Pakistan is a country of intrigue and interest for many reasons. Envisioned as a homogeneous homeland for Muslims in Indian sub-continent, Pakistan has already witnessed an enduring fragmentation (with creation of Bangladesh) which raises question on the very idea of its creation. Given its strategic leverage, Pakistan had the potential of playing a major role in the regional dynamics as well amongst the comity of Islamic nations. Unfortunately, Pakistan has repeatedly floundered on successive opportunities, exposing its infirmity in pursuing a long-term progressive strategy.  

More than seven decades after its creation, Pakistan grapples with deep-seated structural fault lines which includes ethnic, sectarian, civil-military, economic and ideological fractures that have shaped, and often shaken, its national trajectory. This book offers a timely and incisive examination of these persistent fractures. It interrogates how Pakistan`s geopolitical compulsions, historical narratives and institutional power dynamics have not only defined its internal architecture but also shaped its external behaviour. The author has also attempted to forecast the likely future scenarios for Pakistan and resultant implications for India while suggesting a recommend toolkit for dealing with India`s western neighbour.

For scholars and practitioners of statecraft, security and international relations this book is both a valuable resource and a call to engage critically with the idea of Pakistan.

Colonel Suraj Chambial, SM, Senior Research Fellow at the United Service Institution of India, has a rich experience of serving in challenging operational conditions in varied terrain.  The officer has served in Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army) in Military Operations Directorate and also has a stint in South Sudan as part of United Nations Peacekeeping Force.  An astute and vigilant student of modern warfare, the officer holds a Master of Science and Master of Philosophy qualification in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras.  Additionally, he also has a Master in Management Studies degree from Osmania University.  The officer closely follows geo-political and strategic developments and demonstrates a deep and sustained engagement with all issues related to Pakistan.  In his inaugural work, he critically analyzes Pakistan`s enduring fault lines and offers an erudite prognosisof its evolving trajectory.