Book Review: Pakistan: The Social Sciences' Perspective (Edited by Akbar S. Ahmed)

Overall this book highlights the complexity and diversity in Pakistani society. It covers the saints of Sind, Afghan refugees in Peshawar, complex social networks of Baltistan, groups in Faisalabad, and tribalism in Faisalabad. This anthology of essays present various anthropological and historical perspectives. Overall there are thirteen contributors to this book. Essays on Afridi of the Khyber Agency, Hazarawal district ethnicity, Transformation in Dir and Swat, Identity of Afghan refugees, Charismatic Kingship in Baltistan, Shrines in Punjab, the politics of Sufism, Shrine of Golra Sharif, The Case of Faisalabad (1947-75), Shrine in Sind, Shame and Purdah in Balochistan, the social structure of the Brahui and the Baloch, and Pirs among the Baloch living in Pakistan. 

David M. Hart writes about Tarbur, Mahr and Nanawati among the Afridi pakhtoons. Afridi jirga takes place in masjids (p. 17). Among the Afridis the Adamkhel's owned and operated gun factories. They did not arise in response to any particular urge  to combat the British as Mujahideen. They did it for economic reasons. Darra factories also supplied arms to the British Indian Army during the period of arm shortage (p. 24). In the second chapter, Akbar S. Ahmed writes about the different politicians from Hazara, the stereotypes in Hazara, conflict and bloodshed in Hazara forests, Pakistan Peoples Party, timber mafia, and the politics of ethnicity in Hazara- related to its forest wealth (p.42).

Writing on Dir and Swat, in the third chapter Charles Lindholm states that in attempting to conquer Chitral, Dir itself developed centralization (p.52). In 1969 Dir had rebelled against Pakistan and this happed again in 1976 (p. 58-59). David Busy Edwards writes about the Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Edwards mentions primordial affinities of ethnicity (p.63), usury among Ghilzais, Tarburwali (cousin enmity), character slurs among members of different tribes (p. 79), and nomads versus mullahs in Parachinar in 1983.

Richard M. Emerson writes in detail Baltistan. Emerson writes that 'balti' means the basement chambers where animals are put and the people who put them there (p. 103). Different parts of Baltistan were settled by migrants of Dard, Turkistani, Kashmiri, and Ladakhi people, they were almost certainly assimilated into an established Tibetan culture now called Balti (p.102). The author also writes that Mar-pa were the butter people (ladakhis) and Brok-pa (pasture people). Emerson says that the ruling family of Shigar must be connected with the Dards of Hunza-Nagar (p.111) as they have some similar names in the genealogy. Emerson has also written about the Turkic Buddhist rulers of Kundus, Khaplu kingdom's origination from a person belonging to Turkistan (p. 113). The author also speculates that the landless dependents in Baltistan might have descended from slaves (p. 115). From Khaplu 400 soldiers aided the British-Dogra conquest of Hunza-Nagar (p. 143). Before 1846 local titles were used by the ruling elite. It was replaced by 'Raja' after the British-Dogra suzerainty. Emerson adds that Kha-Cho were a warrior class (p.117). He further writes about the British land settlement of 1903 in Khaplu, Trampa, 'milk mother' relations among Baltis, origin of Nurbakhshis in Baltistan, judicial process and role of Trampas (p. 120), land distribution to the military nobility, Weber on domination and exchange, Chilasis seeking protection of Skardo, Chilasi raiders taking away women and animals, logic of collective action, Maqpoon (the military elite) and the sword dance.

David Gilmartin's essay is about the conflict over Sajjada Nashin, invitation to the Pirs for attending the Delhi Durbar of 1911 (p.155). The British wanted to educate the Sajjad Nashin themselves. Gilmartin says that Khakwanis are pathans from Multan. Katherine Wing writes about the politics of Sufism. He writes about the moral force that began to shape the political order and the conversion of Jats and Rajputs. The Muslim rulers tried to bring the Sajjada-nashis under their control by granting them land (p.172). Pir Pagaro was executed in 1943, because the British saw him as a threat (p. 172). Wing further writes about the spiritual aristocracy, public display of religion by high government officials during Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's government, and Sufi Barkat Ali of Lyallpur.

Hafeezur Rehman Chaudhry writes about the Golra shrine. He mentions that Golra Sharif Pir came from Ambala. Later one of the descendants Pir Meher Ali wrote against Qadiyani movement. Chaudhry also writes about the hierarchies at the shrine, the design of the building, the functions of various employees, the crops produced on the shrine land and the Mujaver of Golra shrine (p. 201). The author believes that Qawali was for attracting converts (p. 202). Mohammad Waseem writes a chapter on Faisalabad. In the chapter he is of the view that1/3 of Faisalabad's population migrated to India in 1947. It became an urban district. Waseem further writes about the presence of sheikhs and khojas in Faisalabad, patronage and extraction of bribes, dominance of entrepreneurial class in Faisalabad, Sehgals joining politics, Nizame Islam party in Faisalabad, pattern of interaction between local forces, non-local workers, People's Academy in Faisalabad and the whole textile sector which remained untouched during ZA Bhutto's nationalization.

Richard Kurin writes an essay on the Abdullah Shah Ghazi Shrine in Sindh. Carrol McC. Pastner writes on Balochistan. He states that in Panjgur there exists three main groups which include Hakim, Baloch and Hizmathar. Hizmathar are negroid in origin (p. 248). In the nineteenth century Makran was incorporated into the Kalat state (p. 252). Emancipation of slaves had taken place in 1920s. 

Yuri Gankovsky writes that Zikris are Shiah and they practice Taqqiya (p. 261). Yuri further writes that the first university in Balochsitan was opened in 1970 (p. 269). In Balochistan twenty percent of the uleemas are from the Baloch districts. The author states that in 1979 181 out of the 830 top officials in the province were Baluchis (p. 271). Gankovsky also says that the Barahvi population also lives in Afghanistan and Iran (p. 271). Barahvi's did not have a script and were surrounded on all sides by the Baloch. Stephen L. Pastner writes that the founder of Zikri religion was Sayid Mahmud of Jaipur who in his Indian homeland proclaimed himself as the Mahdi. Nasir Khan of Kalat did a crack down on Zikris. The author claims that he was a fanatic Sunni Muslim (p. 278). This collection of essays is a brilliant addition to the literature on history, politics and anthropology.

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Book Review: Pakistan: The Economy of the Elitist State by Ishrat Hussain

In this second edition (published in 2019), Ishrat Hussain presents an analysis of the economic development in Pakistan. Hussain compares Pakistan's case with other countries in South Asia and East Asia. He also presents an outline for the economic and social reforms in Pakistan. Hussain believes that the elite in Pakistan continues the unjust accumulation of wealth because the respective roles of the state and the market have been reversed in the case of Pakistan.

Ishrat Hussain says that the share of agriculture has declined to 25 percent (p. 6). In 1947 Pakistan only had 57 MW of installed capacity of electricity (p. 249). Tracing the history of Pakistan's economic development Hussain writes that due to the Korean War a new class of industrialists developed in Pakistan (p. 13). Hussain says that in the 1950s there were food shortages. Pakistan became a net food importer. Despite having such fertile agricultural land and a well-developed irrigation system speaks volumes of the anti-agriculture bias of Pakistan's ISI (import substitution industrialization regime).

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto provided subsidies on wheat, edible oils and other goods consumed by the poorer section of the population. This consumed 2 per cent of the GDP by the mid-19970s (p. 128).The average inflation rate from 1971 to 1977 was 16 percent (p. 23). In the 1980s steel, automobile and engineering were the weakest sectors and the better preforming ones were cement and fertilizers (p. 102). After Zia, when Benazir Bhutto took over she strengthened the private industry. In Pakistan's history the interim government of Moen Qureshi introduced an agricultural income tax which was vehemently opposed by large feudal and land-owing interests (p. 43). PPP's performance from 2008 to 2013 was on average 2 percent of growth (p. 446).

Comparative advantages based on high skills, product differentiation, and new technologies last much longer (p. 107). Hussain states that the aim of the financial-sector reform is to establish a flexible system of financial intermediation in which a variety of instruments are made available to savers and borrowers through stable financial institutions (p .145). Ishrat believes that 'success of Pakistan's economic policy will depend on its ability to maintain fiscal discipline' (p. 171). Ishrat suggests that 'international experience suggests that in low-income developing countries, small scale agriculture, small and medium enterprises, and, more recently, knowledge-based enterprises are the main avenues for productive employment' (p. 232).

Ishrat is of the view that at the time of public procurement of wheat the food inspectors make purchases from influential farmers (p. 461). Husain states that estimates suggest that about one-third of the sick in developing countries are victims of nutritional disorders (p. 224). The author writes that low-cost arrangements to mobilize savings in the rural areas have proven effective in Bangladesh, Bolivia and Bangladesh (p. 164). The author does not even mention a single example of rural support programs in his home country Pakistan, where the rural support programs achieved a lot in terms of mobilizing savings in rural areas.

Throughout the book Ishrat criticizes the civilian bureaucracy, labor union leaders, engineers and other factors that hinder growth and development, but he refrains from writing about the military establishment's role in Pakistani politics and economy. According to the author, in practice the elitist growth works on three factors. one, a strong leader who has concentrated power without any checks and balances. Two, a bureaucratic class which implements the wishes of the leader. Three, a dormant and subservient population that is passive and indifferent to the actions of the leaders and bureaucracy (p. 381). Ishrat does not mention about the reasons behind the subservience of the population. In fact, Ishrat Hussain himself writes in a very subservient tone throughout the book. At times it feels like reading a text book on the economic history of Pakistan.

The author is in favor of allowing Independent Power Producers (p. 427). Hussain writes about GST, VAT, inflation, foreign banks in Pakistan, local banks, Pakistan's financial sector, foreign currency deposits, measuring poverty, primary and tertiary education, value addition, child labor, some useful tables comparing Pakistan with other regional and international figures, and private sector involvement in energy. Hussain also discusses sources of external capital flows to Pakistan, misery index, the impulses of greed, corruption in Pakistani society and social ostracism (p. 453), Benazir Income Support Program, role of FBR and the need for improvement and issues of obtaining finances in Pakistan.

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Book Review: Glimpses Into The Corridors of Power by Gohar Ayub Khan

Gohar Ayub Khan's book provides an insight to the upper echelons of power in Pakistan. Basically this book serves as an autobiography. Khan provides details of his grandfather and father. He also briefly traces his family history. Ayub Khan's father was a Risaldar Major, and when he passed away Ayub was away from home. When Ayub returned home he opened his father's grave (p. 8). I am not certain if this is still practiced in Pakistan. 

The author also writes about the brothers of Ayub Khan and their appointments. One of Ayub Khan's brother was posted in Chilas. Ayub himself was once posted in Waziristan. Gohar writes that his father Ayub Khan rode a bicycle to office when he was a Major General (p. 40). Gohar also writes that Ayub Khan raised the SSG in Cherat. Ayub had made ZAB the Secretary General of Muslim League (p. 142). Ayub Khan passed away in 1974.

Gohar Ayub went to Burn Hall School Srinagar where English was the only language allowed. Burn Hall was later shifted to Abbottabad in 1947, into the old Abbott Hotel (p. 17). Gohar Ayub also writes about the discrimination faced by Indian cadets at Sandhurst (p. 25). He also mentions about the discriminations faced by East Pakistanis, as they were patronized by the people of West Pakistan. 

The author writes that Iskander Mirza was forced to resign and then he went to London. Gohar Ayub writes that G. Allana was sent by Bhutto to Mumbai to revisit the pandit who had make certain predictions about Bhutto's life (p. 141-42). Chinese wanted to build the KKH to be far from Soviet reach, that is why Kilik was avoided (p. 108). Gohar states that Yahya Khan had a draft constitution ready well before the 1971 war (p. 136).

When Zia was in power he kept Asghar Khan under house arrest for four years (p. 140). Zia allowed the establishment of a cement factory in Islamabad which was against the laws of CDA (p. 192). Gohar Ayub had good relations with Nusrat Bhutto. She expressed her wish to become Ambassador of a European country (p. 213). Gohar helped her in the process and when everything was almost done, Nusrat backtracked, most probably because of Benazir. 

Gohar says that Benazir did everything possible to damage Nawaz Sharif's businesses (p. 207). Nawaz Sharif's father was arrested on the instruction of Benazir (p. 254). In 1997 Pakistan Muslim League won two third of the seats in the National Assembly (p. 264). Nawaz Sharif appointed one of his close friends (a businessman) as the Honorary Counsel General in Washington. Gohar Ayub suggested Nawaz Sharif to keep four things in mind to ensure success- to keep good relations with the President, the Army Chief, the Americans, and make no open declarations of war against India (p. 210). 

Further in the book, there are details about the Gandhara Industries, meeting Zhou Enlai, Yahya Khan's decisions, politics of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Tashkent declaration, relationship with China, testing bombs, economic issues of Pakistan and civil-military relations. A very interesting revelation by Gohar Ayub was that the National Assembly library was used only by 3.5 percent of all the MNAs (p. 235). Another interesting incident is about 13 Chinese nationals who crossed into Pakistan via the Shimshal Pass.

Pakistan gave $10 million each to the Central Asian States in 1992, for development projects (p. 295). Moreover, in the book Gohar also writes that the people and the administration of Northern Areas quote a letter written in 1937, which claims the village of Bhasha to be in Northern Areas (p. 313). In this book Gohar includes his decisions upon his return to Islamabad after visiting the region. This book also includes the events up till the appointment of General Ziauddin Butt as the new Army Chief.

I found this book very interesting as it gives a personal account of various events in Pakistan's political history. 

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Book Review: Property Taxes and State Incapacity in Pakistan by Muhammad Mujtaba Piracha

Piracaha tries to provide answers to some of the most serious questions regarding taxation in Punjab, the most populated province of Pakistan. The author discusses the reasons behind the low property tax in Punjab, inter-governmental politics, low fiscal equilibrium, public service delivery, formal tax collection, questions of enforcement and what can be done to improve the tax collection. In the preface of the book Pircaha writes about the 'fiscal contract' between the citizens and the state. In the state the people are sure that their lives and property are secure and that they are getting services in return for their money (taxes).

In Punjab alone, the government collects about 1 billion in agriculture income tax, where the potential is between 50-70 billion (p.7). Some experts say that the aid flow to Pakistan helped the government put off the required tax reforms and avoid the political costs of taxation (p. 7). Piracha is inspired by Robert Wade (1982), whose work is used as an approach to study the irrigation department in India.

The author says that Punjab has historically neglected raising its own source revenues (p. 19). One perspective is that the provincial government of Punjab does not commit adequate resources to digitalize property tax (p. 38). Further in the book the author discusses responsibilities of junior officer, channeling of taxes, district civil service cadre, global level institutional arrangements, initiation of NFC in 1951, government's financial accounting system, local banks, failure in the delivery of public services

Piracha is of the view that the rich including the industrialists show large chunks of their income as agricultural (p. 85). An oft-quoted quip in the civil service is that 'it is easier to fire the Prime Minister of Pakistan, than a peon in a government office' (p. 102). Other themes discussed in the book are bribes and hiring in Punjab, increase in reviews and monitoring missions by donors, ET and NCD hierarchy of Punjab, corruption, patronage, and the civil service.

The lower staff usually feels threatened by digitalization (p. 121). The constable usually introduces himself as 'tax officer' (p. 120). Piracha also writes about the difficulty in collecting full payments, different types of taxes based on location, examples from an established family of Lahore, lacking in the tax assessment, tax administration reform and corruption amongst the civil servants. The last line of the book says that 'a nation's real strength lies in socio-economic progress and the happiness of its people' (p. 185). 

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Book Review: Pakistan and the Bomb: Public Opinion and Nuclear Options (Edited by Samina Ahmed and David Cortright)

Pakistan and the Bomb presents one of the most thorough surveys of Pakistani public opinion on nuclear policy. It examines the main factors that brought a nuclear arms race in South Asia. One of the perspectives in the book is that the majority of the Pakistani elite support their country's official stance of keeping the nuclear option open. Fear of an attack from India is the central factor behind the support for the nuclear option.

Pakistan's nuclear program gradually evolved during 1960s (p. 9). The nuclear postures of India and Pakistan have gone from calculated ambiguity to overt weaponization. In 1976 Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was dispatched to Islamabad and later to Paris in a bid to halt the reprocessing deal (p. 34). Pakistan's journey to nuclear weapons capability, the three wars of Pakistan, troubled relationship with USA, China's role, and budget allocation for the military are also discussed in the book. The book presents the reader with different perspectives on nuclear policy choices, public opinion poll, and offers a new vision which can lead to a more nuclear weapons'-free future.

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Book Review: Lahore: A Sentimental Journey by Pran Nevile

First published in 1933, Lahore: A Sentimental Journey is a tribute by Pran Nevile to his city of birth of Lahore. This interesting book covers his early childhood in Lahore, his time at Government College Lahore, festivals, cinema, time with his friends and the glamour in the city of Lahore. The author also writes about other themes including pathshala (teaching houses), fruits, film censor boards, clothing, fashion, fraudsters of Lahore, doctors, Lahoria's love for ghee, food, nepotism in Government College Lahore, annual jalsa of Arya Samaj and Rang Mahal School.

Pran Nevile writes that the Sikh rulers converted Badshahi mosque into a workshop (xviii). Nevile remembers Nehru passing through Anarkali. He says that Lahorias aped the Sahibs (p. 5). He remembers the pathans as moneylenders (p. 11). During the Besakhi festival in Lahore thousands of people took bath in the Ravi river (p. 23). Nevile also writes that the kite flying went from China to Europe, through India (p. 28). Tea was yet to gain a foothold and it was promoted in Lahore in the 1930s (p. 134). An old Punjabi saying is: 'Eat what appeals to you and wear what appeals to the people.'

The author himself grew up in Sutar Mandi in todays old Lahore. Some of the interesting observations of the author are that early marriage was the established custom in Punjab until the 1920s (p. 64). During the 1930s the author noticed that ghagris gave way to Shalwar suits and saris (p. 81). Even during the summer months the author and his friends would wear cotton or silk suits (p. 154). Some doctors would travel to Lahore from Amritsar twice a week to attend patients (p. 120).

Other interesting themes covered in the book include gatka instructor at Government College, swimming, rowing, King's Commissioned Officer, hierarchy within the bureaucracy, temporary government officials, refence culture, salaries of VCOs and KCOs, new rich class of contractors,  emergency wallahs as brown sahibs, a large majority of India army being Punjabi and the opening of the Wagah border in the 1950s for a  cricket match.

I find this account very interesting and reader friendly!

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Book Review: Beyond the Gorges of the Indus: Archaeology before Excavation by Karl Jettmar

Karl Jettmar retired from the University of Heidelberg in 1986. He was an expert in the field of Central Asian Anthropology, archaeology, and art history. This book not only bring out the ancient history of the Northern Areas of Pakistan, but it also an appeal for the conduct of archaeological excavations. Between 1954 and 1989, various expeditions to the Trans-Himalayan zone allowed Jettmar to acquire unique and intimate knowledge regarding the area. During one of the journeys Rhabar Hassan was the guide and interpreter (p. 102).

Karl Jettmar states that the women in Darel were confined to their houses, but in Tangir they participated  working in the fields (p. 52). The author also mentions about the presence of an Assistant Political Agent residing in Tangir/Darel (p. 53). In these valleys a horse and a gun distinguished a wealthy and an underprivileged person. In Darel during weddings some dances were shared by men and women (p. 62). Jettmar writes that a British force had succeeded in conquering Chilas and defended it against the uprising Kohistanis. He stresses that the people of Astore were eager to instigate the British into such an intervention, because this finally stopped the raids by the Chilasis (p. 47).

Gilgit Valley was conquered three times by the rulers of Baltistan (p. 122). Under Dadi Juvari three notables from Darel built long canals in Gilgit (p. 161). The author states that in 1841 when a landslide from the Nanga Parbat had dammed the river and created a lake which extended back over 55 km and when the dam broke the water level at Attock caused a rise of 80 feet (p. 84).

Further in the book there is mention of the discovery of Gilgit Manuscripts. Gilgit Manuscripts represent the Buddhist and pre-Tibetan period of Baltistan up to the middle of the 8th century A.D (P. 186). Other themes under discussion include the illicit digging at Dasht-i-Taus, Ali Ahmad Jan (SSP Gilgit Police) order of transporting part of a boulder in his private house, stupa carvings near Chaprote, Turk tribes, gold washing, Tarkhane dynasty in Gilgit,  remains of a castle in Naupur, Shastri's visit to Gilgit and migrations in Baltistan (p. 183).

Jettmar makes interesting revelations when he writes similar rituals of brining sexual fulfillment and children to those women who had problems in Dardistan. Jettmar admits that he got more concise descriptions from Bubur in Punyal (p. 198). In the olden days in the Haramosh valley, in the pul-festival similar rights and duties were given to the character as given to the Budalak in Kalash. 

Jettmar mentions that Fussman considered the Sakas as the Iranian nomads of Central Asia (p. 97). Jettmar says that the Shin people were the last wave of immigrants (p. 107). The author states that 560 of all the Middle Iranian inscriptions were found at one site alone at Shatial Bridge (p. 111).

In this work the reader gets an interesting perspective into the social conditions of Baltistan, Tangir and Darel. The ancient trading networks, dynasties, rock arts and inscriptions are also discussed in detail. I started reading this book in 2020 and discontinued after reading less than a hundred pages. Today on the 10th of December 2023 I finish reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

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Book Review: Lure of Karakorams by A. Sayeed Khan Qamar

Lure of Karakorams is written by a journalist who was also a member of the staff of the Pakistan Press International (PPI). He visited Northern Areas of Pakistan a number of times due to his professional duties and hobbies of hunting.

In this book the author writes about the travel restrictions and relaxations imposed by the government of Pakistan on international tourists. The preface to the book is written by the author dated in 1973. The author states that since independence of Pakistan had more than 150 well-equipped  expeditions, from Europe and Japan mostly (p. 2). Qamar argues that Desideri of Pistoia from Italy was the first European to enter the Karakoram (p. 4). Qamar states that Hunza and Balti porters earned admiration during some of the expeditions. The author covers  topics such as the Sino-Pakistan boundary commission, 1967 trade agreement between Pakistan and China, trade via Misgar and administration of Gilgit. Qamar states that Brigadier Ghansara Singh was sent to Gilgit in August as the first Kashmiri Governor to rule the Agency (p. 17).

Further themes included in the book are Indus Valley road, insignia of Northern Scouts and expansion of road networks. By 1965, 467 miles of jeepable road was constructed (p. 33). Rest of the book covers stories about various expeditions, list of expeditions, list of explorations, list of glaciers, list of peaks and list of passes. Various officers of Pakistan military who were involved in different expeditions as liaison officers are also mentioned. No detailed accounts of the local porters and high altitude porters are provided in the book.

The book does not have any list of references, footnotes or intext citations. Qamar writes about history of the region without any list of references. This book has been written with the intent of attracting tourists to the region. The Resident and Commissioner for Northern Areas Ijlal Hussain has written foreword for the book dated 20 July, 1973. I believe a better researched book would have served the purpose well.

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Book Review: An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India by Sashi Tharoor

An Era of Darkness is about the atrocities against women, ship building in India, role of Scots in India, three big darbars in India, Indian Civil Service, racism. exploitation, Indian parliament and justice in India. It also covers the Criminal Tribes legislation of 1911, colonialism, caste, British, Shi-Sunni divide in Lucknow, Nehru and Edwina, transporting Indian convicts from India, studying English literature in India, English language and its legacy, cricket and coloniality,7000 opium shops in India and the Kohinoor Diamond.

Shashi Tharoor presents interesting facts and arguments in this book. I mention some of them in this review. The author says that the Pitt family produced two Prime Minsters (p. 16). In the late 1920s, 7500 Englishmen were receiving 20 million pounds in pension from India annually(p. 24). Tharoor also agues that 'ironically, Lord Lytton's only qualification for the job of viceroy was that, as Robert Bulwer-Lytton, he was Queen Victoria's favorite poet (p. 182). Allan Octavian Hume was a Scotsman who founded the Indian National Congress (p. 81).

The atrocity and brutality of the British has clearly been exposed by Tharoor. 3289 Indian soldiers went missing in World War I, when 700,000 Indian soldiers fought against the Ottoman Empire (p. 87-88). Jamsetji Tata built Taj Mahal Hotel because he was expelled from Watson's Hotel in Bombay (p. 110). During the Orissa Famine of 1866 while a million and a half million people starved to death, the British exported 200 million pounds of rice to Britain (p. 179). Tharoor believes that Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's son was a judge, who died at 53, because he was not treated well by the British (p.72). 

The 'unfree migrants' of India were carried on British ships. which was an estimated 5300, 000 people (p. 193). Sixteen sons of Bahadur Shah Zafar were tried and hanged by the British (p. 196). Shashi Tharoor argues that the British rule in India was despotic because of the famine, forced migration and brutality (p. 204). Timber was exported to Britain for the construction of houses (p. 240). In 1886, only 86 Indians out of 1015 Engineers in PWD (p. 212). The arrival of the first electricity supplies started in India in the 1890s (p. 255). 

Tharoor says that 'Indians themselves did not drink the tea they produced. It was only during the Great Depression of the 1930s- when demand in Britain dropped and British traders had to unload their stocks- that they thought of selling their produce to the Indians the had ignored for a century' (p. 240). 

This book is a must read for the people of India and Pakistan as the author raises many interesting questions. Anyone interested in reading about the colonial rule of the brutal British rule in India, should definitely read this book.

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Book Review: The Struggle for Hegemony in Pakistan: Fear, Desire and Revolutionary Horizons

 

Aasim Sajjad Akhtar says that a grounded theory of politics is much needed for the formerly colonized South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (p. 3). He states that this book brings attention to the challenge of 'forging an alternative hegemonic conception in the historically imperialized zones of the world- system' (p. 5). The author stresses that one cannot understand the global crises without centering attention on non-western, postcolonial regions, particularly Asia and Africa. A large majority of the world population lives in postcolonial countries. There are massive youth bulges in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. And the worst affects of global warming/climate change are to be experienced in East and South Asia (p.7).

In chapter one the author discusses the elite, the new colonialism, Land as an asset, Gwadar, Bahria Town Karachi, DHA Lahore, Thar in Sind, Gilgit-Baltistan and The City on the Ravi River. Aasim says 'the atomized middle-class subject is always on a knife-edge, veering between an insatiable desire for upward mobility and frustration generated by remaining on the outside of the proverbial looking glass. It is on this boundary that potentially transformative political forms can be generated' (p. 52).

Chapter two the author discusses neoliberalism. He says that neoliberal globalization has nevertheless, coincided with a greater share of wealth and income of global output accruing to the non-western world than ever before' (p. 81). In this chapter the author further discuses the planet of slums, neoliberal hegemony and the gendered middle-class subject.

Chapter three is on the digital lifeworld. The author is of the view that 'the field of politics is becoming increasingly complex, the digital space sometimes obscuring and even challenging established networks of political patronage (p. 101).Aasim believes that the there are 'limitations of Aurat Azadi March organizers who still rely, with notable exceptions, on digital publics largely peopled by middle-class political subjects' (p. 119).

The fourth chapter is titled 'The classless subject'. In this chapter the author writes that 'theorizing emancipatory politics in non-western postcolonial countries must correspond to grounded material realities' (p. 125). Aaasim states that 'the actual form and content of an alternative hegemonic conception that incorporates religious subjectivities can only be established in and through struggle, but it is first and foremost necessary to acknowledge this imperative' (p. 148). 

The purpose of this book is to point out main 'structuring factors that are shaping political subjectivity, and which must be accounted for in any political theory that envisions a future humanity in concert with nature' (p. 150). 

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Away from the Crowd

Shah lived in a joint family. His father, a hardworking farmer was known for his hospitality. Shah lived with his uncles, aunts, siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces. Growing up, Shah knew that with time he would have to take more responsibility of his family members. 

Like his father, Shah worked very hard. But his father kept him away from the fields and pastures. His father wanted him to do pursue higher education and be the first university graduate from his family.

Shah's father had limited land and animals, but whatever he had, he made sure his youngest son got the best of it. Sometimes Shah's school fee was covered by selling fruits, cattle, butter and firewood. Shah was very punctual and would never miss school.

Passing grade 12 with good grades, Shah got admitted to a medical school with scholarship in Punjab. His father continued supporting him. He kept sending money to his son studying in the Bahawalpur, knowing that one day he would become a doctor.

After five years of hard work Shah became a doctor and started serving as a doctor in his village. His father was very happy as people congratulated him on the success of his son becoming the first doctor of the village.

One early winter morning Shah's father passed away. This left Shah devastated. Shah had just started enjoying his life, as he had secured a job, got married and had kids. His father's demise shattered him!

Shah's elder brother took control of the farms. Shah left his job in the village and moved to the city with his three children and wife. He started saving money and made sure that his children get good education. Shah's children did not perform well in school but he managed emigrate them to Canada.

When Shah turned 60, he was asked to retire. He did! Shah wanted to shift to his village. As per the local custom, being the youngest male in the family he requested his elder brother to hand over the ancestral house to him. His brother refused. He said: " People say you have made a lot of money! When do you plan to spend it?" Shah did not reply.

Shah wanted to build a house, but he did not have land. He purchased a piece of overpriced land as his urgency was someone's opportunity. His wife also put a lot of pressure on him. Shah wanted to avoid any type of conflict with his elder brother.

After nearly two slow years of construction, when the house was completed, Shah's relatives started objecting! His neighbors also shunned him. They said that he was a show-off, as they thought that a lot had been spent on a house which was barely occupied during the summer, for three months.

Today Shah continues to stay away from the crowd! He avoids going to his village. He finds peace in drinking, in his house in the city. 

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My Batchmate

 

Yesterday, I met one of my undergraduate batch fellows (BN) in the capital. Back in the university, he studied economics. I remember him saying how he would teach children in a small rural school, after graduation. Usually after making this particular point he would often smile. Seeing him smile strengthened my belief that he had other plans in his mind.

Yesterday while having green tea, he was busy with his phone sending voice notes. Upon asking him about the urgency, he told me that some one's official work has been stuck in the government department and he (BN) is being asked to fast track the process.

During our conversation, he told me that his elder brother earns between 0.2-0.3 million per day. Both of them serve the same government department, but at different duty stations. He told me how corruption had become rampant in the department and no one can avoid it. He smiled after saying this! He said people from humble background who join the department cause havoc and do a lot of corruption.

BN said that he wants to go for a PhD, after taking an official leave. When I asked him why, he said that if he completes a PhD he can have better chances of applying directly for senior government positions. Currently, he is happy with his junior position, as he wants to construct his own house and earn money. After completing these two tasks, he would would join a BS-19 position and live comfortably.

This batchmate of mine also told me a story of one of his super seniors in the department. Without naming him, he said that in addition to making a lot of money, his super senior owns lands, houses and even a diary farm (of nearly a hundred cows). One cows cost him 0.8 million rupees and he bought all the cows from Australia.

Before saying goodbye to each other, he asked me about the price of my shoes. I told him!

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Book Review: A Princely Affair: The Accession and Integration of the Princely States of Pakistan, 1947-1955 by Yaqoob Khan Bangash

Bangash's book covers a very important but often neglected phase of Pakistan's history. The complicated process of integration, the postcolonial transition and the ways in which it affected the nature of the state is also covered.

There are certain details which are new to me, so I mention them in the review. General Muhammad Ayub Khan married his daughter to the son of Wali-e-Swat. Kalat and Bahawalpur states gave money to Chief's (later Aitchison) College of Lahore (p. 23). In 1897, Muhammad Sharif Khan of Dir was granted the title of Nawab by the British (p. 34). Quoting Biddulph, Bangash says that the rulers of Hunza and Nagar were locally called Soori (p. 40). Although today, locally there is no evidence for this claim.

Even before the partition India, Mountbatten was already acting pro-Congress (p. 54). Bangash quotes Jinnah who said 'Neither the British government nor the British Parliament nor any other power or body can compel them to do anything contrary to their free will and accord' (p. 58). Bangash says that Jinnah had personally taken on the responsibility of the princely states but barely had time to respond to the states which were interested in joining Pakistan (p. 61). Jinnah was preoccupied with 'more important matters' (p. 61). The Mehtar of Chitral died in a plane crash in 1954.

Sir Shah Nawaz was Dewan of the Junagadh state. Junagadh had already acceded to Pakistan. Menon wanted the Nawab to give full authority to the Dewan to decide the future of the state, which he did by calling upon the government of India to take over the administration of the state (p. 69).

The politics of the Khairpur state, Bahawalpur state, Kalat state and many other states are discussed in great detail. Sir Richard Crofton was the Prime Minister of Bahawalpur since 1942, Gurmani became the Prime Minister of Bahawalpur in April 1947. For some time the Prime Minister of Kalat was Edward Wakefield. Nawabzada Muhammad Aslam Khan was the Prime Minister of Kalat and a relative of the Nawab of Amb. He was a member of the Pakistan Civil Service.

The government of Pakistan had officially sanctioned that no popular representatives of the princely states were to take part in the all-important constitution-making process in Pakistan (p. 139).In 1950, there was not a single princely state in India where people did not have full democratic rights (p. 190). In Pakistan, because the government had no clear policy on accession, and Jinnah was too preoccupied with other state matters (and after February 1948 too annoyed to deal with Kalat), policy formulation became the responsibility of the bureaucrats (p. 222).

While reading the book I was wondering when would such perspectives be taught in schools and colleges? History is not something fixed. In fact, history writing should give rise to new questions and debates.

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Doing the Right Thing

Yesterday I saw my neighbor busy with supervision of cementing the front yard of his house. He had directed the laborers to create a a gentle slope using cement. Now, the cement slope exceeds the boundary of the plot and very clearly violates the parameters of the main road.

This makes me think about "doing the right thing." In this country, creating problems for others has become a fashion now. In PK, I see people parking on footpaths which creates hurdles for the pedestrians. Moreover, motorbikes use footpaths for shortcuts and their own convenience. If you want to risk your life, just try using a zebra crossing (pedestrian crossing). Any type of car or bike would not make an effort to stop for the pedestrian to pass. In fact, the person driving would resort to honking. Nowadays in ICT, driving on the wrong side of the road is another issue which has increased the risks of accidents.

In PK, a trend of fancy number plates was on the rise when I was studying in high school. Back then, I saw plates put on cars, with 'Barrister', 'Lawyer' and 'Press' inscribed on them. Later, after passing my undergraduate studies I met a person in Lahore named S. Other than the original number plate, S used a specially designed plate which had 'Attorney at Law' printed on it. These days in ICT, I see people using stickers on the top left side of the windscreens of their cars. These stickers have logos of law enforcement agencies including police and the military.

While growing up, although not common, but I did see teenagers kicking volleyball, playing football with basketball, playing cricket in a football ground and playing football in a hockey ground. I also saw people cleaning their front yard and putting the garbage in front of other people's house. I often think, when would people stop doing these foolish acts?

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Seeing is not Believing

I grew up hearing that seeing is believing. I think this idea was as meaningless back then, as it is right now. the use of pictures, videos and print, plays a very important role in propaganda.

The last Prime Minister was a prime example of excessive propaganda. He was portrayed as a messiah who would rescue the country from all challenges. Hero worship reached its height when anyone criticizing the Prime Minister or his policies was ruthlessly trolled online.

Derogatory remarks on social media and use of foul language was used to counter any critique of the PM. The public was made to believe that its now or never.

The young generation of the country was made to believe that a seventy year old man represents the youth of the country. The youth and anyone reading any form of text or literature, should keep two questions in mind while reading. One, who is producing the content? Second, for whom is the content being produced?

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Generation PUBG

Today (30 June 2023) while exercising in a nearby park I saw two small girls copying me. This made me smile. They were trying to copy every move. Trying very hard to do push ups they repeatedly asked me if they were doing it correctly. These little girls were aged between 8-10 years, wearing their Eid clothes. They really wanted to learn different exercises. As I was leaving, I saw the girls running and trying to do difficult exercises inside the exercise area, built inside the park. They were really willing to learn!

About a week ago there were a few small boys from a religious seminary nearby who were also willing to learn exercises, as they were trying to copy me. They just understood pashto and found it very hard to follow my instructions in Urdu. Majority of these kids loved playing and watching cricket.

In the same park I also saw some young boys playing PUBG on their mobile phones. It was a pity to see them immersed in the virtual world. Instead of enjoying the open space and facilities of the park, they were busy with their mobile phones. These phones have literally created a disconnect in human societies. 

A few months back in May 2023, I attended a wedding in ICT, where a day before the final wedding day, I saw teenage boys busy with their phones playing PUBG. Instead of enjoying the wedding function and socially interacting with the people, they preferred their best friends- their beloved phones. I do not know when this craze for online games will end?

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The Ideal Job

Sitting on a velvet sofa, he gazes at his little grandson. He smiles at him, who is busy building a tower with his lego pieces. The tower crumbles!  Removing his spectacles, the proud grandfather loudly says: "My grandson will become an engineer."

Replying to this the boy's grandma enters the sitting area and says: "A government engineer." To which her husband replies: "Obviously."

In a mild tone the grandpa says: " A government job is like a spring, it keeps flowing." Grandpa's dislike for private sector job is well known among his relatives. Once his nephew told him about how much he enjoyed his job. To which he replied: "Okay, but still it is not a government job."

Everyday at dinner, grandpa delivers lectures on the importance of government job.  He gives his own example of a retired government servant who now enjoys life, after retiring at sixty. Grandpa completed his Masters in religious studies, passed the government examination and got appointed in the audit and accounts department.

During his dinner sermons, his children would never ask him about his education and his mismatch of profession. They would simply nod their heads, avoid asking him questions knowing that he would be infuriated.

One day at dinner, one of his sons made an effort to break the silence. He asked his father if he would allow him to start a business. This made the retired bureaucrat really angry. Looking at his son over his golden spectacles, he did not utter a word signaling his son to shut up!

It was only when tea was served after dinner that their father broke the silence. He said: "What do you guys want. Look at me, I passes the exam and achieved what I had planned. Today, I have pension, two houses, cars, land and respect. What will you do with a business? Lose all the money?"

Grandpa got breathless and went to his room slamming the door. In a few seconds he returned with a red face and said: "Look at your mother and your uncles. They get paid for doing nothing. Who does not want such a life? Such an ideal job? If you work hard you get the reward."

He shut the door again! In disappointment, he asked himself: " When will my children learn?" 

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BMW

Growing up in a small village Masti Khan saw many hardships. His father was a small trader who barely managed to feed his whole family.

Masti studied at a local school, but this did not stop him from helping his father in his business.  After completing grade ten, Masti went to the nearest town. He was a very hardworking student who would never miss his school lessons. He submitted his home assignments on time and was very organized. 

As years went by Masti did his graduation from a university in a nearby town. Immediately, he applied for the civil bureaucracy exams. He was very keen to join the bureaucracy, as from an early age he saw many bureaucrats posted in his village, which was also the district headquarter. Inspired by the power, wealth and connections of the bureaucrat he remained very committed to his cause.

In his second attempt he passed his exams and got posted as a government officer in the tax collection department. Masti's father could not see his son's growth within the bureaucracy as he died of cardiac arrest. 

Masti got posted in different cities and learned how to make extra money, besides his salary. He bought a house, car and married off all his daughters. Except for the youngest one, Masti setup businesses for all his sons.

Babu, his youngest son was to follow his father's footsteps. He wanted him to appear for the civil bureaucracy exams. Babu said he was ready for it. The motivation was a BMW. Masti said to his son: "I promise to gift you a BMW, if you clear your exams."

Impatient and excited, Babu starts preparing for his exams. He follows a strict routine. He does not miss his prayers, goes to the coaching center and smokes his joint before sleeping.

As months pass by, Babu observes that preparing for the bureaucracy exam is much of a mental strain. Masti Khan is busy with a religious group which propagates religion in every corner of the country. He wishes that his son also follows him after retiring from the government job. Masti grew very religious after retirement. He thinks that the next world is the real world and everyone should make an effort to make it better.

Babu informs his father and discontinues his exam preparation. There and then he joins the same religious group which propagates religion and helps in conversion. This is to not cause his father any annoyance. Rather than gifting him a BMW Masti establishes a car showroom for his youngest son. Masti now prepares for his son's marriage. 

After the wedding, now Babu makes sure he rolls his joint at work, before returning home. He does not go out with his friends. Instead, he travels with his father to the remote areas of the country, preparing for the next world.

 

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Book Review: Rural-Urban Migration in Pakistan by Frits J. M. Selier

 

Pakistan is one of the countries in the developing world where the shocking rate of urbanization and the related problems of housing and employment are caused not only by natural urban increase, but also by an enormous influx of migrants. Karachi is a relevant example in Pakistan which very clearly presents the magnitude of the problems. Rural-to-urban migration is significant because of its close association with economic transformation from agriculture to non-agriculture and from a rural to an urban way of living. Rural-to-urban migration is important for social policy and urban planning.

The author of the book presents a case study of Karachi which is based on seven chapters. The first chapter consists of theoretical introduction. It discusses the concepts of migration in developing countries, especially non-permanent types of mobility such as circular migration are particularly discussed.

In the second chapter, migration is related to family and household of the migrant. In the third chapter, a background to rural emigration is given. A history of the agricultural and rural development in Pakistan is drawn. The authors stresses that the attitude of the government towards the poor people is discriminatory.

The fourth chapter presents the results of the pilot study. The concept of circular migration has been operationalized as the author tries to suggest that a low degree of commitment to the village of origin results from several factors such as having no family and/or property in the place of origin (p. 9). In chapter five, Selier gives the results of the research survey carried out among the migrants living in a number of katchi abadis (or bastis, i.e. squatter settlements).

In chapter six, a research study on migration and low-income housing in Karachi is presented. The study was carried out in parts of Orangi. The aim was to discover whether recently arrived migrants confronted more problems in obtaining and building their own property or those people who had arrived earlier. The last chapter discusses some of the consequences of the migration-type for community-life in the surveyed bastis of Karachi.

The dominant expression of internal migration is rural-urban migration (p. 7). The author writes that Pakistan can be considered as an example of the general migration phenomenon. This book is an attempt to make the work readable not only for scholars by also for policy-makers and for others.

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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.

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