About This Book: ‘A powerful and courageous voice that represents the best of Pakistan’s emerging journalism… The first insider view of developments in Pakistan on the road to democracy.’ —Shuja Nawaz, Director, South Asia Center, The Atlantic Council of the United States, and author of ‘Crossed Swords: Pakistan, its Army, and the Wars Within’
‘Nafisa Hoodbhoy’s detailed reporting helped me look at the complex world of Pakistani politics differently. Hoodbhoy’s proximity to key players and her unique perspective as one of the few women journalists to cover Pakistan’s gripping narrative makes the ‘Democracy Train’ a great companion to the news of the day.’ —Karen Frillmann, Managing Editor – Newsroom, New York Public Radio
Excerpt at page xix:
In the earlier twentieth century, the British handed over hundreds of acres of fertile agricultural land some 200 km north of Karachi, along the Hyderabad-Mirkhupas Road to Aga Khan III, Sultan Mohammed Shah. The Aga Khan entrusted the land to my grandfather, who in turn gave it to members of the Ismaili community to become tenant landlords and plant fruit and vegetables in a community known as Sultanabad.
Today, in the centre of Sultanabad the Ismaili prayer house, the jamatkhana, has preserved my grandfather’s memory. A photograph depicts him in felt hat and bow tie, his soft unsmiling eyes exuding concern.
Ismailimail 