Pakistan: An Experiment in Nationhood by Rohan Khanna India

Rohan Khanna

This text is a rambling, anecdotal account of Pakistani history and politics, focusing on the partition of India and its aftermath. It weaves together personal stories, historical events, and political commentary, often lacking clear structure or chronological order. The narrative touches upon religious tensions, political figures like Nehru and Jinnah, and the ongoing relationship between India and Pakistan. The author frequently shifts between different topics and time periods, resulting in a disjointed but highly opinionated perspective on the subject matter. The overall tone is one of reflection and critique of past decisions and present conditions.

Understanding Partition and Identity: A Study Guide

Quiz

Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.

  1. According to the text, what path did Syed Haider Farooq Maddu choose, and why?
  2. What is the speaker’s main point about the creation of Pakistan in the name of Kalma?
  3. According to the speaker, what was the mistake made by Gandhiji regarding partition, and what would have happened without it?
  4. What does the speaker say about the idea of Hindus and Muslims not being able to live together?
  5. What does the speaker claim about the events in Kashmir after the partition?
  6. What is the significance of the story of the bandit and his son to the speaker?
  7. What was the speaker’s reaction to his son-in-law converting Hindus to Muslims?
  8. According to the text, what did Liaquat Ali say about the formation of Pakistan?
  9. What is the speaker’s main point about the power dynamics in Pakistan?
  10. What does the speaker say is the perception of Pakistan in the world?

Quiz Answer Key

  1. Syed Haider Farooq Maddu chose a path guided by his conscience, not by the desire for cheap fame or popularity. He is portrayed as someone who does what he believes is right.
  2. The speaker finds it strange that Pakistan was created in the name of Kalma (Islamic declaration of faith), as he believes that religious identity should not be the basis for destroying relationships or defining a nation. He questions the logic of creating a country based on religion.
  3. The speaker says Gandhiji made a mistake by saying that he would leave and make Jawaharlal Nehru Prime Minister if Jeena was uncomfortable with him. The speaker believes that if partition had not happened, everyone could have been convinced, and the division of the country could have been avoided.
  4. The speaker believes it was wrong to divide people into Muslims and Hindus, as well as Sikhs and Buddhists. They were people who had lived together for centuries and that the division caused unnecessary animosity.
  5. The speaker claims that a lot of dead bodies were found in Kashmir with the message that they were gifts for Pandit Nehru and Gandhi. This is used to illustrate the brutal violence that occurred post-partition.
  6. The story of the bandit and his son illustrates how one can repeatedly claim something that has been lost or sold, as Pakistan keeps claiming to have a stake in places. The story highlights the sense of repeated loss and entitlement.
  7. The speaker asked his son-in-law that if he converted Hindus to Muslims then what is the difference between that and a Hindu converting Muslims to Hinduism. He questioned the validity of religious conversions in a politically charged environment.
  8. Liaquat Ali is mentioned as having said that there would be no Pakistan until Aligarh, suggesting a strategic or perhaps opportunistic vision for where Pakistan would be established. The text also suggests that Liaquat Ali was in talks with other countries.
  9. The speaker believes that power in Pakistan lies with the army, not with the people, and they use that power as they see fit. The text suggests that the transfer of power in Pakistan is not democratic, and the army has ultimate control.
  10. The speaker says that wherever Pakistanis go, they are viewed negatively and with a damaged reputation because the world recognizes Pakistan’s state as unstable.

Essay Questions

  1. Analyze the speaker’s perspective on the partition of India and Pakistan. How does the speaker view the motivations and consequences of this historical event, and how does their personal history influence their opinion?
  2. Explore the speaker’s views on religion and national identity. How do they see the relationship between these concepts, particularly in the context of the creation of Pakistan? What criticisms do they offer regarding religion being a basis for national division?
  3. Discuss the speaker’s critique of the political structures and power dynamics in Pakistan. How do they perceive the role of the army and the transfer of power? What are their concerns about the future of Pakistan?
  4. Examine the speaker’s use of anecdotes and historical references throughout the text. How do these instances support the speaker’s various claims, and what do they reveal about the complexity of the historical narrative under discussion?
  5. Analyze the speaker’s position as an insider offering an outside perspective of Pakistan and the Partition. How does the speaker’s positionality shape their assessment of the situation, and what does it say about the challenges of identity and belonging in a post-partition world?

Glossary of Key Terms

Bani Islami: Islamic religious foundation or establishment.

Kalma: The Islamic declaration of faith, which states, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.”

Hindutva: A political ideology that seeks to define Indian culture in terms of Hindu values and identity.

Partition: The division of British India into two independent dominion states, India and Pakistan, in 1947.

Vedic Bal: Refers to a type of strength or power rooted in Vedic tradition.

Mohtarma Benazir: A reference to Benazir Bhutto, a former Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Pak Hind taluka: Refers to the historical land area related to the division between the newly formed countries of Pakistan and India.

Darvesh ji: A term of respect for a person known for their simple lifestyle or holy conduct

Shayran: A reference to the use of imitations or fake products.

Rajagopalachari: A prominent Indian politician and freedom fighter, sometimes called “Rajaji.”

Partition’s Legacy: A Critical Reassessment

Okay, here’s a detailed briefing document based on the provided text, which appears to be a transcript of a speech or interview, likely from an individual with strong opinions on the Partition of India and Pakistan, as well as subsequent geopolitical developments.

Briefing Document: Analysis of Excerpted Text

I. Overview

The text is a passionate and often rambling monologue offering a highly critical and revisionist perspective on the Partition of India and its aftermath. The speaker, who is not explicitly named but can be inferred to be someone with deep historical knowledge and strong political views, expresses frustration with the way events unfolded and the current state of affairs. The speaker heavily criticizes the actions of political leaders, the role of religion, the military’s influence, and the resulting societal divisions.

II. Main Themes and Key Ideas

  • Critique of Partition: The speaker views the partition as a grave mistake, arguing it was unnecessary and based on flawed logic.
  • Quote: “The division of Indians was done into Muslims and Hindus Well this was also a baseless thing and it was completely wrong that in the country of Hindustan there were Hindus and Muslims Sikhs and there were Buddhists too what was this about it should have been Muslim anyway making a coalition on the basis of religion…”
  • Analysis: The speaker sees the division along religious lines as fundamentally flawed. They emphasize the diversity that existed within India and argue that the creation of Pakistan based on religious identity was a major blunder.
  • Critique of Leadership: The speaker is critical of several historical figures:
  • Pandit Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi: They are blamed for the partition, with the speaker suggesting that Gandhi’s willingness to concede to Pakistan was a mistake.
  • Quote: “Gandhiji said that I should keep men and give 55 crores to Pakistan. Jain, I made a mistake by saying that Jeena sahab If they are not comfortable with me then I will leave it today and make Jawaharlal Nehru the Prime Minister. This was my mistake that the partition happened.”
  • Jinnah: While not a direct criticism at all times, the speaker highlights some of the perceived contradictions in his approach as they have been presented in some other narratives, particularly in relation to secularism.
  • Quote: “It is famous from their side that was now rather Fatima Jila has written in her book Bhai Bhai that Jaban sahab said to Rati jinxeda that if you marry a Parsi boy then I will marry the leader of the Muslims It will be very bad, he too had married my Parsi mother If you can use it here then why can’t I?”
  • Mountbatten: It is suggested he could have been better informed and impartial, especially about his partition lines.
  • Quote: “…the taste is that when the same person who was the prime minister of this country was telling Mountbatten that this Punjabi is first a Punjabi, do not divide Punjab too much, or Bengali, the problem of Muslims comes later, first They are Bengalis, don’t divide Bengal…”
  • Role of Religion and Religious Identity: The speaker sees the focus on religious identity as a negative force.
  • Quote: “It has not come for this, it is the speciality of humans, they are not Muslims and their purpose is to make humans good humans, not to turn humans into animals…”
  • Analysis: The speaker suggests that the preoccupation with religious identity has led to violence and dehumanization. They emphasize a humanistic approach over religious labels.
  • Economic Disparity and Pakistan’s Struggles: The speaker highlights the economic troubles and instability in Pakistan after its formation.
  • Quote: “When Pakistan was created, ₹1 was $1, not even ₹10, it was even less than 16 and where have you reached today, if you meet this, Pakistan starts. The dollar is more on the other side, you will see now that it will go up by ₹300…”
  • Analysis: The speaker uses economic indicators to demonstrate Pakistan’s post-partition struggles, indicating how its current state is seen as a consequence of poor decision making and policy.
  • Military Influence: The speaker expresses concern about the military’s hold on power in Pakistan.
  • Quote: “the power in this country will see the army The power is with the army, what we people call Imran Khan sahab, you should understand one thing It is not there that the power is with the army, they do not transfer the power, sir, you are going to Bangladesh, this time you were going to India, you had told me that the power was not transferred to the army, you are still worried, you should settle your matter with India.”
  • Analysis: The speaker argues that the Pakistani military is a dominant force that hinders democratic governance and is a root cause of instability in the country.
  • The ‘Experiment’ of Pakistan: The speaker uses the term to suggest that the formation of Pakistan was an untested, risky endeavour that has largely failed.
  • Quote: “… the district sir himself had said that I am doing an experiment, Pakistan is an experiment…”
  • Analysis: It positions the founding of the nation as an act of experimentation, raising concerns about it being conducted without a clear sense of purpose and proper direction.
  • Current Societal Divides and Religious Conversions: The speaker expresses concern about continued violence and forced conversions.
  • Quote: “I converted thousands of Hindus to Muslims. I have asked them that I have come from Pakistan, I want to ask you that you have converted thousands of Hindus into Muslims here, if tomorrow some Hindu Pandit sahab stands in Pakistan and says that I converted thousands of Muslims into Hindus hey what are you doing have you thought what you are doing that means no Salman cannot be made a Hindu he is made a Muslim you do this”
  • Analysis: The speaker is deeply unsettled by continued animosity and suggests the problem is compounded by ongoing conversions, perpetuating a cycle of religious-based conflict.
  • Kashmir Issue: The speaker mentions Kashmir in the context of the early stages of the conflict, suggesting that a deal could have been made to avoid future issues.
  • Quote: “Vallabhbhai Patel was there in it He conveyed Jawaharlal’s message that you take Kashmir, we will take Hyderabad, Junagadh, but we can talk.”
  • Analysis: The speaker suggests that early opportunities to resolve the Kashmir dispute were missed, leading to long-term instability.

III. Key Facts and Figures (from text)

  • Economic Status: Pakistan’s currency was originally equal to or stronger than the US dollar at its founding, but has since declined significantly.
  • Early Agreements: The speaker implies that there were early discussions about a potential exchange of territories, specifically Kashmir, Hyderabad, and Junagadh.
  • Military Budget: Suggests the Pakistani military consumes a significant portion of resources and power.

IV. Potential Biases and Limitations

  • Strong opinions: The speaker has very strong and sometimes seemingly contradictory opinions, which makes objectivity a point of concern.
  • Anecdotal evidence: While the speaker shares anecdotes, the text lacks empirical data.
  • Revisionist perspective: The speaker is offering a revisionist view of history, which may not be universally accepted.

V. Conclusion

The text is a valuable source for understanding one critical perspective on the events surrounding the Partition of India. While it is important to acknowledge the biases and the somewhat scattered nature of the monologue, it highlights deep-seated concerns about the division along religious lines, the impact of military power, the failures of political leadership and the resulting instability and divisions in the subcontinent. It serves as a reminder of the complex and enduring impact of those historical events. It calls for a more humanistic and unified approach, rather than one based on religious and nationalistic divides.

This briefing document should provide a solid foundation for understanding the key points raised in the provided text. Let me know if you have any further questions or specific areas you would like to explore in more detail.

A Critical Analysis of Pakistan’s History and Politics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Syed Haider Farooq Maddu, and what is his reputation according to the speaker? Syed Haider Farooq Maddu is described as a great donor of the country. The speaker emphasizes that he chooses his own path based on his conscience, rather than seeking cheap fame or popularity, contrasting him with those who might follow a path like “Rawat”. He is considered more of a product of his uncle Abdul Karma Dudhi’s influence than that of his father.

2. What are the speaker’s views on the partition of India and Pakistan? The speaker views the partition as a mistake, stating it was wrong to divide the country based on religion, as Hindustan was home to Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Buddhists. They argue that the division created unnecessary enmity and violence. The speaker also mentions Gandhi’s willingness to concede the Prime Minister position and his desire for a united India. There is a sense that the speaker believes a more mature, united approach could have prevented the partition. Additionally, the speaker mentions that the concept of Pakistan was not created in the name of Kalma which made it strange.

3. How does the speaker view the role of religion in politics and society? The speaker is critical of using religion as a basis for political decisions or national identity. They believe that religion should not be used to create conflict or division among people. They feel the primary goal should be to make humans good humans, not to transform them into something lesser by a blind faith in religion.

4. What are the speaker’s opinions on the creation and current state of Pakistan? The speaker expresses a largely negative view of Pakistan’s creation and current state. They mention the economic difficulties Pakistan faces. The speaker criticizes the violence surrounding the creation of Pakistan and the displacement of people. They believe that Pakistan has not progressed and has a lot of issues. They see the country as having failed to achieve its goals of progress and stability.

5. What is the speaker’s perspective on historical figures like Gandhi, Nehru, and Jinnah? The speaker portrays Gandhi as someone who prioritized unity and was willing to make personal sacrifices for the country. Nehru is mentioned as the person who was made prime minister as well as someone whose focus on his own sister caused issues. Jinnah is mentioned as someone who had his own personal agenda. The speaker also suggests that some decisions made by these figures were perhaps not the most ideal or even downright mistakes.

6. What specific historical incidents does the speaker discuss? The speaker touches upon several historical incidents, including: the financial settlement between India and Pakistan, the movement of refugees during partition, the discussions between political leaders about Kashmir, the story of a man selling his home many times and also his visit to America with an agenda of buying weapons and how it failed. They also discuss how Hindus and Sikhs had to leave their properties behind and how the partition affected many.

7. What concerns does the speaker raise about the relationship between India and Pakistan? The speaker expresses concern about the continued tensions between the two countries, noting that Pakistan is always ahead in any conflict or war while India is the loser. They mention that promises of peace have often been broken. The speaker believes that instead of focusing on war, the countries should try to resolve the matter and settle the issues.

8. What is the speaker’s analysis of power structures in Pakistan and how it differs from India? The speaker believes that the army holds the real power in Pakistan, not the people. He compares this to India where the ideal is that power resides with the people, but even India is not really following that ideal. The speaker views the Pakistani army as an entity that does not want to relinquish power. They also feel the common people are used and oppressed and don’t actually hold power.

Syed Haider Farooq Maddu: Life and Legacy

Syed Haider Farooq Maddu is described as a great donor of the country who chooses what he believes is the right path according to his conscience, rather than seeking cheap fame or popularity [1].

Here’s what the sources say about his background and views:

  • He is considered to be more like his uncle, Abdul Karma Dudhi, than his own father, Maulana Abdul Allah Maddu [1].
  • His father’s side of the family, the Faizan, is from Bani Islami, but he is more like his uncle, Abdul Karma Dudhi [1].
  • His father, Abdul Khairuti, was the elder brother of Abu Lal, and was happier than Abu Lal, and counted among the friends of Josh Mali Abadi [1].
  • Syed Haider Farooqui continues to explain the way his father wants, that the people of Islam should follow the orders of the people, as a child doctor from the movie Kaabil likes Vedic Bal and Bhutto from the movie Kaabil likes Mohtarma Benazir [1].
  • Syed Haider Farooq was involved in a discussion about Pak Hind taluka and partition [1].

The text also includes a few other points related to Syed Haider Farooq:

  • He is mentioned in connection with a discussion of the partition, and the claim that people have been presenting themselves as Muslims [1].
  • He appears to be associated with a narrative that challenges the basis of the creation of Pakistan based on religion [2].
  • He is mentioned in relation to discussions about the property left by Hindus and Sikhs in West Pakistan and by Muslims in India [2].
  • He is also mentioned in connection with the Boundary Commission and a dispute over property [3].

There is a reference to a person who shares the name Syed Haider Maddu, which could be the same person, but this is not explicitly stated [1]. This individual is referred to as a “great donor of our country” [1].

India-Pakistan Partition: A Multifaceted Perspective

The sources discuss the Indo-Pak partition from multiple perspectives, often highlighting the complexities and contradictions surrounding the event [1-7].

Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

  • Religious Basis of Partition: The sources question the idea that Pakistan was created solely in the name of Islam [1-3]. One source notes that Pakistan was not created in the name of “Kalma” and that it was wrong to create a coalition on the basis of religion, breaking up families and communities [2]. It also highlights that Hindustan included Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Buddhists [1]. Some argue that the purpose of Islam was not to turn humans into animals, but to make them good humans [2].
  • The Role of Leaders: The sources discuss various leaders and their roles in the partition.
  • Gandhi’s Actions: One source claims that Gandhi’s actions led to the partition. It mentions that Gandhi offered to step down as leader to make Jawaharlal Nehru the Prime Minister and that he made a mistake that led to the partition [1]. It also mentions Gandhi’s willingness to give 55 crores to Pakistan even though many bodies were found in Kashmir with notes saying they were gifts for Pandit Nehru and Gandhi [1]. Another source mentions Gandhi was introduced in Russia as Rajagopalachari [4].
  • Jinnah’s Actions: One source says that Jinnah wanted mediation between the Pakistani and Indian governments [5]. Another source mentions that Jinnah said to Rati Jinxeda that if she married a Parsi boy he would marry the leader of the Muslims [2].
  • Nehru’s Actions: Nehru is mentioned in the context of his role in the Indian government and his interactions with other leaders, but it also says that the Congress had always kept an eye on the question that has come up today, and it also states that Nehru was made a Hindu [4].
  • Other Leaders: The sources mention other figures such as Vallabhbhai Patel, Liaquat Ali Khan, and Mountbatten, along with their roles and decisions related to the partition [5-7]. One source indicates that the prime minister at the time of partition told Mountbatten to not divide Punjab and Bengal so much, as they were first Punjabi and Bengali, and the problem of Muslims came later [7].
  • Consequences of Partition: The sources detail some negative outcomes of the partition:
  • Violence and Displacement: The sources describe the displacement and violence that occurred, including the movement of people and the abandonment of property [1-3]. One source also mentions the looting that took place in Rajasthan in the name of Jihad [6]. It notes that Hindus and Sikhs left property in West Pakistan, and Muslims left property in India, and that Sir Camp in Manto Park was built where Hindus and Sikhs were present [2]. The source also mentions that the water was blocked and people were killed when going to find water [3].
  • Economic Impact: The sources note the economic disparities that have emerged since partition. One source states that when Pakistan was created, 1 rupee was equal to 1 dollar, and that it is now worth less than 16. It also states that the dollar is more on the other side, and that it will go up by 300 rupees, and that after this looting will take place [2].
  • Ongoing Conflict: The sources suggest that the partition has led to ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan [2, 7]. One source mentions that Pakistan will break all ties with Hindustan and declare war on Kashmir, and that any Pakistani army will fight a war against Kashmir [6]. It states that India has never fought against Pakistan but that Pakistan has always been the loser [7].
  • Kashmir Dispute: The sources frequently mention the dispute over Kashmir, suggesting it as a major point of contention stemming from the partition [1, 5, 6]. One source says that Patel offered Kashmir to Pakistan and that India would take Hyderabad and Junagadh [5].
  • Contradictory Views: There are differing viewpoints and accusations present in the sources.
  • One source mentions that Hindus have been converting to Muslims, and that if a Hindu Pandit were to do the same in Pakistan it would cause an issue [4, 5].
  • There are claims that Indian intelligence is trying to destroy Muslims [5].
  • There are also claims that the power in Pakistan is with the army and that they do not transfer the power to the people [7].

In summary, the sources present a complex view of the Indo-Pak partition, highlighting the political, religious, and social factors that contributed to it, as well as its lasting consequences. The sources challenge the idea that the partition was a simple matter of religious division, instead showing it as a complicated historical event with many perspectives and far-reaching implications [1-7].

Religious Identity and the Indo-Pak Partition

The sources present a complex and often critical view of religious identity, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pak partition [1-3]. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

  • Questioning the Basis of Religious Identity: The sources challenge the idea that religious identity should be the primary basis for national identity and political division [1, 2]. One source argues that creating a nation based on religion was a mistake [1]. It emphasizes that in Hindustan, there were Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Buddhists [1, 2]. It also suggests that the purpose of religion should be to make humans better, not to turn them into “animals” [2].
  • Critique of Religious Nationalism: The sources criticize the use of religion to create political divisions and conflict [1, 2]. One source states that Pakistan was not created in the name of “Kalma” [2]. It argues that basing a nation on religion leads to the destruction of communities [2]. This is reflected in the comments about the displacement and violence that occurred during the partition [1, 2].
  • Religious Identity as a Tool for Power: The sources imply that religious identity has been used as a tool for power and political gain. One source states that the “Congress has been keeping an eye on the question that has come up today” and that “Jawaharlal Nehru was made a Hindu” [4]. There is a claim that some people have been “presenting themselves as Muslims” [1]. There is also the assertion that “Indian intelligence” is working to destroy Muslims [5].
  • Contradictions and Hypocrisy: The sources highlight contradictions and hypocrisy related to religious identity [2, 5]. For example, one source discusses how some individuals converted to Islam while others did not, and that if Hindus were to convert Muslims in Pakistan it would be a problem [4, 5]. The sources also mention how some people have changed their names from Christian to Islamic [2]. One source describes how Jinnah said to Rati Jinxeda that if she married a Parsi he would marry a leader of the Muslims [2].
  • Fluidity of Identity: There is an implicit suggestion that religious identities are not fixed, but can be fluid or adopted for convenience [1-3]. For example, people who have been living together, some became Muslims, some were Hindus, and some were Sikhs [3].
  • Consequences of Religious Division: The sources illustrate the negative consequences of prioritizing religious identity.
  • Violence and Displacement: The sources detail how the partition, based on religious lines, led to violence, displacement, and the abandonment of property [1-3].
  • Ongoing Conflict: The sources also discuss how religious divisions have fueled ongoing conflicts [2, 6]. One source says that Pakistan will break ties with Hindustan and declare war on Kashmir [7].

In summary, the sources present a critical perspective on religious identity, highlighting how it has been used to create divisions, fuel conflicts, and cause suffering. They question the validity of using religion as the primary basis for national identity, emphasizing the importance of shared humanity and peaceful coexistence. The sources suggest that religious identity is not a fixed or absolute concept, and that its manipulation has had negative consequences, especially in the context of the Indo-Pak partition.

Power and Partition: Indo-Pak Political Dynamics

The sources discuss political power in the context of the Indo-Pak partition and its aftermath, often highlighting the instability and conflicts that arose from the struggle for power. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

  • The Role of Leaders: The sources discuss the actions and decisions of various political leaders during the partition, implying that their choices had a significant impact on the distribution of power.
  • Gandhi’s Actions: One source claims that Gandhi’s decisions led to the partition [1]. It mentions his willingness to step down to make Jawaharlal Nehru the Prime Minister [1].
  • Nehru’s Position: Nehru is mentioned as becoming Prime Minister [1]. The sources also suggest that Nehru was made a Hindu [2].
  • Other Leaders: Other leaders such as Vallabhbhai Patel, Liaquat Ali Khan, and Mountbatten, are mentioned in connection to the political decisions surrounding the partition [3-5].
  • The Army’s Influence: The sources repeatedly emphasize the power of the army, particularly in Pakistan. One source states that in Pakistan, the power is with the army, and they do not transfer the power to the people [5]. It also mentions the army’s control over people’s lives, including banning tea, suggesting a totalitarian form of power [5].
  • The source indicates that the power of the army is such that they can decide when to open and close it [5].
  • Instability and Shifting Power Dynamics: The sources suggest that the partition created instability and led to a shifting of power dynamics.
  • One source mentions that Pakistan was created on the foundation of a devastated country [6].
  • The sources mention the ongoing conflicts and disputes between India and Pakistan, such as the Kashmir dispute, which are rooted in the power struggles resulting from the partition [4].
  • One source indicates that Pakistan is an “experiment” [7].
  • Political Maneuvering and Manipulation: The sources suggest that political leaders and groups have used various tactics, including manipulation and religious appeals, to gain and maintain power.
  • One source mentions how some people have been presenting themselves as Muslims [1].
  • It’s claimed that Indian intelligence is working to destroy Muslims [3].
  • The sources discuss the use of religion to create political divisions and conflict, implying that religious identity has been manipulated for political gain [8].
  • Loss of Democratic Ideals: The sources indicate that the struggle for power has undermined democratic ideals. One source claims that the power in Pakistan is not with the people, but with the army [5]. It also suggests that the army uses the “lathi” (a stick) as a weapon against the enemy, which shows the oppressive nature of political power [5]. The source also suggests that the government has reached a point where they cannot take up arms [4].
  • Economic Power: The sources suggest that economic power is linked to political power. One source mentions that when Pakistan was created, 1 rupee was equal to 1 dollar, and that it is now worth less than 16, showing a loss of economic power [8]. It also mentions that the dollar is more on the other side and that it will go up by 300 rupees, and that after this looting will take place, showing that economic power and instability is also related to the situation of partition and political power [8].

In summary, the sources portray political power as a complex and contested force, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pak partition. They highlight how the actions of political leaders, the influence of the army, and the manipulation of religious identity have shaped the distribution and exercise of power, leading to instability, conflict, and the undermining of democratic principles. The sources suggest that the partition was not only a division of land but also a struggle for political power that continues to have far-reaching consequences.

India-Pakistan Relations: A History of Conflict

The sources offer a critical view of India-Pakistan relations, portraying them as fraught with conflict and mistrust, stemming from the partition and ongoing power struggles. Here’s an analysis of the key points:

  • Historical Conflict and Mistrust: The sources suggest that the relationship between India and Pakistan has been marked by conflict since the partition. One source states that “Pakistan was created on the foundation of a devastated country” [1]. Another source indicates that the division of India into Muslims and Hindus was a “baseless thing” [2]. The partition is described as a “mistake” that could have been avoided [2].
  • One source mentions that Pakistan was created as an experiment [3].
  • Kashmir Dispute: The sources highlight the ongoing dispute over Kashmir as a major point of contention.
  • One source mentions that the Indian army entered Kashmir, and there were attempts to bring the Pakistani army into Kashmir as well [4].
  • It’s also mentioned that some Kashmiri girls were brought to India on the GT road [5].
  • One source states that Pakistan will break all Indian ties with Hindustan and declare war on Kashmir [5].
  • War and Hostility: The sources indicate a history of war and hostility between the two countries.
  • One source states that India had never fought against Pakistan, and that Pakistan was always ahead and was the loser [6].
  • The sources mention that there was a war that resulted in the creation of Pakistan [1].
  • There is also a mention of the Kargil conflict [6].
  • Power Dynamics and the Army: The sources emphasize the role of the army in Pakistan’s political landscape.
  • One source states that power in Pakistan lies with the army, not the people [6].
  • It also suggests that the army’s power is such that they can control people’s lives, including banning tea [6].
  • The source argues that the army is a tool used against the enemy [6].
  • Manipulation and Political Maneuvering: The sources suggest that political leaders and groups have used manipulation to maintain or gain power.
  • One source states that Indian intelligence is working to destroy Muslims [4].
  • The sources indicate that religious identity has been used to create political divisions and conflict [2].
  • Economic Disparity: The sources note an economic disparity between the two countries. One source mentions that when Pakistan was created, 1 rupee was equal to 1 dollar, and it is now worth much less, implying a decline in Pakistan’s economic power [7].
  • Lack of Trust: The sources suggest a deep lack of trust between the two countries.
  • One source mentions that Pakistan will break all Indian ties with Hindustan and declare war on Kashmir [5].
  • Attempts at Peace: Despite the conflict, there have been attempts at peace. One source mentions peace talks and the organization of events in Lahore [6]. However, it is noted that the “ink is not dry yet” suggesting that peace is fragile [6].

In summary, the sources portray India-Pakistan relations as deeply troubled, marked by historical conflict, territorial disputes, power struggles, and a lack of trust. The partition serves as a historical wound that continues to fuel tensions, with the army and political maneuvering playing significant roles in maintaining this conflict. While there may be attempts at peace, the sources suggest that the relationship is fragile and prone to conflict.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog


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