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Political Conflict in Pakistan
This book is a major reinterpretation of politics in Pakistan. Its focus is conflict among groups, communities, classes, ideologies and institutions, which has shaped the country's political dynamics. Mohammad Waseem critically examines the theory surrounding the millennium-long conflict
between Hindus and Muslims as separate nations who practiced mingled faiths, and the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh renaissances that created a twentieth-century clash of communities and led to partition.
Political Conflict in Pakistan addresses multiple clashes: between the high culture as a mission to transform society, and the low culture of the land and the people; between those committed to the establishment's institutional constitutional framework and those seeking to dismantle the colonial
state; between the corrupt and those seeking to hold them to account; between the political class and the middle class; and between civil and military power. The author exposes how the ruling elite centralised power through the militarisation and judicialization of politics, rendering the federalist
arrangement an empty shell and thus grossly alienating the provinces. He sets all this within the contexts of education and media as breeders of conflict, the difficulties of establishing an anti-terrorist regime, and the state's pragmatic attempts at conflict resolution by seeking to keep the
outsiders inside. This is a wide-ranging account of a country of contestations.
between Hindus and Muslims as separate nations who practiced mingled faiths, and the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh renaissances that created a twentieth-century clash of communities and led to partition.
Political Conflict in Pakistan addresses multiple clashes: between the high culture as a mission to transform society, and the low culture of the land and the people; between those committed to the establishment's institutional constitutional framework and those seeking to dismantle the colonial
state; between the corrupt and those seeking to hold them to account; between the political class and the middle class; and between civil and military power. The author exposes how the ruling elite centralised power through the militarisation and judicialization of politics, rendering the federalist
arrangement an empty shell and thus grossly alienating the provinces. He sets all this within the contexts of education and media as breeders of conflict, the difficulties of establishing an anti-terrorist regime, and the state's pragmatic attempts at conflict resolution by seeking to keep the
outsiders inside. This is a wide-ranging account of a country of contestations.
576 pages, Hardcover
First published May 27, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 30, 2025
Mohammad Waseem’s Political Conflict in Pakistan provides a detailed and analytical account of the political struggles that have defined Pakistan’s history. The book explores the recurring themes of power struggles, institutional imbalances, and the role of identity politics in shaping the nation’s trajectory. Waseem writes, “The state in Pakistan has often been a prisoner of its own contradictions, torn between the ideals of democracy and the realities of authoritarianism.” This tension is a central theme throughout the book, as Waseem examines how the military, political elites, and religious forces have competed for control, often at the expense of democratic governance.
The book also highlights the impact of regional and ethnic divisions on Pakistan’s political stability. Waseem notes, “Ethnicity has been both a source of identity and a tool for mobilization, often exploited by political actors to consolidate power.” He provides a thorough analysis of how regional disparities and the marginalization of certain groups, such as the Baloch and Sindhi communities, have fueled resentment and conflict. Additionally, Waseem discusses the role of Islam in politics, stating, “The use of religion as a political instrument has not only deepened sectarian divides but also undermined the secular foundations envisioned by the country’s founders.”
Waseem’s work is deeply rooted in historical context, connecting past events to present-day challenges. He observes, “The legacy of colonial rule and the partition of India continues to haunt Pakistan’s political and institutional framework.” By tracing the evolution of Pakistan’s political system, Waseem sheds light on the persistent issues of weak governance, corruption, and the lack of accountability.
While the book is rich in detail and analysis, it avoids offering simplistic solutions, instead urging readers to understand the complexity of Pakistan’s political conflicts. Political Conflict in Pakistan is a thought-provoking read that encourages a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the nation’s past, present, and future.
The book also highlights the impact of regional and ethnic divisions on Pakistan’s political stability. Waseem notes, “Ethnicity has been both a source of identity and a tool for mobilization, often exploited by political actors to consolidate power.” He provides a thorough analysis of how regional disparities and the marginalization of certain groups, such as the Baloch and Sindhi communities, have fueled resentment and conflict. Additionally, Waseem discusses the role of Islam in politics, stating, “The use of religion as a political instrument has not only deepened sectarian divides but also undermined the secular foundations envisioned by the country’s founders.”
Waseem’s work is deeply rooted in historical context, connecting past events to present-day challenges. He observes, “The legacy of colonial rule and the partition of India continues to haunt Pakistan’s political and institutional framework.” By tracing the evolution of Pakistan’s political system, Waseem sheds light on the persistent issues of weak governance, corruption, and the lack of accountability.
While the book is rich in detail and analysis, it avoids offering simplistic solutions, instead urging readers to understand the complexity of Pakistan’s political conflicts. Political Conflict in Pakistan is a thought-provoking read that encourages a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the nation’s past, present, and future.
May 7, 2023
Very comprehensive analysis of conflict and it's roots within different players in the political context of Pakistan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
A bit difficult to read the political vocabulary is new if you are not that into academic reading it will be a difficult book to read. Overall good book gives you new perspective of the situation going on in pakistan especially right now.
February 1, 2023
One of rigorous researched based book to understand the conflictual dynamics of Pakistani state which are still present in Pakistani politics, starting from its very begining.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews