Book Review
Shuter Murgh Riasat / شترمرغ ریاست by Mustansar Hussain Tarar
A collection of 39 short stories
About Author
Mustansar Hussain Tarar (Urdu: مستنصر حسين تارڑ) is a Pakistani author, actor, the first Morning Show presenter and a pioneer trekker – in his own words: a vagabond. For more details, read his Goodreads author profile . It’s so long that if I include it here, the readability is affected.
Review
What the Book Is About
“Shuter Murgh Riasat” (شترمرغ ریاست) by Mustansar Hussain Tarar is a satirical, humorous commentary on Pakistani politics and society, written in Tarar’s signature witty style. It’s not a linear story but a collection of essays/columns critiquing hypocrisy, corruption, and societal contradictions.
The title tells us what the book is about.
Shuter Murgh or Common ostrich (ostrich for short) is the tallest and heaviest living bird. The most common habit (misconception) attributed to ostriches is that they bury their heads in the sand when scared. The title itself—“Ostrich State”—sets the tone: a place that buries its head in the sand, refusing to confront reality. So, in this collection of sharp, witty essays, Mustansar Hussain Tarar examines the bizarre contradictions of Pakistani society and politics.
I know of Mustansar Hussain Tarar because of:
- An interview with Sameena Peerzada
- His reputation as a travel writer
- His difficult-to-pronounce name
Structure & Style
The book is divided into thematic essays rather than chapters of a single narrative. Each piece blends biting satire with conversational humour, making it a smooth yet thought-provoking read. Tarar’s Urdu is rich yet accessible, peppered with idioms and sarcasm that feel uniquely local.
What Works
- ✔ Unapologetic satire: Tarar skewers hypocrisy at every level—from corrupt leaders to everyday double standards.
- ✔ Relatable humour: If you’ve lived through the chaos of South Asian politics, every line hits home.
- ✔ Cultural depth: Uses references and anecdotes that make you laugh and think in equal measure.
What Might Not Work
- ✖ Some jokes rely on cultural/political context—might confuse readers unfamiliar with Pakistani history.
- ✖ A few essays feel repetitive if read in one go; best enjoyed in parts.
- ✖ The tone is brutally honest, which can feel harsh for readers expecting light humour.
Favourite Bit
One of the best lines compares the country’s leadership to an ostrich—huge, powerful, and entirely clueless—running fast but going nowhere.
Who Should Read This
Perfect for fans of political humour, Urdu satire, and anyone who enjoys Mustansar Hussain Tarar’s sharp observational style.
Final Thoughts
“Shuter Murgh Riasat” is a clever, biting commentary that makes you laugh and sigh in the same breath. A must-read if you like your humour served with truth bombs.
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Stay tuned for more book reviews. Until next time, happy reading!
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Shabana Mukhtar