Troika Rising: Pakistan Under Benazir Bhutto 1988-1990

This is the first volume of a series of books by veteran journalist Najam Sethi on Pakistan’s sputtering journey under democracy from 1988 to 2021 after it emerged from a stifling decade of autocracy under Z A Bhutto from 1972-1977 and ruthless dictatorship under General Zia ul Haq from 1977 to 1988.

It contains an insightful collection of over 100 weekly reports, comments and analyses by Najam Sethi on the state of democracy under Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto from 1988-90.

These articles highlight the politics of conspiracy, corruption, mismanagement, disinformation, victimization, invisible government, rigged elections, politicization of financial institutions, traitors, ‘ slandering matches, All Parties Conferences, Afghanistan imbroglio, jihad in Kashmir, shariat shock, budget blues, Indo-Pak impasse, mullahs on warpath, police lawlessness, judiciary under pressure, mockery of justice, Uncle Sam, etc.

The shenanigans of COAS General Aslam Beg and Opposition Leader Nawaz Sharif are as interesting as the games of hide and seek played by Salmaan Taseer or Mustafa Khan; there are fascinating insights into the personality and politics of Baloch leaders Ghaus Bux Bizenjo and Ataullah Mengal, and British journalist Christina Lamb’s angst in the Land of the Pure is both revealing and intriguing.