This book focuses on the retrogressive agrarian interventions by the Pakistani military in rural Punjab and explores the social resentment and resistance it triggered, potentially undermining the consensus on a security state in Pakistan. Set against the overbearing and socially unjust role of the military in Pakistan's economy, this book documents a breakdown in the accepted function of the military beyond its constitutionally mandated role of defence. Accompanying earlier work on military involvement in industry, commerce, finance and real estate, the authors' research contributes to a wider understanding of military intervention, revealing its hand in various sectors of the economy and, consequently, its gains in power and economic autonomy.

An analysis of retrogressive agrarian interventions carried out by Pakistan's military in rural Punjab and the social resentment and resistance it has initiated.

About the Author

Shahrukh Rafi Khan is a Visiting Professor of economics at Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Aasim Sajjad Akhtar is Assistant Professor of political economy at the National Institute of Pakistan Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Sohaib Bodla is currently working as a freelance writer and researcher, and as a volunteer for NGOs including the Dutch development organization, Cordaid.

Reviews

"This is a pioneering study of the military's appropriation of land to enrich retired servicemen and, more importantly, strengthen its economic domination as a corporate entity." -Tariq Rehman, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore

"This engaging, grounded book captures the essence of military influence and control throughout Pakistan's economy and doesn't shy away from exploring everyday acts of social resistance. Arguing that the military is in large part responsible for 'development denied,' this book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand politics, economics and many of the reasons behind the social upheavals in Pakistan today." -Anita M. Weiss, University of Oregon

"Analytically incisive, the authors boldly reveal how growing resistance to military authority in rural Punjab is eroding the army's institutional power and challenging its sacrosanct status in Pakistan's politics." -Kavita Khory, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts

Book Information
ISBN 9781783082896
Author Shahrukh Rafi Khan
Format Hardback
Page Count 178
Imprint Anthem Press
Publisher Anthem Press
Weight(grams) 454g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 153mm * 26mm