I am finally beginning to understand Pakistan's deep roots and history and why there is so much controversy in Pakistan. Understanding the situation in Pakistan is very complicated as it involves multiple factors.

It is only through understanding the past can we truly appreciate the present and prepare for the future. Hence, I wish to share some interesting historical facts. However, I will not dwell into too many details.

Pakistan gained independence from British India on 14 August 1947 in order to establish an independent Muslim state. Pakistan's Independence was possible through the works of the All India Muslim League, which was found in 1906 to protect Muslim interests. The League became popular in the late 1930s amidst fears of neglect and under-representation of Muslims in politics.
Many Muslims feared that an independent united India would subsequently be "ruled by Hindus." There would then be a need to address the issue of Muslim identity within India. Some important individuals that spear-headed the Muslim league were: the poet Muhammad Iqbal, Muhammad Ali Jinnah (founder), and Sir Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan III.

Pakistan means "the Land of the pure or clean." It is composed of letters taken from the names of Pakistan's provinces: Punjab, Afghania (North West Frontier Province), Kashmir, Sindh, and Balochistan. You are probably wondering where the ' i ' came from. Actually, Pak Stan wasn't flowing and that is why ' i ' was added. Pakistan is a federation of four provinces (Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and NWFP), a capital territory (Islamabad), and federally administered tribal areas (Northern areas). However, tribal areas exist in NWFP as well as in Baluchistan.

The National language of Pakistan is Urdu and the official language is English. However, during independence Aga Khan III had suggested Arabic as the national language for Pakistan. This suggestion was not taken to heart, obviously. If Arabic was adopted as the national language then Pakistan would not only be united as a country but also with other Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Conflicts that are now occurring in Pakistan are mainly due to issues over language and the presence of multiple sectoral and tribal divisions. Keep in mind that the provinces have been divided based on language: Sindhi is spoken in Sindh, Punjabi in Punjab, Balochi in Baluchistan and Pastun in NWFP. Within these provinces, there are various linguistic dialects of a particular language. For example, Sindhi consists of multiple dialects, including Katchi. Recently, Balochistan is protesting to be an independent state, separate from Pakistan. You may remember what happened with Bangladesh.....


More lessons on Pakistan's history to come.....