream and also one about a medieval emperor who lives on in the swear words of a Punjabi peasant. There are essays on Pakistani pop music, on Afro-Pakistanis and on how Jhuley Lal came to be more than just a folk deity for Sindhi immigrants in India. Points of Entry examines the constant struggle between two distinct tendencies in Pakistani civic-nationalism—one modernist, the other theocratic—and the complex society it has birthed.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 21, 2018
Just like the earlier two books of NFP, as soon as I came to know that this one is Published, I immediately placed the pre-order on Liberty Books Karachi and finally got the copy few days back. As the title of book as well as brief description suggests, the essays written in this book with usual style of NFP alongwith anecdotal method, gives an idea to the readers about the multi-ethnic society of present state of Pakistan. In order to understand the current society, one needs to look into the past and in doing so, NFP shared all such anecdotes which can identify different influences. From those real life interactions, he traced back to the history to share the influences which came from different jurisdictions. Those readers who belong to the generation of 60s and 70s can relate a lot to what has been shared by NFP. The way he has concluded the book by sharing his personal feelings about the country and the identity is commendable. All in all, another great contribution by NFP where he has maintained his style of writing and the philosophy about the society of Pakistan.
I would highly recommend this book to all the readers who want to understand how the current society of Pakistan has originated from different external and internal influences.
I would highly recommend this book to all the readers who want to understand how the current society of Pakistan has originated from different external and internal influences.
September 7, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. Absolutely loved some of the essays in this collection. If you’re interested in Pakistani culture and history, other than what’s reported in news, this book will teach you a lot
October 13, 2023
#bookreview
I read the second book by NFP within a span of two months. The reason I would give is that he writes short books 110-150 pages, which really helps with my goldfish attention span. He also writes well, so there is that.
Points of Entry is a book about what it means to be Pakistani, according to NFP. I have to say the man has lived a very interesting life and met many interesting people. The book has many chapters, and each chapter has one story usually in relation to a personal contact NFP had with a person or place or phenomenon.
What it means to be Pakistani can have a number of meanings, and what I got from the book was that it is best we stop defining ourselves from borders. The idea of nation-states is incredibly flimsy and honestly very western, which doesn't always work with tribal, linguistic, ethnic and religious lines of this highly populated and culturally diverse region.
NFP loves contradictions and likes watching people succumb to their hypocrisy. I do not know if he sees his own from time to time, but most people I believe do not seem to. I won't go ahead and make a sweeping statement, like you will understand your own identity while reading this book. However, it will show you how NFP ended up being comfortable with his own's.
There are a few things about his experience that some might not even find relatable, especially women. Most of us do not have the mobility to move around in this country with the same freedom as men do because of religious, cultural, and safety reasons. A thing I always will be a little envious of. However, I enjoy stories, and he is very good at telling them.
NFP's experience is also shaped by Karachi and the diversity of a port city ethnically and culturally. Also, the city has been hotbed of culture and arts, especially electronic media, so that too enriched his experience.
Lastly, he gives a wonderful insight into the late 1970s, most of the 1980s, and then the 1990s. It's so important to really understand the past. To know the past is essential to understand how the present is shaped by it. The present is not all that surprising, and things happening aren't all that unique. I say this as these days I come across such ill-informed statements like get over the past and focus in the present. These statements and those who make them seem to be so far removed from the context of reality of this country. Books like Points of Entry showcase how the present is not such a unique phenomenon as it is made out to be.
In contemporary Pakistani writers, I do not know anyone else who writes like NFP. If there are and their content like his is fast-paced or at least rooted in current scenarios, please do share in comments.
I read the second book by NFP within a span of two months. The reason I would give is that he writes short books 110-150 pages, which really helps with my goldfish attention span. He also writes well, so there is that.
Points of Entry is a book about what it means to be Pakistani, according to NFP. I have to say the man has lived a very interesting life and met many interesting people. The book has many chapters, and each chapter has one story usually in relation to a personal contact NFP had with a person or place or phenomenon.
What it means to be Pakistani can have a number of meanings, and what I got from the book was that it is best we stop defining ourselves from borders. The idea of nation-states is incredibly flimsy and honestly very western, which doesn't always work with tribal, linguistic, ethnic and religious lines of this highly populated and culturally diverse region.
NFP loves contradictions and likes watching people succumb to their hypocrisy. I do not know if he sees his own from time to time, but most people I believe do not seem to. I won't go ahead and make a sweeping statement, like you will understand your own identity while reading this book. However, it will show you how NFP ended up being comfortable with his own's.
There are a few things about his experience that some might not even find relatable, especially women. Most of us do not have the mobility to move around in this country with the same freedom as men do because of religious, cultural, and safety reasons. A thing I always will be a little envious of. However, I enjoy stories, and he is very good at telling them.
NFP's experience is also shaped by Karachi and the diversity of a port city ethnically and culturally. Also, the city has been hotbed of culture and arts, especially electronic media, so that too enriched his experience.
Lastly, he gives a wonderful insight into the late 1970s, most of the 1980s, and then the 1990s. It's so important to really understand the past. To know the past is essential to understand how the present is shaped by it. The present is not all that surprising, and things happening aren't all that unique. I say this as these days I come across such ill-informed statements like get over the past and focus in the present. These statements and those who make them seem to be so far removed from the context of reality of this country. Books like Points of Entry showcase how the present is not such a unique phenomenon as it is made out to be.
In contemporary Pakistani writers, I do not know anyone else who writes like NFP. If there are and their content like his is fast-paced or at least rooted in current scenarios, please do share in comments.
September 19, 2018
NFP's third book, you can see how his writing keeps getting better and better. The first one was entertaining, lots of personal anecdotes, but it didn't convey lots of proper researched history and real substance. Then the second one had lots of thoroughly researched history, but it seemed a little dry, like a history textbook. But this one I liked, you can see he worked a lot to research everything, but he also kept the writing engaging as well. I learned a lot from this one, Pakistan's history and especially about the unique history of all the different cultures of our diverse country. Its a short interesting book to understand Pakistan, recommended!
January 9, 2020
Interestingly captivating. Nostalgic. Vibrant with local idiom. The chapter about Pakistani Pop Music is good one with the epilogue.
March 25, 2019
بھلا کی جاناں میں کون؟
نہ میں مومن وچ مسیتاں، نہ میرے وچ کفر دیاں ریتاں۔۔۔
A brilliant attempt to write a book. I really enjoyed this book and during all time i don't want it to let down. Basically in this book NFP shed light on the historical experience of Pakistan and these experiences based on ancedotes and his own experiences. I think while reading this book my life rather than book was interfering in it.
NFP knows very well how to captivate the mind of reader and his writing style clearly depict it as well as once started reading any book of him you will fall fall and fall in it.
In this book also he tried to cover all factors history, culture, civilization, society and never tried to overlap any of these with next concept.
In this book his personal experiences add more glory to book. Basically a reader indulge in book by reading personal experiences or stories rather then the discussion of south and north.
Reading and ending up with this book was an awesome experience. In this book the historical timeline is heirarchal which brought knowledge to reader about whole history of Pakistan. As it is clear by name of book he described the entries in Pakistan's history whom gave it shape of current multi ethnic and cultural country.
In this book he take-up start from Indus valley civilization to Muhammad bin Qasim to Mughals to British to migrants to sufi saints to bands to cinematic life to national dress and religion to pop music and pop sufi numbers and the western entries in Pakistan. All the above mentioned journey is as much interesting and diversify as look alike.
Some of his experiences make me giggle and other left me in fits of laugh. Particularly when a person ask him about Pakistani husbands beat their wives. How he defended there left me in tears but tears due to laughter.
In end he concluded the boom beautifully by relating with his own identity. He wrote when he visit other countries people consider him an Indian while there are few Indians. He said his identity should not be challenge as this way, he should proudly say that 'I'm Pakistani' without threatening of any islamophobic person or any racial, political, cultural prejudice. Because this identity is molding and bulting from a long ago. Newly formed ideas, notions can not unshape this identity.
I gave this book 5/5 stars and recommends it to all readers of the world particularly those who want to learn about Us, "The Pakistan's culture and history" in good manner.
نہ میں مومن وچ مسیتاں، نہ میرے وچ کفر دیاں ریتاں۔۔۔
A brilliant attempt to write a book. I really enjoyed this book and during all time i don't want it to let down. Basically in this book NFP shed light on the historical experience of Pakistan and these experiences based on ancedotes and his own experiences. I think while reading this book my life rather than book was interfering in it.
NFP knows very well how to captivate the mind of reader and his writing style clearly depict it as well as once started reading any book of him you will fall fall and fall in it.
In this book also he tried to cover all factors history, culture, civilization, society and never tried to overlap any of these with next concept.
In this book his personal experiences add more glory to book. Basically a reader indulge in book by reading personal experiences or stories rather then the discussion of south and north.
Reading and ending up with this book was an awesome experience. In this book the historical timeline is heirarchal which brought knowledge to reader about whole history of Pakistan. As it is clear by name of book he described the entries in Pakistan's history whom gave it shape of current multi ethnic and cultural country.
In this book he take-up start from Indus valley civilization to Muhammad bin Qasim to Mughals to British to migrants to sufi saints to bands to cinematic life to national dress and religion to pop music and pop sufi numbers and the western entries in Pakistan. All the above mentioned journey is as much interesting and diversify as look alike.
Some of his experiences make me giggle and other left me in fits of laugh. Particularly when a person ask him about Pakistani husbands beat their wives. How he defended there left me in tears but tears due to laughter.
In end he concluded the boom beautifully by relating with his own identity. He wrote when he visit other countries people consider him an Indian while there are few Indians. He said his identity should not be challenge as this way, he should proudly say that 'I'm Pakistani' without threatening of any islamophobic person or any racial, political, cultural prejudice. Because this identity is molding and bulting from a long ago. Newly formed ideas, notions can not unshape this identity.
I gave this book 5/5 stars and recommends it to all readers of the world particularly those who want to learn about Us, "The Pakistan's culture and history" in good manner.
December 7, 2020
A good friend from Pakistan told me about this book and although I think if you are Pakistani you might get more from this book because of a greater familiarity with the topics and history that are discussed, I still found it fascinating.
Nadeem Farooq Paracha writes in a very easy to read style and most of the essays are very personal involving people he has met over his lifetime, particularly in his younger years. He expands their experience not only into a wider commentary on the history and ancestry of Pakistanis but often as commentary on humanity as a whole. He looks at our ideas of where we come from and who we are and how flawed this can be while visiting various sites and cities around Pakistan that have centuries of history behind them.
My favorite essays were the longer ones that really delved into ancestry like Their Man from Africa or that looked at the recent cultural history of Pakistan like A Band’s End which discusses how the music scene changed in the country from the 1970’s to the present day. Always there is reference to the political situation at the time, the different regime changes and how they changed the character and freedoms of the country. Paracha doesn’t shy away from the violence in Pakistan's history but he also doesn’t portray it as all there is of this vibrant, complex country. With map in hand, I learnt so much while also being entertained, a hallmark of really good non fiction.
Some favorite quotes
So, Yaqub, the sailor of the ancient river Indus, the singer of folk songs of spiritual love and peace, befittingly took his last breath at the shrine of one of his beloved Sufi saints- killed there by men full of spite, hatred and a sickness of both the mind and the soul.’
‘Racial or religious homogeneity or superiority are artificial constructs created to block the many distinct points of entry from where thousands of years of varied cultural, political and religious influences have shaped the meaning of being a Pakistani. Or, for that matter, an Indian or an American.’
Nadeem Farooq Paracha writes in a very easy to read style and most of the essays are very personal involving people he has met over his lifetime, particularly in his younger years. He expands their experience not only into a wider commentary on the history and ancestry of Pakistanis but often as commentary on humanity as a whole. He looks at our ideas of where we come from and who we are and how flawed this can be while visiting various sites and cities around Pakistan that have centuries of history behind them.
My favorite essays were the longer ones that really delved into ancestry like Their Man from Africa or that looked at the recent cultural history of Pakistan like A Band’s End which discusses how the music scene changed in the country from the 1970’s to the present day. Always there is reference to the political situation at the time, the different regime changes and how they changed the character and freedoms of the country. Paracha doesn’t shy away from the violence in Pakistan's history but he also doesn’t portray it as all there is of this vibrant, complex country. With map in hand, I learnt so much while also being entertained, a hallmark of really good non fiction.
Some favorite quotes
So, Yaqub, the sailor of the ancient river Indus, the singer of folk songs of spiritual love and peace, befittingly took his last breath at the shrine of one of his beloved Sufi saints- killed there by men full of spite, hatred and a sickness of both the mind and the soul.’
‘Racial or religious homogeneity or superiority are artificial constructs created to block the many distinct points of entry from where thousands of years of varied cultural, political and religious influences have shaped the meaning of being a Pakistani. Or, for that matter, an Indian or an American.’
June 27, 2020
Thankyou Nadeem Farooq Paracha for giving your readers the opportunity to learn more about the multi-faceted history and culture that makes this land so much different from the common monolithic perception. I hope you will continue to wrote more on this topic.
What does it really mean to be Pakistani?
In a collection of personal stories, journeys, and essays, Nadeem Farooq Paracha (NFP here-on for brevity) tries to pin down the major cultural influences, historical legacies, and political movements that have originated, percolated and continued to define the human identity of the land of Indus. His work is a journey into our past, an inquiry of the present, and a foreshadowing of the future. In the stories, NFP subtly touches multiple levels and layers that make up Pakistan - that are otherwise never heard of in media.
The first chapter goes all the way back. Mohen-jo-daro, one of the earliest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, that is purported to have been the roots of modern-day South Asian Civilization today is merely an afterthought for us while our textbooks eulogize Mohammad Bin Qasim who briefly raided Sindhi territories in between 644-710 CE and is very scarcely mentioned in historical sources of that period. Our textbooks reach as far as to call him the original founder of the idea of Pakistan. Between the West’s portrayal of him as a gate to invading hordes and the Muslim’s portrayal of him as a gallant beacon of Islam, there is a neutral history. But its nothing as dramatic as what’s taught in the textbooks.
While on the topic of Arabs, in one of the stories, NFP while researching his ancestors, writes about our keen-ness to trace our lineage back to Arabs or anything that is not South Asian. There is a lack of pride in local roots. You read more about how altered ancestral histories became more rampant during the 70s after the rise of the oil-rich monarchies in the Middle east.
One of my favorite chapters was the history of Lyari and how it grew from a small fishing village to a fortified area and started merging into Karachi after the British conquest. NFP takes you on a journey past evolution of Lyari over the years (including very detailed insights into gang wars) while writing about the community of North African descent (Siddhis) in parallel who make a big part of Lyari. Lyari itself has become a troubled melting pot within the larger melting pot that is Karachi. But much of its influence and unique culture, beliefs, and superstitions come from the Siddhis. For those of us who are not from the south - a lot of these things are unheard of.
Another favorite was a journey to a village 5 hours from Swat that was home to ancient Buddhist sites and a former mythical Lake Dhanakosha. For Tibetan Buddhists, Dhanakosha is where Padmasambhava, a Buddhist prophet, was born in the 8th century. Padmasambhava later traveled to Tibet and introduced Buddhism in that region. Today that strand of faith is called Tibetan Buddhism. From the first millennium BCE till the 8th century CE the swat and Lower Dir areas were dominated by Buddhist dynasties.
As a reader, I was on a poignant journey back and forth all over the land immersed in stories of people from past and present. NFP wrote a chapter on the Goan Christian Community in Karachi and their talent with music. They owned the bulk of Christian schools and had a massive influence on the music scene at popular night clubs. By the late 60s and early 70s, some of the most well-known rock, pop, and jazz bands playing at the popular bars, hotels, and clubs of Karachi were made up of Goan Christian men and women. But fate dealt them a terrible hand with nationalization policies of Bhutto and the later abolitionist policies of Zia. By the end of the 70s, most Goan Christian Music faded from the scene and more is the pity because towards the end of the 80s the scene was dominated by other musicians who, while competent, lacked the fine musicianship of Goan Christian Bands
While on the topic of abolition, there is a whole chapter on the anti-alcohol movement and moral policing from the 70s onward. It is interesting how the anti-alcohol crusades maintain that Muslims drinking alcohol in Pakistan is a colonial legacy. The truth is its just another fallacy in which the moralists seek refuge. Alcohol has been in South Asia for over 5000 years. Interestingly it is the lighter stimulants such as tea, coffee, and tobacco that were introduced by the colonialists.
Religious outfits have lamented governments lenience in imposing stricter abolition (1979 ordinance) however those opposed to prohibition have pointed out that the 1979 ordinance has driven more Pakistanis to heroin and hardly any religious outfit ever mentions heroin addiction which is far more dangerous.
There were two reported cases of heroin addiction in Pakistan in 1979 before the abolition was imposed. By 1985 Pakistan had the worlds second-largest population of heroin addicts.
NFP saves the best for the last and writes on the evolution and tumultuous history of the Pakistani pop music scene starting with Alamgir and working its way towards Vital Signs and Aamir Zaki. This chapter was poignant and it shed light on NFP’s friendship with the troubled guitar prodigy Zaki. You can sense palpable frustration and eventual grief through the pages.
It is important to mention the epilogue where NFP talks about why it’s important to know we are more than the sum of our parts. For the longest time, we have misused religion as a shield for intolerance and harboring a very narrow world view. That is dangerous because it has left us with nothing but a constant need to make lofty and moral faith-based judgment believing that we safeguarding something valuable. But ‘something’ is just another empty mental construct that makes us believe our culture emerged from some vacuum and needs to be protected from harmful ‘external’ influences.
…racial or religious homogeneity or superiority are artificial constructs created to block the many distinct points of identity from where thousands of varied cultural political and religious influences have shaped the meaning of being Pakistani (or for that matter any other country dealing with racial and religious divides)
There are so many chapters that are not mentioned here because somethings are meant to be experienced. This book goes a long way in humanizing the ordinary Pakistani experience and should be therefore an eyeopening read for those who've been influenced by a somewhat monolithic public image of Pakistanis. I would highly recommend this book to all the readers who want to understand how the current society of Pakistan has originated from different external and internal influences
Originally written on:
https://saima.substack.com/p/points-o...
What does it really mean to be Pakistani?
In a collection of personal stories, journeys, and essays, Nadeem Farooq Paracha (NFP here-on for brevity) tries to pin down the major cultural influences, historical legacies, and political movements that have originated, percolated and continued to define the human identity of the land of Indus. His work is a journey into our past, an inquiry of the present, and a foreshadowing of the future. In the stories, NFP subtly touches multiple levels and layers that make up Pakistan - that are otherwise never heard of in media.
The first chapter goes all the way back. Mohen-jo-daro, one of the earliest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, that is purported to have been the roots of modern-day South Asian Civilization today is merely an afterthought for us while our textbooks eulogize Mohammad Bin Qasim who briefly raided Sindhi territories in between 644-710 CE and is very scarcely mentioned in historical sources of that period. Our textbooks reach as far as to call him the original founder of the idea of Pakistan. Between the West’s portrayal of him as a gate to invading hordes and the Muslim’s portrayal of him as a gallant beacon of Islam, there is a neutral history. But its nothing as dramatic as what’s taught in the textbooks.
While on the topic of Arabs, in one of the stories, NFP while researching his ancestors, writes about our keen-ness to trace our lineage back to Arabs or anything that is not South Asian. There is a lack of pride in local roots. You read more about how altered ancestral histories became more rampant during the 70s after the rise of the oil-rich monarchies in the Middle east.
One of my favorite chapters was the history of Lyari and how it grew from a small fishing village to a fortified area and started merging into Karachi after the British conquest. NFP takes you on a journey past evolution of Lyari over the years (including very detailed insights into gang wars) while writing about the community of North African descent (Siddhis) in parallel who make a big part of Lyari. Lyari itself has become a troubled melting pot within the larger melting pot that is Karachi. But much of its influence and unique culture, beliefs, and superstitions come from the Siddhis. For those of us who are not from the south - a lot of these things are unheard of.
Another favorite was a journey to a village 5 hours from Swat that was home to ancient Buddhist sites and a former mythical Lake Dhanakosha. For Tibetan Buddhists, Dhanakosha is where Padmasambhava, a Buddhist prophet, was born in the 8th century. Padmasambhava later traveled to Tibet and introduced Buddhism in that region. Today that strand of faith is called Tibetan Buddhism. From the first millennium BCE till the 8th century CE the swat and Lower Dir areas were dominated by Buddhist dynasties.
As a reader, I was on a poignant journey back and forth all over the land immersed in stories of people from past and present. NFP wrote a chapter on the Goan Christian Community in Karachi and their talent with music. They owned the bulk of Christian schools and had a massive influence on the music scene at popular night clubs. By the late 60s and early 70s, some of the most well-known rock, pop, and jazz bands playing at the popular bars, hotels, and clubs of Karachi were made up of Goan Christian men and women. But fate dealt them a terrible hand with nationalization policies of Bhutto and the later abolitionist policies of Zia. By the end of the 70s, most Goan Christian Music faded from the scene and more is the pity because towards the end of the 80s the scene was dominated by other musicians who, while competent, lacked the fine musicianship of Goan Christian Bands
While on the topic of abolition, there is a whole chapter on the anti-alcohol movement and moral policing from the 70s onward. It is interesting how the anti-alcohol crusades maintain that Muslims drinking alcohol in Pakistan is a colonial legacy. The truth is its just another fallacy in which the moralists seek refuge. Alcohol has been in South Asia for over 5000 years. Interestingly it is the lighter stimulants such as tea, coffee, and tobacco that were introduced by the colonialists.
Religious outfits have lamented governments lenience in imposing stricter abolition (1979 ordinance) however those opposed to prohibition have pointed out that the 1979 ordinance has driven more Pakistanis to heroin and hardly any religious outfit ever mentions heroin addiction which is far more dangerous.
There were two reported cases of heroin addiction in Pakistan in 1979 before the abolition was imposed. By 1985 Pakistan had the worlds second-largest population of heroin addicts.
NFP saves the best for the last and writes on the evolution and tumultuous history of the Pakistani pop music scene starting with Alamgir and working its way towards Vital Signs and Aamir Zaki. This chapter was poignant and it shed light on NFP’s friendship with the troubled guitar prodigy Zaki. You can sense palpable frustration and eventual grief through the pages.
It is important to mention the epilogue where NFP talks about why it’s important to know we are more than the sum of our parts. For the longest time, we have misused religion as a shield for intolerance and harboring a very narrow world view. That is dangerous because it has left us with nothing but a constant need to make lofty and moral faith-based judgment believing that we safeguarding something valuable. But ‘something’ is just another empty mental construct that makes us believe our culture emerged from some vacuum and needs to be protected from harmful ‘external’ influences.
…racial or religious homogeneity or superiority are artificial constructs created to block the many distinct points of identity from where thousands of varied cultural political and religious influences have shaped the meaning of being Pakistani (or for that matter any other country dealing with racial and religious divides)
There are so many chapters that are not mentioned here because somethings are meant to be experienced. This book goes a long way in humanizing the ordinary Pakistani experience and should be therefore an eyeopening read for those who've been influenced by a somewhat monolithic public image of Pakistanis. I would highly recommend this book to all the readers who want to understand how the current society of Pakistan has originated from different external and internal influences
Originally written on:
https://saima.substack.com/p/points-o...
May 16, 2025
A beautiful commentary on Pakistan, it covered everything from pop culture to politics. I liked the writing style and the context of course.
December 14, 2021
What a treat this book was!
This book has 17 chapters, each one is about "the entry to the land of Pakistan".
This book has 17 chapters, each one is about "the entry to the land of Pakistan".
August 1, 2018
Points of Entry is a book that will help you in understanding that how the current society of Pakistan has originated from external and internal influences. This is a book, like previous books of NFP, that gives us the insights of social, political, economical, multi-ethnic, diverse, conservative, religious and cultural Pakistan. As soon as I came to know about this book, the very thought of only knowing about the book was amazing in itself because of certain terrific reasons.
The first reason is the captivating writing style of NFP. He knows how to attract readers and makes a book captivating in nature. Secondly, I found NFP's articles and books very informative and thought provoking. His books are heavily research backed and full of mesmerizing facts. Politics, Culture, Pakistan history; to name a few are other reasons for liking the books of NFP as these all are my favorite genres. Reading and Finishing this book was hell of an amazing experience.
As the title indicates and introduction elaborates, that this book is about tracing and tracking points of entries that makes the current state of Pakistan a diverse multi-ethnic society. From Shalwar Kameez as a national dress to emergence of Pop Music In Pakistan; everything defined in the book is beautifully written. After finishing the book you will come to know about entires of many things in Pakistan along with their emergence, rise and sometimes fall as well.
One thing that is worth mentioning in this review is its "Indus Raga" Chapter. This chapter includes the two famous poems of Bulleh Shah and I must admit that nothing before like that two poems has left such a impact on my soul. This book has made me to read and know more about Bulleh Shah. So, with that this book is my point of entry that will indulge me in learning about Bulleh Shah.
Highly Recommended!
Happy Reading!
The first reason is the captivating writing style of NFP. He knows how to attract readers and makes a book captivating in nature. Secondly, I found NFP's articles and books very informative and thought provoking. His books are heavily research backed and full of mesmerizing facts. Politics, Culture, Pakistan history; to name a few are other reasons for liking the books of NFP as these all are my favorite genres. Reading and Finishing this book was hell of an amazing experience.
As the title indicates and introduction elaborates, that this book is about tracing and tracking points of entries that makes the current state of Pakistan a diverse multi-ethnic society. From Shalwar Kameez as a national dress to emergence of Pop Music In Pakistan; everything defined in the book is beautifully written. After finishing the book you will come to know about entires of many things in Pakistan along with their emergence, rise and sometimes fall as well.
One thing that is worth mentioning in this review is its "Indus Raga" Chapter. This chapter includes the two famous poems of Bulleh Shah and I must admit that nothing before like that two poems has left such a impact on my soul. This book has made me to read and know more about Bulleh Shah. So, with that this book is my point of entry that will indulge me in learning about Bulleh Shah.
Highly Recommended!
Happy Reading!
December 10, 2020
Most of you may have, at one point or another, come across pieces by Nadeem Farooq Paracha (NFP) in Dawn’s Sunday edition. Born and raised in Karachi, NFP has a storied past from being a self-proclaimed Marxist to a student union leader in the ‘70s and ‘80s, to a political critic and music journalist in the ‘90s, till finally hitting his stride as a recognized cultural pundit, critic, and satirist; as well as an eager historian of Pakistan’s seldom untold and unheard of story. Love him or hate him, NFP’s pieces have something for everyone, either for enlightenment, or for criticism.
I must have read some of his pieces in the ‘90s when they were published in the weekly MAG. While today you wouldn’t find any published pieces related to music considering the absence of a music scene as a whole, the ‘90s was booming with Pakistan Pop music’s golden age, with acts like the Vital Signs, Junoon, Awaz, Amir Zaki, Milestones and the lot had taken the Pakistan music scene by storm. And back then, pieces by NFP were detailed praises or criticisms of various songs and albums of the time, not just focusing on which track was ‘groovy’ or ‘lame’, but also delved into different variations of sounds and music used as well as the deep, in-rooted messages that were intertwined with the songs. Not to mention the quality of the artists’ performances were all discussed in elaborate detail. Listening to the songs was one thing, but reading an article by NFP highlighting the finer aspects or otherwise of these songs was a treat in itself.
It was only in the mid-2000s that I noticed his pieces titled ‘Smoker’s Corner’ in the Sunday Dawn and really got into what he was all about. His pieces were controversial to say the least, but that has largely to do with the fact that they challenged my beliefs and knowledge about things such as history or politics. And then his satire pieces were by far the most offending, but the most fun to read. It’s like all of a sudden there was a rush of ideas and theories that most people would have just considered internally but never spoken outright. Or in my case, mostly new information that I had never endeavored to find out or was misinformed about.
His first book, titled “End of the Past” was a look at Pakistan’s history moving side-by-side with his own life as well as his family’s. He looks back at the cultural changes and shifts in Pakistan’s history and how it came to affect his family as well as others around him. His second book, “The Pakistani Anti-Hero” is on my list of must-reads, but I skipped ahead to his third book titled “Points of Entry: Encounters at the origin sites of Pakistan.
Much like the cover itself, the book is a rich, colorful mix of Pakistan’s cultural background and looks back at how different identities of the present day got their start. There are stories of different communities and different people that a lot of people were otherwise not familiar with, myself included. It amazes me how my very own land has such a lush and vibrant history that I’m surprised it’s never so arduously covered by mainstream media, largely because it may not sit well with Pakistan’s larger identity. And that’s one of the recurring themes of the book: a look at how Pakistan’s present-day identity came into being, while at the same time negating certain attributes that at one time were such important aspects of it.
The book is mostly a collection of essays that feature history lessons, present-day statuses and personal experiences and conversations with different people that have borne witness to the rapid change over the years. In one essay, he shares a cigarette with an aging old tour guide over the decay that Pakistan’s greatest archaeological site has suffered, while in another, he looks at a fascination of certain Pakistani’s for the color of white skin that apparently doesn’t stem from the British Raj, but actually from Alexander himself! In one, he endeavors to find the birth place of an ancient Buddist monk that was born somewhere in the area now called Lower Dir, while another shows how a single saint has been portrayed with two different religious identities in both India and Pakistan.
A few personal favorites of mine are the history behind the famous Burns Road, and of one of the best niharis of the 1980s. There’s also an essay about the history of Lyari, and reading about its past is certainly a treat, and even how the shalwar kamiz became Pakistan’s national dress. Another focuses of the prominence of the Goan-Christian community when the music scene was a peak even before the Vital Signs. And speaking of the Signs, the book finishes off with a piece on his journey reporting of the band, how he got close enough to them to even write a book of their history, and also on the life of one of Pakistan’s most gifted guitarists.
But the one that really stood out was of a boat journey across the Indus river connecting three different provinces, and one boat rider who would make the long journey worthwhile with his renditions of famous sufi ragas. NFP’s own translations of “Bullah Ki Jaana Main Kaun”, “Lal Meri Pat”, and other classical anthems were, in his own words, not enough to do justice to the originals, but nevertheless moved me a certain kind of trance that these songs had on that boat rider.
Other key features of the book include a brief but helpful timeline of Pakistan from 1947 to 2018, highlighting some of the key events in the country’s history. And yes, the book is riddled with a plethora of citations that lead to a references section that quote the sources of the treasure trove of information that NFP uses for the book. I’m certain that those would make for interesting reads on their own.
From start to finish, the book is truly a fascinating read and the little stories in them could even spin off into little novellas themselves. It is definitely a keeper and an essential guide to a Pakistan that not many may have even considered to be possible and never makes it into the textbooks. Though some of the material may be subject to controversy, it still is without a doubt a great insight to the various facets, communities and histories that make Pakistan into what it is today.
I must have read some of his pieces in the ‘90s when they were published in the weekly MAG. While today you wouldn’t find any published pieces related to music considering the absence of a music scene as a whole, the ‘90s was booming with Pakistan Pop music’s golden age, with acts like the Vital Signs, Junoon, Awaz, Amir Zaki, Milestones and the lot had taken the Pakistan music scene by storm. And back then, pieces by NFP were detailed praises or criticisms of various songs and albums of the time, not just focusing on which track was ‘groovy’ or ‘lame’, but also delved into different variations of sounds and music used as well as the deep, in-rooted messages that were intertwined with the songs. Not to mention the quality of the artists’ performances were all discussed in elaborate detail. Listening to the songs was one thing, but reading an article by NFP highlighting the finer aspects or otherwise of these songs was a treat in itself.
It was only in the mid-2000s that I noticed his pieces titled ‘Smoker’s Corner’ in the Sunday Dawn and really got into what he was all about. His pieces were controversial to say the least, but that has largely to do with the fact that they challenged my beliefs and knowledge about things such as history or politics. And then his satire pieces were by far the most offending, but the most fun to read. It’s like all of a sudden there was a rush of ideas and theories that most people would have just considered internally but never spoken outright. Or in my case, mostly new information that I had never endeavored to find out or was misinformed about.
His first book, titled “End of the Past” was a look at Pakistan’s history moving side-by-side with his own life as well as his family’s. He looks back at the cultural changes and shifts in Pakistan’s history and how it came to affect his family as well as others around him. His second book, “The Pakistani Anti-Hero” is on my list of must-reads, but I skipped ahead to his third book titled “Points of Entry: Encounters at the origin sites of Pakistan.
Much like the cover itself, the book is a rich, colorful mix of Pakistan’s cultural background and looks back at how different identities of the present day got their start. There are stories of different communities and different people that a lot of people were otherwise not familiar with, myself included. It amazes me how my very own land has such a lush and vibrant history that I’m surprised it’s never so arduously covered by mainstream media, largely because it may not sit well with Pakistan’s larger identity. And that’s one of the recurring themes of the book: a look at how Pakistan’s present-day identity came into being, while at the same time negating certain attributes that at one time were such important aspects of it.
The book is mostly a collection of essays that feature history lessons, present-day statuses and personal experiences and conversations with different people that have borne witness to the rapid change over the years. In one essay, he shares a cigarette with an aging old tour guide over the decay that Pakistan’s greatest archaeological site has suffered, while in another, he looks at a fascination of certain Pakistani’s for the color of white skin that apparently doesn’t stem from the British Raj, but actually from Alexander himself! In one, he endeavors to find the birth place of an ancient Buddist monk that was born somewhere in the area now called Lower Dir, while another shows how a single saint has been portrayed with two different religious identities in both India and Pakistan.
A few personal favorites of mine are the history behind the famous Burns Road, and of one of the best niharis of the 1980s. There’s also an essay about the history of Lyari, and reading about its past is certainly a treat, and even how the shalwar kamiz became Pakistan’s national dress. Another focuses of the prominence of the Goan-Christian community when the music scene was a peak even before the Vital Signs. And speaking of the Signs, the book finishes off with a piece on his journey reporting of the band, how he got close enough to them to even write a book of their history, and also on the life of one of Pakistan’s most gifted guitarists.
But the one that really stood out was of a boat journey across the Indus river connecting three different provinces, and one boat rider who would make the long journey worthwhile with his renditions of famous sufi ragas. NFP’s own translations of “Bullah Ki Jaana Main Kaun”, “Lal Meri Pat”, and other classical anthems were, in his own words, not enough to do justice to the originals, but nevertheless moved me a certain kind of trance that these songs had on that boat rider.
Other key features of the book include a brief but helpful timeline of Pakistan from 1947 to 2018, highlighting some of the key events in the country’s history. And yes, the book is riddled with a plethora of citations that lead to a references section that quote the sources of the treasure trove of information that NFP uses for the book. I’m certain that those would make for interesting reads on their own.
From start to finish, the book is truly a fascinating read and the little stories in them could even spin off into little novellas themselves. It is definitely a keeper and an essential guide to a Pakistan that not many may have even considered to be possible and never makes it into the textbooks. Though some of the material may be subject to controversy, it still is without a doubt a great insight to the various facets, communities and histories that make Pakistan into what it is today.
April 11, 2019
No book gives better glimpses of Pakistani history. I would say that author is inclined towards a sort of liberalism which you don't normally see in Pakistan considering our mostly religious peole. Maybe it has changed with time, it wasn't like this back in 70s and before. The Pakistan described in the book is mostly missing now and never coming back. It was quite a time to be in
Especially comparing with all that stupidity I learnt at school. The diversity of chapters is in line with different colours of Pakistan.
Pakistanis have always been lost in understanding their country. Religious or Liberal. As if Islam is already not liberal. Just an opinion. One interesting which NFP mentioned in his book was a about finding a middle path between two. A sort of Modern Progressive Muslim. Not as easy task now with all that influence we absorbed back in 80s.
If I look at myself as a Pakistani.....
Especially comparing with all that stupidity I learnt at school. The diversity of chapters is in line with different colours of Pakistan.
Pakistanis have always been lost in understanding their country. Religious or Liberal. As if Islam is already not liberal. Just an opinion. One interesting which NFP mentioned in his book was a about finding a middle path between two. A sort of Modern Progressive Muslim. Not as easy task now with all that influence we absorbed back in 80s.
If I look at myself as a Pakistani.....
October 23, 2021
Love his writing style.. the way he talks about history.
July 18, 2021
A highly recommended book for anyone desiring to become aware of the social history of the subcontinent and Pakistan. It was interesting to read about the archeological sites Indus Valley Civilization and Mohenjo-daro. Both are a part of our geographical history yet are often ignored or not given the proper limelight as if they never existed. The book has numerous personal stories of author Nadeem Farooq Paracha and would be considered fascinating by his fans but not necessarily by the people seeking to gain knowledge about the social history of Pakistan. Another drawback is that the book is so short that I completed reading it in a matter of few hours. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading it.
There is so much historical content in the book that I consider valuable such as the ban on selling alcohol, Bengali politician Shaikh Mujeeb-ur-Rehman winning the 1970 elections but denied his right to run the government by the military and PPP, dictator Zia’s rigorous Islamization of Pakistan, plans to build a casino in Karachi to attract tourists from oil-rich Arab countries and Europe, the systematic propagation of Arab commander Muhammad bin Qasim as one of the founding founders of Pakistan and Goan Christians popularizing jazz and rock music in Karachi during the late '60s and early '70s.
Speaking of music, I was rather surprised to see that the late Aamir Zaki is considerably discussed in the book. I knew that Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Randy Rhoads were among his musical inspirations but I was not aware of how much the local Goan Christian guitarist Egan ‘Iggy’ Fernandes was a massive influence to him as well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and there is one sentence that I became particularly fond of. I think the author perfectly captures the cultural, social and political diversity of Pakistan in this particular sentence – Not Arab yet Islamic, militaristic yet democratic, Indianish but not Indian and extreme in parts yet liberal in others.
There is so much historical content in the book that I consider valuable such as the ban on selling alcohol, Bengali politician Shaikh Mujeeb-ur-Rehman winning the 1970 elections but denied his right to run the government by the military and PPP, dictator Zia’s rigorous Islamization of Pakistan, plans to build a casino in Karachi to attract tourists from oil-rich Arab countries and Europe, the systematic propagation of Arab commander Muhammad bin Qasim as one of the founding founders of Pakistan and Goan Christians popularizing jazz and rock music in Karachi during the late '60s and early '70s.
Speaking of music, I was rather surprised to see that the late Aamir Zaki is considerably discussed in the book. I knew that Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Randy Rhoads were among his musical inspirations but I was not aware of how much the local Goan Christian guitarist Egan ‘Iggy’ Fernandes was a massive influence to him as well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and there is one sentence that I became particularly fond of. I think the author perfectly captures the cultural, social and political diversity of Pakistan in this particular sentence – Not Arab yet Islamic, militaristic yet democratic, Indianish but not Indian and extreme in parts yet liberal in others.
January 31, 2025
Refreshing, informative and easy to read. I highly recommend this book. It’s a fresh perspective on Pakistan’s complex societal fabric and filled with rich content.
This book offers a nuanced exploration of Pakistan’s rich and multifaceted history, culture, and society. NFP delves into the nation’s past, shedding light on lesser-known narratives that challenge common perceptions.
One of the standout aspects of this collection is historical analysis with cultural commentary. For instance, NFP examines the neglect of the ancient site of Mohenjo-daro, highlighting its significance as a cradle of civilization and questioning the reasons behind its overlooked status in contemporary discourse. In another essay, he discusses the elevation of Muhammad-bin-Qasim, who briefly invaded Sindh in 713 CE, as the original founder of Pakistan, probing the construction of historical figures in national identity. 
The essays traverse a wide array of topics, from the evolution of Pakistani pop music to the stories of Afro-Pakistanis, providing a comprehensive look at the diverse elements that constitute the nation’s identity. 
However, some readers might find the title of the book, Points of Entry: Encounters at the Origin Sites of Pakistan, somewhat lacking in intrigue - potentially underselling the rich content within. 
Overall, Points of Entry is a compelling read that challenges reductive narratives about Pakistan, offering a deeper understanding of its history and culture. NFP’s insightful essays encourage readers to look beyond the headlines and appreciate the intricate tapestry that defines the nation.
This book offers a nuanced exploration of Pakistan’s rich and multifaceted history, culture, and society. NFP delves into the nation’s past, shedding light on lesser-known narratives that challenge common perceptions.
One of the standout aspects of this collection is historical analysis with cultural commentary. For instance, NFP examines the neglect of the ancient site of Mohenjo-daro, highlighting its significance as a cradle of civilization and questioning the reasons behind its overlooked status in contemporary discourse. In another essay, he discusses the elevation of Muhammad-bin-Qasim, who briefly invaded Sindh in 713 CE, as the original founder of Pakistan, probing the construction of historical figures in national identity. 
The essays traverse a wide array of topics, from the evolution of Pakistani pop music to the stories of Afro-Pakistanis, providing a comprehensive look at the diverse elements that constitute the nation’s identity. 
However, some readers might find the title of the book, Points of Entry: Encounters at the Origin Sites of Pakistan, somewhat lacking in intrigue - potentially underselling the rich content within. 
Overall, Points of Entry is a compelling read that challenges reductive narratives about Pakistan, offering a deeper understanding of its history and culture. NFP’s insightful essays encourage readers to look beyond the headlines and appreciate the intricate tapestry that defines the nation.
June 7, 2020
"Points of Entry" is one of the most informative and such a captivating book i've ever come across to. It was full of many significant events and their origins behind such as about the Mohenjo-Daro place, about the Alexander the Great passing across South Asia to extend their empire, also about the sufi shrines and the most "EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW AND THE MOST INTERESTING" history of Pop culture of Pakistan.
I had a great time reading this book and mostly valuable as it was my first time reading NFP's book. One thing which i mostly loved about this book was that unlike other books in which a person reads every damn chapter regardless of gaining any information from any chapter, "POINTS OF ENTRY" totally amazed me that in every chapter of this book, there was always something to grasp not just boring information but the information which was presented and written in it's best way such that a reader won't resist to grasp it whole (just like me).
I would suggest and recommend everyone to give a treat to yourself by reading this book to travel in the back times of Pakistan's history which less people are awared about. Thank you Sir NFP for writing this book:)
That is why from my side, this book deserves 5 stars, indeed!
I had a great time reading this book and mostly valuable as it was my first time reading NFP's book. One thing which i mostly loved about this book was that unlike other books in which a person reads every damn chapter regardless of gaining any information from any chapter, "POINTS OF ENTRY" totally amazed me that in every chapter of this book, there was always something to grasp not just boring information but the information which was presented and written in it's best way such that a reader won't resist to grasp it whole (just like me).
I would suggest and recommend everyone to give a treat to yourself by reading this book to travel in the back times of Pakistan's history which less people are awared about. Thank you Sir NFP for writing this book:)
That is why from my side, this book deserves 5 stars, indeed!
November 29, 2020
Part memoir/part cultural critique, this collection of essays by Nadeem Farooq Paracha (NFP, as he's known to friends and readers of his column in Dawn) is vividly written, and original in its arguments. NFP draws on a remarkably broad understanding and experience of Pakistani society and politics and culture to sketch out the myriad, conflicting, and often depressing ways modern Pakistan came to be. From his travels to the literal ancient origin sites of Pakistan - Mohenjodaro and the Karakorams - to the entrance of Pakistan's many immigrant communities, to the origins sites of contemporary cultural trends - an increasingly orthodox Islamic middle class; a change in shared historical memory; and the fall, and rise of a fledgling pop music scene. Would definitely recommend it as an introduction to anyone interested in Pakistani society and culture, but be warned: this is not an academic textbook at all, or even a balanced and comprehensive analysis of Pakistani life. However, as an account of lived experience, NFP brings fascinating insight and a fresh voice on a country often bogged down behind contemptuous news headlines.
September 25, 2019
A eclectic collection of stories from Pakistan - some from it's history and others more autobiographical from the author's experiences. The book examines the cultural and identity crisis in Pakistan as it vacillates between the moderate Islamic and hard-right Islamic identities increasingly veering towards the latter. It is written well with an entertaining narrative with lots of interesting personal anecdotes that illustrate the point.
The books examines many issues such as history of Mohenjodaro, religiosity of the Sindhi Community, the indie pop/rock scene from the 70s and 80's, influence of African immigrants in Karachi, the Islamisation of Pakistan politics, the changing language and culture of Pakistan and the effects of migrants from India over the ages. Overall an interesting read.
The books examines many issues such as history of Mohenjodaro, religiosity of the Sindhi Community, the indie pop/rock scene from the 70s and 80's, influence of African immigrants in Karachi, the Islamisation of Pakistan politics, the changing language and culture of Pakistan and the effects of migrants from India over the ages. Overall an interesting read.
February 9, 2020
I have always been a fan of NFP’s satirical pieces in Dawn (newspaper) and elsewhere. I picked this book with similar expectations but it turned out to be a rather serious and insightful discourse on forging a Pakistani identity. The book highlights various different cultural influences which has shaped Pakistani nation since its birth. The Pakistani state’s standard narrative on the definition of Pakistani culture is hence challenged with the support of strong evidence.
NFP’s convincing recommendation to all Pakistanis is to accept that Pakistan has always been a pluralistic society with significant ethnic, cultural and even religious diversity (if one considers sects and sub-sects of Muslims). Accepting this pluralistic view and respecting this diversity is the best way forward for the country.
NFP’s convincing recommendation to all Pakistanis is to accept that Pakistan has always been a pluralistic society with significant ethnic, cultural and even religious diversity (if one considers sects and sub-sects of Muslims). Accepting this pluralistic view and respecting this diversity is the best way forward for the country.
November 5, 2021
This is a strictly 3-star book, but it got one additional star for the last chapter. The author perfectly articulates the dangers of becoming isolationist, more concerned with the morality of others, and defending so-called traditions and institutions from so-called decay and attack.
In the last so many years, I've seen my fellow Hindus get their knickers in a twist over the smallest perceived 'attack on Hinduism'. Frankly it is absurd. Hinduism is ever-evolving and all-embracing. (Caste system and Sati and the rest are abhorrent aberrations.) This foolishness is turning Hindutva warriors into the people they hate the most, and it looks like cosmic justice for those of us watching the circus from the sidelines.
Back to book: interesting read about Pakistan, a place I know little about despite being part of the same demography.
In the last so many years, I've seen my fellow Hindus get their knickers in a twist over the smallest perceived 'attack on Hinduism'. Frankly it is absurd. Hinduism is ever-evolving and all-embracing. (Caste system and Sati and the rest are abhorrent aberrations.) This foolishness is turning Hindutva warriors into the people they hate the most, and it looks like cosmic justice for those of us watching the circus from the sidelines.
Back to book: interesting read about Pakistan, a place I know little about despite being part of the same demography.
September 5, 2018
Really interesting history of Pakistan based on anecdotes and personal experiences of the author. A must read for someone who wants to get to know their country better or generally want a bit progressive outlook on an otherwise underrated country. My favorite parts were about the evolution of pop culture in Pakistan and his frequent references to Amir Zaki, the best guitarist Pakistan has produced. Also his research on the evolution of shalwar kamiz and the history associated with Northern Pakistan was really something note-worthy. One personal observation though, Mr. Paracha is a bit of a leftist so his point of view is definitely progressive and may not reflect the circumstances or opinion of the majority of Pakistanis. Read the book though, and form your own opinion. I know I did!
August 28, 2018
Nadeem Farooq Paracha provides anecdotes about his encounters with the indigenous people of Pakistan, many of whom are embroiled in this conflict of 'What does it mean to be a Pakistani?' I liked this approach of how each story reflects upon how pluralistic Pakistan is, housing a rich history and culture.
The author also touches upon the aspect of the Pakistani music scene of the 80s and 90s mentioning top artists as Muhammad Ali Shaikhi, Alamgir and Nazia Hasan, how a limited set of bands have tried to revive it in a state which is befuddled about being liberal or conservative
The author also touches upon the aspect of the Pakistani music scene of the 80s and 90s mentioning top artists as Muhammad Ali Shaikhi, Alamgir and Nazia Hasan, how a limited set of bands have tried to revive it in a state which is befuddled about being liberal or conservative
October 20, 2019
Gripping and awe-inspiring!
The stories related in this book tries to trace the identity of being a Pakistani.
Being brought up in an era where my older cousins were crazy about the local pop stars, I finally know the reason for this craze and some of those pop icons background stories. It was a movement of protest against the conservatism and myopic mindsets and policies of the incumbents. I wish the long due cultural revolution comes soon and unshackle this society from the draconian era policies from the reactionary Zia regime.
The stories related in this book tries to trace the identity of being a Pakistani.
Being brought up in an era where my older cousins were crazy about the local pop stars, I finally know the reason for this craze and some of those pop icons background stories. It was a movement of protest against the conservatism and myopic mindsets and policies of the incumbents. I wish the long due cultural revolution comes soon and unshackle this society from the draconian era policies from the reactionary Zia regime.
October 25, 2018
I'd rate this book at 4.2 on 5. It is a book with a different take on Pakistan from the point of view of arts, culture, movies and music. The evolving players in these areas right from the time Pakistan was created , traversed through various military dictatorships and political upheavals. Got to know a lot about various ethnicities esp. Goan christians in Sindh area.
November 16, 2018
This is a light enough read, I managed to read most of it on a three hour train journey from Chandigarh to Delhi. It goes a long way in humanizing the average Pakistani experience, and is therefore an interesting read for those who've gotten used to a somewhat monolithic public image of Pakistanis. The author talks about his own experiences, while also giving an insight into how historical, geographic, and cultural forces have shaped the Pakistani experience. Some parts in the book feel a little pointless - I'm a huge rock fan, but the chapter on the evolution of indigenous rock music in Pakistan felt a little tedious.
Not a must-read, but if you have a few hours and don't want something too heavy, not a bad option.
Not a must-read, but if you have a few hours and don't want something too heavy, not a bad option.
August 22, 2023
This book was like the perfect combo of light and informative – no info dumping here, thank goodness! The storytelling was on point, although I have to admit, there were a few eyebrow-raising moments where I was like, "Really though?"
But my absolute favorite part had to be "their man from Africa" – like that's a slice of your culture and history you don't usually get served!
But my absolute favorite part had to be "their man from Africa" – like that's a slice of your culture and history you don't usually get served!
August 15, 2018
Really good reading for people who want to challenge the hegemonic, monolithic idea of Pakistan. NFP weaves together personal experiences and plenty of solid research. The writing style may take some getting used to for anyone who isn't a regular reader of NFP's columns!
January 2, 2024
Beautifully written. A mix of ideas ranging from identities to simple pleasures of life. The knowledge you will gain not just about what it means to relate to an identity but also pop culture from a different time makes this super captivating. Fav book!
August 7, 2018
Good, light and easy reading.
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