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A review by pankajmehra
A Journey to Disillusionment by Sherbaz Khan Mazari
4.0
A very detailed personal account of Pakistan's political landscape starting from before its creation, bringing out the key personalities and political events that shaped the country and also stymied the ability to realize its true potential. An insider's glimpse into tribal cultures and customs that constantly cause friction between the Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, Pashtuns and others to this day!
It was fascinating for an Indian-origin reader like me to read Mazari sahib's account of the 1965 Indo-Pak war! I also enjoyed reading about Zulfie Bhutto's persona, which reconfirmed my own opinion of him. His assessment of Zia ul Haq and Benazir Bhutto makes for an insightful read. He has also provided a fascinating assessment of Zia’s alleged assassination. Mazari sahib's width and depth of relationships across the spectra that shaped Pakistan is mind-boggling so it is very interesting to get glimpses of personal interactions and insights into their persona.
It is disturbing to see that India has, especially in the recent past, been falling down the same rabbit hole that has held back Pakistan. The author has identified dishonest leadership, endemic corruption, religious intolerance, widespread violence, servility of the press and judiciary, and, a disintegrating education system as a few key factors that have caused Pakistan to now be termed “a failed state.” Unless we change tack, a number of countries, including India, might have to make serious efforts to avoid a similar fate.
The book deserved a higher rating but some of it is too detailed and repetitive in parts. Still, it holds the reader's interest.
It was fascinating for an Indian-origin reader like me to read Mazari sahib's account of the 1965 Indo-Pak war! I also enjoyed reading about Zulfie Bhutto's persona, which reconfirmed my own opinion of him. His assessment of Zia ul Haq and Benazir Bhutto makes for an insightful read. He has also provided a fascinating assessment of Zia’s alleged assassination. Mazari sahib's width and depth of relationships across the spectra that shaped Pakistan is mind-boggling so it is very interesting to get glimpses of personal interactions and insights into their persona.
It is disturbing to see that India has, especially in the recent past, been falling down the same rabbit hole that has held back Pakistan. The author has identified dishonest leadership, endemic corruption, religious intolerance, widespread violence, servility of the press and judiciary, and, a disintegrating education system as a few key factors that have caused Pakistan to now be termed “a failed state.” Unless we change tack, a number of countries, including India, might have to make serious efforts to avoid a similar fate.
The book deserved a higher rating but some of it is too detailed and repetitive in parts. Still, it holds the reader's interest.