The fiftieth anniversary of Pakistan’s independence was a time for stock-taking. Ushered in amidst great hope and unprecedented bloodshed, Pakistan has seemingly lurched from crisis to crisis as its politicians and leaders searched for solutions to its myriad of problems. Has the vision that was Pakistan measured up to reality? In this well-researched, analytical account, Lawrence Ziring looks at the path Pakistan has taken, what it has achieved, and provides some thoughts on the future course and direction of the nation.