A Shattered Dream: Understanding Pakistan's Underdevelopment

By Ghulam Kibriya

This book proves from Mughal times onwards Muslims belonging to the lower strata of society have always been more enterprising than those hailing from the privileged class. Ghulam Kibriya cites modern day examples to show that even today in Pakistan these modest and small scale entrepreneurs have contributed more to the nation's economy than the privileged classes.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195779479
• ISBN13: 9780195779479
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.6" x 5.6"

Customer Reviews

Kibria has exploded the myth!

No wonder why the Pakistani elite is induced for everything foreign, even wives. His this book makes the reader understand why Britian partitioned the Punjab - Pakistan's route to Jammu was severed to perpetuate the Kashmir Dispute but real motive was to control her water resources so as to enchain this country in heavy debts through financing construction of water reservoirs. The mechanism secured a proxy rule - a constant cause of sufferings, despite resources almost 40% of Pakistan 150 million people live below poverty line. Fair distribution of job opportunities is systematically denied to poor through a `colonial' education system where quality education is available only to those who can afford to learning at premier institutions where expenses are very high - more than what an average family can earn. This book must be an eye opener for the poor, but alas! They do not understand English; hence an Urdu translation of the book is most desirable.

Excellent insight into the advantages that we have to foster

Ghulam Kibriya has written a most wonderful book, it deals with the politics in Pakistan from an engineer's point of view and strikes home the truth that our elite has betrayed us time and time again.Pakistan has had innumerable advantages, an entrepreneurial people who are skilled and very resourceful, excellent mineral deposits, strategic location, good land, the existence of a strong infrastructure.However, these have all been frittered away by the different regimes that have stepped in to rule Pakistan. By not relying on our own people, and importing foreigners and foreign technology, we could never develop our own capacity. Even worse, like an arm which is never used, our capabilities have been slowly withering away.We have to work on building on the "experience curve" factor in Pakistan, we have to trust our own people and be confident that every activity lead to results. Local activity leads to a development in our capabilities, and further activity results in this capability being enhanced. Further "experience" results in cost-effective and quality products and services.The arguments which Ghulam Kibriya puts forward uncovers these truths and gives us much food for though, and stimuli for action.An excellent book overall, one of the best I have ever read.

wonderful book

I can never expect such a book from a pakistani author,deep study of history & fellow citizens