Iftikharnama
By Iftikhar Ahmed Sandhu
Qalam Foundation International
ISBN: 978-9697461912
272pp.

Often in life, we come to understand harsh realities only when it is too late — after time has passed us by and opportunities have slipped away. For many, especially those who have been raised with a distorted understanding of history and have been led through an education system that feels directionless, the consequences can be disheartening.

These individuals, despite their immense potential, often find themselves adrift, uncertain about how to channel their talents in a meaningful way. Iftikharnama is an answer to those problems: it is not just a book about one man’s rise; it is a beacon of hope for all who have felt lost in a system designed to fail them.

The book under review is a memoir that follows the rise of Iftikhar Ahmed Sandhu, a man from a modest village in Punjab, who went from poverty to becoming a well-known property dealer, a scholar and a near-politician. His journey is a testament to perseverance, intelligence and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world. The readers, through Iftikhar’s life story, are given tools to question the narratives they have been fed, in order to find their own path to success.

Born in July 1965, Iftikhar has reviewed history from the very start. In August of the year of his birth, his mother was forced to leave the hospital, as the threat of an India-Pakistan war loomed large. At the time, the Pakistan Army was engaged in Operation Gibraltar in India-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and the possibility of an all-out conflict was imminent, dispelling the idea — often taught to children — that India had launched a sudden attack on September 6, 1965.

Blending humour, personal anecdotes and correctives on history, an engaging autobiography offers a roadmap to those let down by Pakistan’s system

The creation of Bangladesh, as Iftikhar saw it, was the result of a profound injustice. The western wing’s refusal to let East Pakistan form its rightful government, despite its electoral win, shattered the nation. What struck Iftikhar most was how East Pakistan’s people were branded as traitors and stripped of their rights, enduring brutal repression.

Iftikhar firmly believes that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who later became the prime minister of what was once West Pakistan, played a significant role in both the wars that shaped Pakistan’s trajectory — the 1971 war leading to the creation of Bangladesh as well as the earlier conflict with India. He argues that Bhutto’s political ambitions and refusal to compromise were key factors.

The book offers a much-needed sense of direction by exposing the inaccuracies in the history which the youth have been taught, while challenging the purposeless approach to education. It provides a clear and practical roadmap for those with untapped potential, showing them how to navigate Pakistan’s often-overwhelming social and political complexities.

The book presents Iftikhar’s journey as that of a common person facing various life challenges, detailing his experiences, emotions and observations. It emphasises the untold stories of Pakistan’s history and critiques the societal issues stemming from various mafias. Written in an engaging style, it blends personal anecdotes with broader reflections on poverty and success, aiming to inspire others and highlight the importance of truth in recounting history. By brilliantly connecting humour with reality, the writer adds a layer of depth, making the satire both engaging and impactful.

As a law student who has seen the inner workings of the judiciary and bureaucracy, Iftikhar has become a passionate advocate for justice — not just in the courtroom or in his work with real estate, but in how history is understood and taught.

As a scholar who frequently appears in the media and writes on contemporary issues in various newspapers, he offers a comparative view of the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. By offering a contrast of their approaches, values and leadership styles, Sandhu highlights the differences in their political strategies and visions for the Subcontinent. His observations invite readers to reflect on the broader implications of their leadership on Pakistan’s formation and its subsequent historical trajectory.

A devout Muslim, Iftikhar Sandhu’s deep love for both his family and his faith is a constant theme throughout Iftikharnama. His expressions of gratitude towards his parents and the heartfelt praise he bestows upon his children, evoke a sense of warmth and reverence. The way he honours his parents for their sacrifices and cherishes his children’s accomplishments, will resonate with readers and remind them of their own parents’ need for care and devotion. His reflections on family not only show his personal values but also highlight the importance of familial bonds in shaping one’s character and life journey.

For correcting wrongs, Iftikhar did himself step into the world of politics, but only for a brief period. His encounter with Gen Pervez Musharraf led to disillusionment and a change of ideas.

The jovial writing style of Iftikharnama adds a refreshing dimension to the narrative, making it not just informative but also engaging and entertaining. By weaving humour into each anecdote, the book invites readers to reflect on serious themes without feeling overwhelmed.

The humour allows readers to digest challenging ideas about history, politics and social issues with a lighter heart, while jokes and humorous observations can make stories more memorable, ensuring that the lessons embedded in them stick with readers long after they’ve turned a page.

For someone who has been in the property business for over three decades, Iftikhar’s experiences with the law give him a unique insider’s perspective on how Pakistan’s judiciary operates — or, more often, fails to operate effectively. His frequent trips to the courts expose him to the inefficiencies, delays and corruption that plague the system. He sees firsthand how cases drag on for years, how justice is often inaccessible to ordinary people, and how the bureaucracy stifles progress.

What concerns Iftikhar the most is the growing disillusionment among the public. He fears that, if the judiciary continues to fail in delivering timely and fair justice, people will lose faith in the system entirely, turning instead to alternative means of resolving disputes — sometimes through unlawful or violent means. This potential collapse of trust in the courts represents a deeper threat to the rule of law and the stability of society.

The book serves as a deeply personal memoir and a broader social critique and calls on individuals to challenge the narratives they’ve been taught and to find their own path to success in a society often marred by corruption and injustice. With humour and humility, the book provides a roadmap for those who have a lot to offer, but get lost in the system.

The reviewer writes on old films and music and loves reading books. X: @suhaybalavi

Published in Dawn, Books & Authors, November 3rd, 2024