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'By far the most insightful survey of Pakistan I have read in recent years . . . a vital book' Mohsin Hamid, New York Review of Books Pakistan is viewed by many as the most dangerous place in the world, a failing state racked by insurgence and instability. In this remarkable book Anatol Lieven, who lived and worked in Pakistan for many years, overturns the familiar image. Using hundreds of interviews with people whose views are rarely consulted - from soldiers and intelligence officers to village mullahs and rickshaw drivers - he shows that extremism is far weaker in Pakistan than we think, and that its people, history and traditions will frustrate any outsider's attempt to categorise the country. 'Brilliantly articulated and researched . . . Lieven is a wonderful writer. There are descriptions that a novelist might envy' Kamila Shamsie, The Times 'A much-needed book, written with deep understanding and affection for the country' Christina Lamb, Sunday Times 'Overturns many prejudices . . . so manifold and obdurate are the clichés about Pakistan that you periodically need a whole book to shatter them. Lieven's Pakistan is one such blow' Pankaj Mishra, Guardian 'Provides the reader with a real texture of the multi-dimensional nature of Pakistan's people' Ahmad Ali Khalid, Dawn