About the author
Ashfaq Hussain is a Pakistani military analyst and author, and a former member of the Army's Special Service Group. He also served as a senior officer in the media wing of the Pakistan Army. He is best known for his five-book "Gentleman" series, a humorous account of his army experiences, and he has also written about the Kargil war in "Witness to Blunder".
Description
This is the life story of General Mirza Aslam Beg, a former Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army. It is more than the story of one man: it covers many important events in Pakistan's national life and brings out facts about national and international affairs that had remained hidden until now.
The author wrote the book after a series of meetings with General Beg and draws on many of his speeches to support the narrative. It covers General Beg's personal life, the events of his tenure as army chief, and the wars fought between Pakistan and India. Having served during the Zia-ul-Haq era, General Beg witnessed many political shifts and controversies behind closed doors.
About the title
"Iqtidar Ki Majbooriyan" means the constraints or compulsions of power. Here, "iqtidar" refers to political power rather than military power alone.
Who should read it
This book suits readers interested in Pakistan's military and political history, especially the 1980s and 1990s. Since it is the biography of someone who took part in these events, it largely reflects his own perspective, so it is best read alongside other sources.