Pakistan: A Personal History

It takes a measure of a man to admit his shortcomings on a repetitive basis. Imran has written biographies before and I presume most of us may have seen his commentaries on TV but the way he has opened up his thought pattern in this book is exceptional.Whilst Journalists like Pamela Constable (Playing With Fire), Ethan Casey (Overtaken by Events) or even Kim Barker (The Taliban Shuffle) may not have much to say about Imran, I feel it is a missed opportunity since the aforementioned authors waste so much time on Zardari and the Sharif Brothers. Even the Pakistani Author Ahmed Rashid (Descent into Chaos) misses him. This is an annoying trend that is also shared by most of the western media (barring the rare NPR clip) and what irks me is that as a politician with growing influence, Imran deserves due recognition. Furthermore, he is far more worthy 'ambassador' of Pakistan than say the Sharif Brothers.The book is an easy read and Imran has been critical of everyone, primarily himself. This is staggering given the disdainful arrogance he displayed as a cricketer and brash methodology he used to come across as a politician. His blunt honesty, deep insight and great anecdotes make this book a tremendous read. He gives credit to people and institutions where it is due, honors those who have helped him in his quests whilst at the same time shies away from self glorification.In comparison of this book, Musharraf's "In the Line of Fire" fails to dwell on issues that matter but instead wastes pages on "childhood first crushes" and practical jokes played throughout an adolescent age.The opening sequence of "Pakistan" fills in the gaps the media did not cover when Imran was arrested in Lahore. The pages across illuminate the anguish and agony Imran - and possibly all of us empathize with but also take time to let the reader soak in the sheer joy felt during the accomplishments of some of Imran's goals.As a post script, the page and an half of Nawaz Sharif as a self-appointed captain sum opening batsman facing the 'fearsome' West Indian bowling attack of '87 in Lahore is simply hilarious.Splendid, really.

Pakistan's liberal pundits have been carping about this book; they try to smear Imran Khan as a 'rightist,' a `fundamentalist,' a `Taliban supporter,' etc. These are false characterizations. As Imran Khan explains in this book, a Muslim, committed to justice for the people, cannot be a 'rightist.' Neither is Imran Khan a 'fundamentalist.' On the contrary he practices a tolerant Islam that urges the use of reason, that persuades, that is tolerant of differences, that explores the inner dimension of the faith, and emphasizes justice and compassion for the mustazifeen. Yes: he supports the Afghan Taliban's fight against foreign occupation of their land - for that is a right that belongs to all peoples in the world - but he also firmly distances himself from the obscurantism and misogyny of the Taliban.In a country that has been plundered for sixty years by a small coterie of Westernizing elites -- whose ranks include malfeasant landlords, sirdars, waderas, seths, and generals -- all patriotic Pakistanis should greet the entry into the political contest of a man like Imran Khan - one who has shown his integrity, courage, sincerity, determination and most of all leadership in cricket, philanthropy and politics. Imran Khan entered politics with one simple but encompassing idea - justice for Pakistanis; he wants to build a Pakistan based on 'adl in all spheres of life. He wants to do justice to the ideals of Islam, to the dream of Pakistan's founders; he wants to empower the judiciary, to reform the police, to deliver services to the people. He wants to bring to justice Pakistan's mercenary elites who have sold the country's honor and sovereignty. Should Pakistanis fail to support this man, they will have missed an opportunity that comes only rarely. So, embrace the man, support him, work with him for Pakistan. This is your chance to save and build a Pakistan that can live up to the ideals of Iqbal and Jinnah.

"Pakistan" by Imran Khan is an incredibly timely book. It is more than a manifesto of the change he believes is needed in Pakistan - it is also the story of a nation's continuing fall from grace into a state of perpetually festering corruption. It is a story told, nonetheless, with empathy and hope.Khan's personal spirtual journey, interestingly enough, runs the opposite course to that of the country, which is only five years older than himself. How his views change and mature, how is faith in institutions grows, is appears at times inversely proportional to how Pakistan's insitutions fail and the country's culture, product of an ancient civilization and a great religion, falls to materialism and pleasure seeking. As interesting and important as his views on Pakistani politics are, equally fascinating is his development as a person and his relationship to Pakistan, which is a country he not only grew up in but also grew up with.The writing itself is frank and honest. I felt that the book started off in a slightly disorienting fashion but within about fifty pages or so, Khan had hit his stride and delivered a satisfying, easily accessible work.Whatever you may think of Khan as a person or a politican, whether you agree with him or not, you should read this book and take this journey through Pakistan - both geographically and through time - with him as he is an interesting guide.