Book review: Pakistan at the helm

In this book, Tilak Devashar has written about all the rulers of Pakistan, both Military and Civilian. Starting from Jinnah, Tilak gives critical account of all the rulers, who one way or another have ruled Pakistan as autocrats. 

Tilak writes anecdotal history of our rulers who shaped destiny of Pakistan, both domestically and internationally. In doing so, he also gives an insight about the working of Corridor of powers, the civil-military relationship, the petty politics and absurd rationales given to public in Election campaigns.

 “The entire empire was the personal estate of the ruler; the bureaucracy functioned at his whims and fancies.”

Thus, “instead of the rule of law there was the law of the ruler; all power and authority flowed from the ruler — political, military, administrative and judiciary “

It gives us an hint, that why we have struggled both financially and diplomatically since our inception. From the outset, this may seem a rhetoric of another Indian author, but Tilak has done deep research & has given neutral account of all our foibles and woes. 

Those who believe our history is all bright stars and moon of fourteenth should stay away from this.

As Air Marshal wrote in his book, 

“We have learnt nothing from the history.”

For people who want to know the factual details, and why we haven’t managed to get hold of international politics, this book’s a good start. Interestingly, all the references given are of Pakistani ministers, Generals, Secretaries and American state advisors. 

These lines from Tilak will some up the whole scenario,

“Pakistan has a long war to go before democracy can be said to have taken roots. Unfortunately, elections will be held but other aspects of democracy like a functional cabinet, parliament being more than a rubber stamp, acceptance of role of opposition, internal party democracy and strong regulatory institutions are still in the future."

I would give Pakistan at the Helm a B+. 

If you have reached this point than, thanks alot.

Picutrr credits: Yash Sharma,Goodreads