Between Dreams and Realities: Some Milestones in Pakistans History - Hardcover

by Sartaj Aziz (Author)

In the second edition of this book, the author has added new material to an already illuminating record of the milestones and turning points in Pakistan's political history. This book attempts to demonstrate that only a genuine democratic dispensation can ensure its survival as a viable federation. Sartaj Aziz argues that the vitality of a nation comes primarily from the value system, cultural heritage, and social energy of its people.

As Finance Minister under Nawaz Sharif, he was the main architect of many of the far-reaching reforms introduced in the early 1990s and describes the changing processes of public policy in Pakistan. As Foreign Minister during the Kargil crisis of 1999, he presents an authentic and insightful account of that unfortunate phase in Pakistan's history.
Sartaj Aziz has also covered Pakistan's emergence from military rule during the two PPP governments of the Zardari Presidency. He describes Nawaz Sharif's third term as an elected prime minister, his later disqualification, and the subsequent in-house change. In the last Chapter, 'Imran Khan as Prime Minister', the author examines the performance of Imran Khan since the 2018 elections.

Author Biography

Sartaj Aziz

Sartaj Aziz has had a distinguished career as a civil servant in Pakistan in the Ministry of Finance and the National Planning Commission. In 1971, he embarked on his international career as Director of the Commodities and Trade Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). He has also served as Assistant President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized UN agency that he helped to create. He began his political career as Minister of State for Food and Agriculture, he then served as Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, and took over as Minister for Foreign Affairs. He was a member of the Pakistan Senate from 1985 to 1999. From 2004 to 2013, Sartaj Aziz served as the first Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University. After the 2013 elections, he resumed his political career as Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs and then as Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission.