This book takes us on a sweeping journey through the ebbs and flows of Pakistan’s history, from the ancient Indus Valley Civilization to contemporary times. The book uncovers influences from Turkey, Persia, Arabia and Britain that have shaped Pakistan, as well as showcasing the region’s diverse, rich tapestry of peoples, and its pluralistic, multicultural society. The book also describes the post-1947 shift – following the partition of India and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan – to become more religiously conservative and autocratic, intensifying sectarian and ethnic divisions. For most of its history, the people of Pakistan have found themselves under the control of military dictators who suppressed civil liberties and freedom of speech and action – a trend that continues to persist today.