Book Review: Rule by Fear: Right Theses on Authoritarianism in Pakistan by Ammar Ali Jan

 

Rule of Fear presents eight theses which explain the political, economic and social roots of authoritarianism in the country. This work focuses on the structural features which drive the increasing militarization of society. Jan believes that the paranoia of the masses has created a permanent state of emergency in Pakistan that is used to deploy excessive violence against popular challenges to the status quo. The author calls for the construction of alternative ideas that can unite disparate movements struggling for justice and dignity. He tries to create a case for a more egalitarian and socially just future.

This book has been writing very carefully. Jan criticizes Ayub, Bhutto, Zia, Nawaz Sharif, Musharraf and Imran Khan. While criticizing PPP but he refrains from mention ‘Benazir Bhutto’ in the book. Instead, he says that ‘the PPP leadership’ once again compromised with the generals in power-sharing formula that kept the logic of the state intact (p. 111-112). Jan does not describe Baba Jan’s case and the persecution he faced at the hands of the PPP government. He does write about the details of Meher Abdul Sattar’s (from Okara) case but he does not provide details of Baba Jan’s struggle. Jan just limits him to one line in the book.

Overall the book provides brief insight to the recent political and social history of Pakistan. I believe the primary purpose of the book is to propagate a particular view point and attract the masses towards a united left-leaning political struggle.