"A sweeping journey through the ebbs and flows of Pakistan's history, from the ancient Indus Valley Civilization to contemporary times, this book not only uncovers the influences from Turkey, Persia, Arabia and Britain that have shaped this South Asian nation, but showcases the region's diverse, rich tapestry of peoples, and Pakistan's pluralistic, multicultural society. Chequered Past, Uncertain Future also describes the post-1947 shift -- following the partition of India and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan -- as the country became more religiously conservative and autocratic, intensifying sectarian and ethnic divisions. For most of the country's history, the people of Pakistan have found themselves under the control of military dictators who suppress civil liberties and freedom of speech and action -- a trend that persists today"--