A book that traces the journey of Pakistan from the viewpoint of the role Islam has played in the constitutional and political process of the country . The constant tug of war between secularists, modernists, traditionalists and fundamentalists over what should be the role of religion has hampered the development of constitutionalism. this has allowed authoritarian forces to time and again rear it's ugly head. The lack of consensus over involvement of religion in state has put socio economic issues on the backburner which strikes at the root of the Pakistani polity keeping it squabbling , weak and prone to crisis .The preponderance of army in Pakistan can be said to be a direct manifestation of this lack of consensus.
The process of islamisation of the state which was happening in fits and stops gained momentum after the ascension of Bhutto on the scene . He started as a socialist but pragmatism turned him towards eager adoption of a state policy based on religion. Lessons abound for anyone who keenly studies the downfall of Bhutto.
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