Hoodbhoys richly textured inquiry into Pakistans evolution from early days onward brings out reality, myth, hope. With penetrating insight and scrupulous care he explores and dismantles multiple poisonous fallacies. But this is no Jeremiad. The cures, he shows, exist as do hopes for a much brighter future.
Noam Chomsky, Professor of Linguistics (Emeritus), Massachusetts Institute of Technology
A hard-hitting and truth-seeking analysis of how Pakistan came to be what it is today with the conclusion, first, that the very idea of Pakistan must be rethought, and second, suggestions as to how this might be done.
Francis Robinson, Professor of the History of South Asia, University of London (UK)
The effort which has gone into writing this book can only be called monumental. It is highly recommended to all who are interested in truthful history and is especially recommended to those who disagree with the author - if only to promote rational, intellectual debate on the subject of Pakistan's origins and identity.
Tariq Rahman, Linguist, Humboldt Laureate, Distinguished National Professor of Social Sciences, HEC (Pakistan)
In a bold sweep, Pervez Hoodbhoy seeks to analyze Pakistan's nationhood, its origins, its present, and its future, as also figures critical to the country's formation. The result is a clinical and candid book, yet one that is also constructive and very readable.
Rajmohan Gandhi, author, biographer, peace activist, IIT Gandhinagar (India)
The book unabashedly lays bare facts of history that in the past were only just whispered. A brave expose and, equally, a desire for a different Pakistan that few dare talk about.
Ayesha Siddiqa, author of Military Inc. Inside Pakistans Military Economy
As a scientist, Hoodbhoy weighs evidence as he fearlessly digs into explaining and resolving crucial issues that present-day Pakistanis face. His scholarship is meticulous and wide-ranging, laying a foundation for an extraordinarily insightful exploration of Pakistans history and its social, cultural, and political dynamics extending into the present day. Withal, he reaches out to the reader with straightforward and clear questions, inviting informed revision of the conventional understanding of Pakistan.
Philip K. Oldenburg, Columbia University (USA)
Agree with it or not, Pervez Hoodbhoy's book demands to be read. It provides the most thorough reversal of existing narratives about Pakistan's origins. A bracing and counter-intuitive interpretation of nationalist history.
Faisal Devji, Professor of Indian History, University 'Hoodbhoys richly textured inquiry into Pakistans evolution from early days onward brings out reality, myth, hope. With penetrating insight and scrupulous care he explores and dismantles multiple poisonous fallacies. But this is no Jeremiad. The cures, he shows, exist as do hopes for a much brighter future.'
Noam Chomsky, Professor of Linguistics (Emeritus), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)
'A hard-hitting and truth-seeking analysis of how Pakistan came to be what it is today with the conclusion, first, that the very idea of Pakistan must be rethought, and second, suggestions as to how this might be done.'
Francis Robinson, Professor of the History of South Asia, University of London (UK)
'The effort which has gone into writing this book can only be called monumental. It is highly recommended to all who are interested in truthful history and is especially recommended to those who disagree with the author - if only to promote rational, intellectual debate on the subject of Pakistan's origins and identity.'
Tariq Rahman, Linguist, Humboldt Laureate, Distinguished National Professor of Social Sciences, HEC (Pakistan)
'In a bold sweep, Pervez Hoodbhoy seeks to analyze Pakistan's nationhood, its origins, its present, and its future, as also figures critical to the country's formation. The result is a clinical and candid book, yet one that is also constructive and very readable.'
Rajmohan Gandhi, author, biographer, peace activist, IIT Gandhinagar (India)
'The book unabashedly lays bare facts of history that in the past were only just whispered. A brave expose and, equally, a desire for a different Pakistan that few dare talk about.'
Ayesha Siddiqa, author of Military Inc. Inside Pakistans Military Economy
'As a scientist, Hoodbhoy weighs evidence as he fearlessly digs into explaining and resolving crucial issues that present-day Pakistanis face. His scholarship is meticulous and wide-ranging, laying a foundation for an extraordinarily insightful exploration of Pakistans history and its social, cultural, and political dynamics extending into the present day. Withal, he reaches out to the reader with straightforward and clear questions, inviting informed revision of the conventional understanding of Pakistan.'
Philip K. Oldenburg, Columbia University (USA)
'Agree with it or not, Pervez Hoodbhoy's book demands to be read. It provides the most thorough reversal of existing narratives about Pakistan's origins. A bracing and counter-intuitive interpretation of nationalist history.'
Faisal Devji, Professor of Indian History, University of Oxford, UK
