Search books

Home
Sign In My Books
Join Browse ▾ Community ▾

Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Pakistan: A Personal History” as Want to Read:
Want to Read

Pakistan: A Personal History Share

by Imran Khan Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

4.09 · Rating details · 1,158 Ratings · 91 Reviews

READERS ALSO ENJOYED
Born only five years after Pakistan was created in 1947, Imran
Khan has lived his country's history. Undermined by a ruling
elite hungry for money and power, Pakistan now stands alone as
the only Islamic country with a nuclear bomb, yet it is unable to
protect its people from the carnage of regular bombings from
terrorists and its own ally, America. Now with the revelation
...more
W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!
 Want to Read
GET A COPY
Rate this book
1 of
2 5of
3stars
5of
4stars
5of
5stars
5ofstars
5 stars Amazon Stores ▾ Libraries

Hardcover, 400 pages

Published September 15th 2011 by Bantam Press
More Details... edit details

SPONSORED BOOKS

Start Reading - THE CHARM OF A Killer Thriller

REVENGE An ancient puzzle, a fabulous prize, a
“Wow, what a ride!!!! psychopathic killer - a riveting race for
I had not read such an action-packed survival. Learn more here.
book in months... www.goodreads.com
I proudly declare this book a page-turner.” 36 five star ratings »
Goodreads review.
more books...
read.amazon.com

FRIEND REVIEWS

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. FEATURED LIST

READER Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Pakistan, please sign up.

Recent Questions
Best Young Adult Realistic Novels
how can we read the book 2018 books · 11512 voters

Like · 3 Years Ago · Add Your Answer Sponsored by To All the Boys I've Ever Loved Before -
August 17 on Netflix

See 1 question about Pakistan… GENRES

Cultural > Pakistan

LISTS WITH THIS BOOK
History

W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!

 Biography

Nonfiction

Politics
Cricket The best books I have read in my life
215 books — 76 voters 85 books — 11 voters Autobiography > Memoir

Biography > Autobiography

More lists with this book...
Sports and Games > Sports

COMMUNITY REVIEWS (showing 1-30) See top shelves…

Rating details Filter | Sort: Default Search review text

ABOUT IMRAN KHAN

Meezan Ali Mir rated it really liked it Jun 18, 2012

After listening to Imran Khan talking about the same stuff over and over Imran Khan
again in the Pakistani political TV talk shows and in his political rallies I 106 followers
suspected his book was going to be a drag. I must admit I was a little
Imran Khan (full name: Imran Ahmed Khan
surprised to find this book somewhat inspirational. This is more like the
Niazi) is a Pakistani Political Leader, Sports
biography of Pakistan than Imran Khan himself, narrating the events in Celebrity & Philanthropist. He is the founder of
Pakistan's history through his own perspective. Being a cricket lover I bow Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital
down to Imran's stature as a cricketing legend (and I dou ...more (SKMCH) & Namal Knowledge City. Khan was
one of Pakistan's most successful Cricket
19 likes · Like · see review Captain. Leading his team to Victory at the 1992
World Cup. He holds the world record for taking
dianne rated it really liked it Oct 18, 2012 most wickets, best bowling strike ra ...more
Shelves: pakistan, around-da-world, mandatory-reads-in-a-perfect-world
More about Imran Khan
an interesting look at Pakistan.
There is no question that Imran Khan is a brave man; willing to say he'd BOOKS BY IMRAN KHAN
knock the American drones that are killing (98% of strikes) innocent
civilians including hundreds of children, out of the sky if he /his party (the
PTI or Justice Party) were elected.
This would indeed be a radical change from the chicken sh*t leaders they
have now who pretend to oppose the drone attacks on Pakistan's sovereign
territory, all the while approving them after being notified wher ...more
W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!
 9 likes · Like · see review More…

Salman Tariq rated it it was amazing May 26, 2017 NONFICTION DEALS
4 ✨ stars for the book.
I am biased because of his struggle for Pakistan.So definitely a fiver....

Khan is an interesting persona of cricketing world. He achieved what he

dreamed of but Allah(God) humbled him with failures out of blue and
crushed his ego.

Almost uninterested in politics, he fell into it due to strong defiance of $9.99 $2.99 $10.49 $1.99 $7.99 $1.99 $2.99
Government against shokat khanam hospital ( hospital bombed once by See All Goodreads Deals…
Govt).
Changing moment of his life was death of his mother, when he decided to
make shaukat khanam cance ...more
TRIVIA ABOUT PAKISTAN: A PERSO...
6 likes · Like · see review
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
Jane Thomson rated it it was amazing May 16, 2013

This is an excellent book, I reckon this book must be read by every one in QUOTES FROM PAKISTAN: A PERSO...

order to understand the difference between the poor state of large muslim
“When I was older, I found Iqbal's work
population and the great religion islam as the two are often inerpreted the
hugely inspirational. He argued against an
same.Further the writer ( great cricket legend) gives a beautiful but unquestioning acceptance of Western
motivational description about self esteem and the importance of leadership democracy as the self-governing model,
quality in one's life. and instead suggested that by following
6 likes · Like · see review the rules of Islam a society would tend
naturally towards social justice, tolerance,
Rural Soul rated it it was amazing Apr 18, 2017 peace and equality. Iqbal's interpretation
Shelves: biographies-memoirs of Islam differs very widely from the
My natural instincts never doubted the integrity and honesty of this man but narrow meaning that is sometimes given
this book gave me better and broad view of his beliefs and acts. to it. For Iqbal, Islam is not just the name
Thus I respect him more than ever, courtesy "Pakistan; a personal history." for certain beliefs and forms of worship.
The difference between a Muslim and a
non-Muslim is not merely a theological
I must say that every patriotic young man should read this book if he has any
W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!
 frustrated state of mind regarding Pakistan. one - it is a difference of a fundamental
He tried to cover every subject whether it's clash of middle poor class and attitude towards life.” — 7 likes
high westernized rich class, his internal fight vs agnosticism or atheism, his “According to the UNDP (United Nations
passio ...more Development Programme), 54 per cent of
5 likes · Like · see review Pakistanis face 'multi-dimentional
deprivation'. meaning they lack access to
Parita rated it it was amazing Dec 19, 2014 proper education and health facilities and
Being an Indian, my emotions for our neighbour were always mixed and a decent standard of living. Almost two-
confused. But this book has been an eye opener. Never before have I been thirds of the country lives on less than
US$2 a day and about 40 per cent of
interested and absorbed in learning and understanding the politics, history
Pakistani children suffer from chronic
and the future of a country that may have been pushed into the lime light
malnutrition. How can Pakistan be called
suddenly for no good reason and no fault of its own. Khan indeed provides a
an Islamic society?” — 2 likes
real different view on the 'war on terror'. His views on faith and beleif in
Islam is enlightening and his journey inspiring. More quotes…

A defi ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Calzean rated it really liked it May 12, 2014

Shelves: author-pakistan, biography-autobiography, culture-pakistan, nonfiction,
religious-literature

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Khan writes passionately and
scholarly on both Islam and Pakistan. His journey to come to his relationship
with his religion was a great piece of writing and showed a man willing to
live by his values. His opinions on the actions and motivations of his
Government, the frontier tribes, Taliban, and the USA were thoughtful and
showed a considered view. Khan must have great spirit to keep on trying to
reform a corrupt, feudal system full of cronyism and s ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!

 Saym Basheer rated it it was amazing Jun 08, 2012
An inspiring spiritual journey of the next great leader of the
Pakistan(InshAllah). One has to read this book to truly appreciate,
understand and believe in the great cause Imran Khan has dedicated his life
to. How many leaders of Pakistan can say that they are in politics NOT for
money, power, riches and fame?

2 likes · Like · see review

Syed rated it really liked it May 04, 2013

Here is a man who struck first blows to the idols of fear that lie all around
Pakistan. From his approach, it is very clear that Imran is only second to
Jinnah. If he succeeds, which he should, Pakistan would soon be on the
footsteps of South Korea, Singapore and China.

Wish him all the best.

He must not forget one promise i.e. to provide Justice before everything else.

2 likes · Like · see review

Murad Baseer rated it it was amazing Mar 09, 2013

A man in Pakistan who will make a Destiny.

2 likes · Like · see review

Zayn rated it it was amazing Jul 04, 2013

Before reading this book IK was just an ordinary person for me but after
reading Pakistan a personal hitory he became my real life hero.

2 likes · Like · see review

Sayam Asjad rated it it was amazing Apr 04, 2017

I would suggest everybody to at least read the last chapter of this book. It
construes very truly the thoughts of the great Iqbal and weighs the best that
how Islam is supposed to play its role in a society. Overall its really an

W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!

 inspirational book for every Pakistani.

1 like · Like · see review

Tariq Mahmood rated it it was amazing · review of another edition Feb 08, 2012
Shelves: pakistan

Actually the book is 4.5 but I to give it the full marks due the other leaders in
the political arena. Imran is a wave of fresh air in the hot dismal political
weather of Pakistan.
- Just hours before the surrender of Pakistan army in East Pakistan, General
Niazi (Waziri descent) had given a defiant interview to the BBC in which he
had declared that the army would fight to the last man.
- Yet Bhutto's great intellect and charisma could not translate into success
for Pakistan.
- A spiritual person ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Michael Houston rated it really liked it Jan 11, 2014

An interesting and informative book with clear and lucid descriptions of the
problems Pakistan faces in the modern era, both those related to the US 'War
on Terror' and those caused by the arrogance and corruption that has been a
feature of the country's rulers since independence in 1947. I do have
difficulty accepting some of the mystical claims he makes, such as his friend
Mian Bashir's alleged ability to predict future events (when Allah allows
him) and other similar tales of Islamic-flavoure ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Hasan rated it really liked it Nov 16, 2012

Shelves: biography, current-affairs, cricket

From the onset it is obvious, this book is Imran Khan's political biography
with his anecdotes, experiences, hopes, aspirations and ideas for his
country. Khan covers his own life with clear denied stories, but it glosses
over his playboy days and martial issues. But his journey is a political and

W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!

 religious journey and the book highlights his concerns. It is obvious Khan
wants to lay down his vision of what he thinks Pakistan should be, to achieve
it is another debate. I would recommend Imran Kh ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Erez Schatz rated it liked it Dec 10, 2012

Shelves: bio, political, sports

First off the bat (no pun intended, though maybe just a little), despite the
author being one of the greatest cricket legend in Pakistan and the world,
(leading Pakistan's cricket team to great achievements, culminating in the
1992 Cricket world cup win, in which he played at the age of 39 while back
from retirement and with a shoulder injury) this is NOT a book about Cricket.
Imran Khan does refer to his Cricket career and what it meant to him and to
Pakistan, but, as the book says in the title ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Rabia rated it really liked it Apr 22, 2016

Half way through the book, the book turned into more of a campaign for his
elections then a history of Pakistan. Towards the end he seems to start
sympathising with the Taliban and the religious fundamentalist but he
explains himself more to clear up the fact that he does not support
terrorism.

Overall I believe that I would need to read the books and campaign material
by other Politicians before I can make an informed vote.

1 like · Like · see review

Syed rated it it was ok Apr 16, 2012

Shelves: pakistan

So surfaced account of history from his eye. Like other books written in this
era on Pakistan, this book too is obsessed with the the dogma that the
problems of Pakistan is associated with war on terror and USA, completely

W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!

 neglecting the side of corrupt and incompetent behavior of leadership and
general public.

1 like · Like · see review

Barbara rated it really liked it Dec 20, 2014

I have nearly finished this book, and although it took me a while to get into
it, I am finding I cannot put it down.
I only remember the author as a cricketer and so I have been pleasantly
surprised and warmed by his account of his spiritual and political growth.

I admire him as a Pakistani politician noŵ and wish him every success.

1 like · Like · see review

Ayesha Amin rated it really liked it · review of another edition Apr 30, 2016
‫ اﻟﻠ ﺧﺎص ﮐﺎ ﻣﻮں ﮐ ﻟﯿ ﭼﻨﺎؤ ﺑﮭ ﯽ اﭘﻨ ﺧﺎص ﺑﻨﺪوں ﮐﺎ ﮬ ﯽ ﮐﺮﺗﺎ‬. ‫ﭘﺮآ ﻣﯿﺪی ﻣﻮ ﻣ ﻦ ﮐ ﯽ ﻧﺸﺎﻧ ﯽ ﮬ‬
.
each and every single word of This book reflects Truth and nothing else.
MAY ALLAH make it easy for u Khan Sahab.
Loved the detailed history about our tribal areas and pakhtoons nature. That
is a way of true Leader. ALLAH BLESS YOU!

1 like · Like · see review

Vikas Datta rated it it was amazing · review of another edition Aug 10, 2014

Quite a readable account of the journey of a remarkable sportsman turned

politician against the backdrop of the country's evolution. Provides a very
different but incisive view of Pakistan while Imran Khan comes across as a
deeply reflective man...

1 like · Like · see review

Muhammad Arqum rated it really liked it Nov 24, 2014

Shelves: lives-bios-autobios

Whether you are pro IK, against IK or are indifferent. It is your moral and
W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!
 ethical duty to at least hear the guy out before you chant for him, against
him or choose to stay neutral. After all, each and everyone of you must at
least be accountable for your own self to your own self!

1 like · Like · see review

Aleesha Sabir rated it it was amazing Dec 20, 2013

Fabulous... Learnt so much about Pakistan's history n Imran Khan... :)
Never thought I would actually read some book related to politics :P

1 like · Like · see review

Fahad Naeem rated it it was amazing · review of another edition Apr 01, 2014
One of the finest autobiographies I've ever read. I have got so much
inspiration from it. A must read for everyone.

1 like · Like · see review

Avinash saurav rated it liked it May 24, 2012

A hero in his own right. I don't agree with everything he says, too much
association with Taliban and Islam, but truthful to a good extent. May he
become Pakistan's Prime Minister one day.

1 like · Like · see review

Shahid Raja rated it really liked it Aug 16, 2012

Read about the man who is going to play a larger than life role in Pakistan in
the decade to come

1 like · Like · see review

Nur Hidayah rated it it was amazing Dec 31, 2014

Opens up the mind and perspective of readers. Wonderful read on Imran
Khan and how far he goes to save Pakistan. Crazy to think that i'd pick up a
book of politics though!

1 like · Like · see review

W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!
 Malin rated it liked it Apr 13, 2018
Shelves: complexity-of-politics, non-fiction

Imran's personal history is just that, personal. And even tho he admits to
ignorance in many matters during his young years, the glorification of his
own person and vision borders on embarrassing. It sure is admirable to build
a hospital that aims at equal care, and a rural university combining Eastern
philosophy with Western technology, but to boast about it as if no-one else
in the country has had good intentions since the death of Jinnah just isn't
making me believe he is capable of objectivi ...more

Like · see review

Hamza Shafiq rated it it was amazing Aug 03, 2018

For starters, I sincerely hope that this time around, Pakistan finally emerges
from its ashes and treads on the path which was paved by Jinnah and Iqbal.

Brilliant book. I was under the impression that this was, strictly speaking,
an autobiography. Turns out, it was more of a reflection on Pakistan's
turbulent history. I was expecting itty-gritty details of IK's life but that
wasn't so, though I would say, thankfully(?)
It should be noted though that as much as Pakistan's tribal culture was glori
...more

Like · see review

Mudasir Hussain rated it really liked it Dec 21, 2017

Pakistan which has become complex blend of religion, democracy, feudal
system, militry monarchy, and what not, has been exceptionally defined by
Imran Khan from his prosepective. The fact that Pakistan needs honest
politicians than anything else is exemlified by how he became a politician

Honestly, this book is just not about Pakistan or Imran Khan, it is also about
how one can do exceptionally good things in worst enviroments. In this
regard, I found the chapter "Building a Hospital" excellent. ...more
W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!
 Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next »

DISCUSS THIS BOOK new topic

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

© 2018 Goodreads Inc about us advertise author program jobs api our blog authors & advertisers blog terms privacy help switch to: mobile version

W eb page converted to PDF w ith the PDFmyURL PDF creation API!