The geo-strategic location of a country gives it advantage or
disadvantage in its relation with the comity of nations and addressing
its domestic challenges. The vision, acumen and capacity of political
leadership, however, determine the maximisation of advantages from
geo-strategic location in attaining the national interests. Interplay of
domestic political power, geo-strategic location and global power
dynamics are aptly reflected in the political history of Pakistan as
narrated in “Between Dreams and Realities”. “Between Dreams and
Realities” is both an autobiography and dispassionate account of
Pakistan’s chequered history as the author puts it “watched the
political drama as ring side observer.” The author was actively engaged
in roles, confronting formidable challenges to improve policy
coordination and implementation. A sequenced political, economic, and
foreign relations history of Pakistan is described illustrating turning
points, milestones, and debacles in her existence as a country. The
political scenario of Pakistan, marred by intermittent military
takeovers, with disregard, and mutilation of the constitution, mainly
served personal interests. The rulers, irrespective of whether elected
or otherwise, conjoined survival of their rule with that of the country.
Thereupon, usurpation of power is legitimised by engineered elections or
putting in place pliable judiciary. The indiscipline in political
parties, absence of vision, political inexperience, self-centered, and
headlong political leaders, increased the vulnerability of parliament to
complete its tenure. Weak organisation of political parties is, thus
easily maneuverable to the wheeling, dealings, and gaming of
‘establishment’. This is amply visible in all military takeovers of
elected governments, right from throwing of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s
government to dissolution of Nawaz Sharif’s government in
1999.
KONVERSI KEAGAMAAN PASCA 1965, MENGURAI DAMPAK SOSIAL BUDAYA DAN HUBUNGAN ISLAM KRISTEN DI PEDESAAN JAWA