Pakistan: A Personal History

It is hard to know where to begin in reviewing this book, it really does deliver so much. First and foremost, whilst engaged in sport, I have no connection or interest whatsoever, in cricket but I have to admit, I enjoyed the authors autobiographical content, this really does give a clear insight into his personality and how his talent has moved beyond the sporting arena with great success. Pakistan is a country I have very little knowledge of, despite my interest in the Partition of India, and the events surrounding this dreadful tale of history. This book certainly provided a solid overview of the issues that have restricted any progress for this young nation, despite so much promise and opportunity at its both in 1947. I so desperately hope for a better future for its people. Finally I am so inspired by the narration of Islam, it’s history and its underpinning philosophy in this book. The quotes and wisdom illustrated here from the Prophet (peace be upon him), are stunning to say the least. It is a book that challenges your thoughts, assumptions, your knowledge and understanding. This really highlights how powerful but yet skilfully, Khan writes. It is rare, one comes across a book that has the power to change so much in an individual, but this is certainly one. I particularly look for reading material that has an impact on me and moreover, one that gives you a sense of real enlightenment. This is certainly one of those examples. Along with other material referenced within this work, this book will remain prominent within my library and collection, which I know I will revisit. I would highly recommend this book to all modern history, political science international academics and course leaders, to include this text on your reading lists. Equally, if any students of these studies, who see this material again, I would urge you to read this work. Having read this book, Imran Khan is someone on my list, I would dearly love to meet, but I think this will never happen. No doubt he will probably not see this review, but I still want to say I feel indebted to you in so many ways for the understanding, clarity and personal enlightenment you have brought to me from this this work. Mark Bentley MSc BA (Hons) FCILT FCMI FRSA

This is a highly readable account of Pakistan's history by a formidable personality. Imran bares his soul whilst recounting the history of Pakistan in light of his own experience. Therefore it makes this book doubly interesting, and truly enlightening, preventing reader fatigue. Imran Khan is fearless in his condemnation of senior politicians and the corruption that has dogged Pakistan since its birth. Past Presidents and Prime Ministers of Pakistan are named and thoroughly shamed. Normally one would want to read what the others have to say, but Imran's assertions seem to be so from the heart that his words are believable. I do feel this is a must-read paperback for all types of Western audience, including those who are not particularly interested in Pakistan, as the book does open people to understand the problems that people in Muslim lands struggle with in their day to day lives. Then of course there is an insight in the book to Imran's early life, his cricketing career, his marriage and above all, his spiritual quest. Thankfully not just about politics and dates! The offering differs from heavy academic discourse that we have become so accustomed to, which plays with Islamism, 9/11 and so forth. This book, I feel, is a great reminder, as it furnishes the reader with reality: that colonial thinking is ever present in modern Muslim and third world societies, even today. Basically the story is simply told and while the writing style may at times seem repetitive, it all links together and the book works. One may philosophize a different solution to the problem of Pakistan (other than Imran's prescription), yet the book remains an outstanding contribution and should be read much more widely. A thoroughly useful piece of writing, well done Imran Khan.

I am a female British Pakistani, having spent most of my life in London. My father took me to Pakistan often when I was younger, but as it happens - that stopped and whatever anchor I had to Pakistan had slowly diminished over time. Lo and behold - years and years later I commenced training as a psychologist with an interest in Pakistani Muslims. I figured that merely going by my experiences in practise was not enough and I needed to know the history, the culture, the religion - from the perspective of a Pakistani in Pakistan. Most importantly, I had (and continue to have) a dire need to reconnect to my heritage and that of my parents'. I figured I'd start with this book and I can honestly say it was difficult to put down from the first page. It is written eloquently removed from any embellishment or sugarcoating and Imran Khan manages to provide a picture that is so holistic and varied - from religion to culture, to politics and geography. This review is mainly for British Pakistanis who wish to know and learn about the past, present and hopes for a Pakistan that can sometimes feel very alien and faraway. A lot of my assumptions have been challenged and enough food for thought that has enabled me to think about things from different perspectives. What makes it better is reading his words from the perspective of having hope for a new future Pakistan - which has now finally begun to manifest in winning the recent elections. His grit, determination and staunch faith in his people is remarkable. What began as research for my thesis has now instilled in me a desire to grow and cultivate my Pakistani identity, alongside that of my British identity, rather than the former not existing at all. If you read with an open mind, you wont be disappointed :)

It's more of Imran Khan's personal biography/history than of Pakistan. He described well how he grew up and what he experienced all his life from a beloved young boy to a Cricketer and later politician. He must have written the book himself and obviously mentioned few things that he shouldn't have as a Politician. Because his opponents really twisted his words and used against him. A good book to read.

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.

An amazing book about a charismatic World Leader based on true events.

It’s a book written in candid way by Imran Khan on the politics of Pakistan and his start in politics. And his struggles in building the cancer hospital. 95% of the content in this book is political in nature with only 5% personal or one can say about IK’s memories from the past. If you want to know about the personality of Imran, may read Imran Khan By Christopher Sanford. It’s a book on overall personality of IK.

Myself being a product of diaspora, found it quite informative. It was journey well worth and written by a man has not only studied at Oxford but who also understand the perspectiva from the western point of View. For those of us who have lived in the west and adopted to the thinking and way of living of the host country and unavoidingly gave a tendency to be swayed by the popular media, its a must read to debate and dialogue. Thank you Imran. Not only a cricketer but also a mentor in more than one way.

I would completely recommend this book to anyone interesting in not only learning about Imran Khan's views on the Pakistan but also on the complexities and beauty of Pakistan itself. A must read for both Pakistanis in Pakistan, those living abroad and non-Pakistanis everywhere.