Political Conflict in Pakistan

Publisher: Hurst and co. Ltd, London, 2021, 570pp. ISBN: 9781787384002.

Among the developing countries, Pakistan presents an interesting situation. It is a nuclear power but, in its seventy-five years history of existence, it has been politically unstable except for a few short periods of time. The book under review focuses mainly on Pakistan’s political crisis and covers a vast canvas, including the socio-economic and cultural dimensions of this crisis. The book consists of seven chapters and a brief conclusion. The author deals with political conflict in Pakistan in the context of four clusters of themes. One major theme deals with conflict within the state. Often a clash between the military establishment and the parliament resulted in the declaration of martial laws. A lack of communication between the provinces and the federation has also been a source of confusion and grievances.

The author is of the view that all the provinces, apart from the Punjab, have the feeling that they are neglected and not treated equally. He also holds the view that the military as well as the Punjab and the “Urdu speaking” migrants (Mohajirs) have been the main power brokers in Pakistan. He is of the view that a Punjabization of the country had taken place and the federal and ethnic forces have worked together in shaping the policies of the country.