“On August 14, 1947, Pakistan emerged on the world stage as a sovereign nation, born from the ashes of British colonial rule and the partition of the Indian subcontinent,” Haris Kamal begins this opus that’s both a history and detailed plan for reform.

Born in Karachi, Kamal is a U.S. business proprietor. He argues that the country’s “revered” founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a “progressive, tolerant, and inclusive” state based on Islamic principles and that this vision led to a “golden” era through the 1960s, when the “private sector drove industrial growth” and the nation’s capital — Karachi — “exuded a cosmopolitan charm that rivaled global cities.” Kamal cautions that “more recently” Pakistan “has taken on an overtly religious character,” with politicians, the military, and bureaucrats, “[trapping] ordinary citizens in a cycle of powerlessness.”

Among myriad reforms he proposes is an overhaul of Pakistan’s Central Superior Services (CSS), which appoints civil servants. Noting the system is a throwback to British colonial rule, Kamal wants it made more “transparent” and “rigorous” to prevent “unqualified and incompetent individuals” from being appointed to important positions. Additionally, Kamal calls for sweeping tax reform. Interestingly, in Pakistan, agricultural income is exempt from taxation, and “many large landowners” use this loophole to shelter their income; Kamal proposes shutting the loophole, among other recommendations.

While Kamal writes clearly, he doesn’t provide enough data or examples to help readers assess Pakistan’s problems. He focuses on state corruption and mentions other issues, such as organ- and human-trafficking, but without elaboration. Too, it’s difficult to gauge whether these reforms could be implemented, and if so, how much good they would do. Another shortcoming is a lack of political and cultural context; readers not well-versed in the country will want to know more about the “jirga” traditional governance system, for example, beyond the website footnote provided.

Nevertheless, even with these oversights, this work is attentive and comprehensive. Those with an interest in Pakistan will find it thought-provoking.

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