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" 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.

At first I did not want to spend twenty dollars to buy this book as I have very little interest in Pakistan's politics. I am a West Indian of Imran's generation and loves cricket....This book is an excellent read should be required reading for all Pakistanis who love their country and would like to help in its rebuilding-as Imran says it is fast becoming a failed state.Imran speaks from the heart and he bares his soul in a way few writers are able to do. The book is well written and easy to read and understand. He gives a clear historial perspective,is analytical and offers practical solutions to some of the many problems facing his beloved country. This is a book whose time has come from a man who is ready to assume the awesome responsibilites of taking his country forward.

Its an interesting book especially the chapter in which author talks about how he collected the donations for Shaukat khanum hospital. By reading his book, you get to know how loyal is he to Pakistan and really wants to see a prosperous Pakistan. However, some chapters are really long and instead of describing the events only; he provided his detailed suggestions, which is understandable with his character, but sometimes becomes boring for the reader. I would like to recommend this book to young generation of Pakistan.