Where God weeps : Pakistan

Summary

Pakistan, a nuclear power with over 190 million people, is at a crossroads in its identity and governance. Struggling with internal ethnic diversity, illiteracy, and a volatile relationship with India and Afghanistan, the country has a complex history rooted in Islamic traditions and colonial past. The rise of radicalism and extremism challenges the secular vision of Pakistan's founding, with ongoing conflicts, terrorist attacks, and severe religious intolerance. The Christian minority, in particular, faces discrimination, blasphemy laws, and violence. Amidst these struggles, moderates seek a peaceful, democratic future, but extremist forces are gaining ground through violence and coercion.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pakistan is the third-largest Islamic state, a nuclear power, and a key player in the battle between moderate Islam and radical fundamentalism.
• 😀 With a population of over 190 million, Pakistan is the sixth most populous country, with an average age of 22 and a life expectancy of 66 years.
• 😀 A significant portion of Pakistan's population (45%) is illiterate, and the country is ethnically diverse, with major groups including Punjabis, Sindhis, Baluchis, and Pathans.
• 😀 Pakistan has a rich history that dates back to the Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's earliest urban cultures, and has been shaped by Persian and Arab influences.
• 😀 The British Raj in the 19th century led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947, following a partition from India, with ongoing disputes, especially over Kashmir.
• 😀 The conflict with India over Kashmir has led to multiple wars, and both countries now possess nuclear weapons, contributing to ongoing tension.
• 😀 Pakistan's involvement in the Afghanistan conflict has deepened divisions, particularly in the northwest regions of the country, where the Pakistani Taliban and al-Qaeda are active.
• 😀 A shift towards Islamic radicalism occurred in the 1980s, with the introduction of Sharia law by General Zia-ul-Haq and increasing influence from religious conservatives.
• 😀 Pakistan faces ongoing internal struggles between secular-minded elites and fundamentalist groups, resulting in a series of coups and political instability.
• 😀 Religious minorities, including Christians, face discrimination, violence, and targeted killings, with the blasphemy law being a particularly problematic tool used against them.
• 😀 Extremist groups in Pakistan are gaining ground, using violent tactics and a narrow interpretation of Islam, despite the majority of Pakistan's Muslims adhering to more moderate views.

Q & A

What is the current political and social situation in Pakistan?

Pakistan is facing significant internal challenges, including political instability, a longstanding conflict with India, and an ongoing war with Afghanistan. The country is grappling with religious extremism, ethnic diversity, and tensions between secular and religious forces, all of which contribute to its uncertain future.

How did Islam arrive in Pakistan?

Islam arrived in the region that is now Pakistan through Arab traders and Persian conquests in the 8th century. Over time, it became deeply integrated into the region's cultural and political fabric, particularly during the prosperous Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries.

What were the roots of Pakistan's creation in 1947?

Pakistan was created in 1947 following the partition of British India, specifically to provide a homeland for Muslims who were a minority in the larger Indian context. The partition led to the creation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, marking the end of British colonial rule.

What is the significance of the Kashmir conflict for Pakistan?

The Kashmir dispute, unresolved since the partition of India in 1947, remains one of the most serious issues between Pakistan and India. The conflict over this region has led to multiple wars, border skirmishes, and continued tensions, particularly now that both nations possess nuclear weapons.

How did Pakistan's relationship with Islam change over time?

Initially founded as a secular state by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan's relationship with Islam shifted over time, particularly after 1974 when the government began recognizing certain Islamic minorities as non-Muslim. The most significant change occurred under General Zia-ul-Haq in the 1980s, when elements of Sharia law were introduced, aligning the country more closely with Islamic principles.

How has the rise of Islamic extremism affected Pakistan's society?

The rise of Islamic extremism has led to violence, discrimination, and the spread of radical ideologies. Extremist groups have gained ground, using force and violence to impose their narrow interpretation of Islam. This has led to civil unrest, instability, and increased persecution of religious minorities, including Christians and Shiite Muslims.

What is the role of religious minorities in Pakistan?

Religious minorities, such as Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs, make up about 5% of Pakistan’s population. They face significant challenges, including discrimination, violence, forced conversions, and attacks on their places of worship. Christians, in particular, are targeted by Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which have been misused to justify violence against them.

What is Pakistan's stance on secularism and religious law?

Pakistan has struggled to maintain a balance between secularism and religious law. While it was originally founded as a secular state, successive governments have introduced Islamic elements into its legal framework, particularly under military rule. This ongoing tension between secularists and religious fundamentalists continues to shape Pakistan's political landscape.

What impact has the Afghan war had on Pakistan?

The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan has had a destabilizing effect on Pakistan, particularly in the border regions. Pakistan has been involved in the war on terror, cooperating with the United States, which has led to internal divisions. The conflict has fueled radicalization and civil war, with the Taliban and al-Qaeda gaining influence in certain regions.

How does the blasphemy law in Pakistan affect the population?

The blasphemy law in Pakistan has been used to target both Muslims and non-Muslims, often leading to mob violence and death sentences based on fabricated accusations. This law disproportionately affects religious minorities, particularly Christians, and is a tool for persecuting individuals or entire communities. Despite efforts to overrule such sentences, the law remains largely unchanged, contributing to widespread fear and injustice.