What's Wrong With Pakistan? by Babar Ayaz

Title: What's Wrong With Pakistan?
Author: Babar Ayaz
Binding: Paperback
Paper Quality: A5 Maat Paper
Language: English
Category: Political Science | South Asian Studies | Governance
Recommended For: Policy analysts, students of political science, journalists, civil service aspirants, and readers interested in Pakistan's socio-political dynamics

Intro:
In What's Wrong With Pakistan?, veteran journalist Babar Ayaz presents a candid and comprehensive analysis of Pakistan's enduring challenges. He delves into the nation's historical, political, and socio-economic complexities, offering insights into the factors that have hindered its progress and stability.

Key Points:

• Foundational Flaws: Ayaz critiques the ideological basis of Pakistan's creation, particularly the two-nation theory, arguing that it led to a state structure susceptible to religious extremism and sectarianism .

• Centralization and Ethnic Diversity: The book discusses how the failure to accommodate Pakistan's ethno-linguistic diversity and the centralization of power contributed to internal conflicts and the eventual secession of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) .

• Military Influence: Ayaz examines the military's dominant role in Pakistan's politics, highlighting how repeated interventions have disrupted democratic processes and governance .

• Rise of Fundamentalism: The author explores the growth of Islamic militancy, attributing it to state policies and the manipulation of religious sentiments for political ends .

• Foreign Policy and Security: The book analyzes Pakistan's foreign relations, particularly with neighboring countries and major powers, in the context of its national security policies .

• Call for Secularism: Ayaz advocates for a secular and inclusive approach to governance, warning that without such reforms, Pakistan risks continued internal strife and isolation .