Between Dreams and Realities: Some Milestones in Pakistan's History - Tapa dura

This book contains a brief but illuminating record of the milestones and turning points in the political history of Pakistan.
The book explores the basic causes of the failure of democracy in Pakistan and tries to demonstrate that only a genuine democratic dispensation and not military rule with a civilian façade can ensure Pakistan's survival as a viable federation. The author argues that the vitality of a nation comes not only from economic progress and military might but also shared values, cultural heritage and social energy.
The book offers an insider's view of the Pakistan economy. As Finance Minister under Mr. Nawaz Sharif, he was the main architect of many of the far reaching reforms introduced in the early 1990s. He describes in considerable detail how public policy is formulated in Pakistan.
As Foreign Minister during the Kargil crisis of 1999, the author presents an authentic and fascinating account of that unfortunate episode in our history.

Sartaj Aziz was born in Mardan, North-West Frontier Province, and raised in Peshawar and Abbottabad. Educated at Islamia College, Lahore, Hailey College of Commerce, Lahore, and Harvard University in USA, he has had a distinguished career as a civil servant in Pakistan in the Ministry of Finance and the National Planning Commission.