Resilience and Repression in Pakistan

This chapter examines Pakistan's potential for rejuvenation amidst significant challenges, including financial instability and political repression. Through personal narratives and political discussions, it highlights the beauty and struggles of the nation, advocating for cross-ideological alliances to counteract military influence and corruption. The chapter also critiques simplistic media narratives, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the socio-political complexities faced by its citizens.

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Pakistan is an enchanting country, fertile and vast, with a talented young population and, at least on paper, all of the ingredients of a regional powerhouse. But the country is experiencing a tumultuous time. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan languishes in prison while the country’s military leaders use every greater coercion to maintain the status quo. Pakistan’s economy is faltering, and the brain drain of qualified professionals continues to leave the country, devastatingly affecting public services and businesses. To help us understand the sheer predicament many Pakistanis feel, we have Professor SherAli Tereen, who recently returned from the country, to share with us his experience and understanding of the underlying power dynamics of the country.

SherAli K. Tareen is the author of the award-winning books “Defending Muhammad in Modernity” (2020) and “Perilous Intimacies: Debating Hindu-Muslim Friendship after Empire” (2023) – he is currently a professor of religious studies at Franklin and Marshall College.

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