NATIONALISM IN PAKISTAN

NATIONALISM:
Nationalism is a belief, creed or political ideology that involves an individual
identifying with, or becoming attached to, one's nation. Nationalism involves
national identity, by contrast with the related construct of patriotism, which
involves the social conditioning and personal behaviors that support a state's
decisions and actions.
From a political or sociological perspective, there are two main perspectives
on the origins and basis of nationalism. One is the primordialist perspective
that describes nationalism as a reflection of the ancient and perceived
evolutionary tendency of humans to organize into distinct groupings based
on an affinity of birth. The other is the modernist perspective that describes
nationalism as a recent phenomenon that requires the structural conditions
of modern society in order to exist. An alternative perspective to both of
these lineages comes out of Engaged theory, and argues that while the form
of nationalism is modern, the content and subjective reach of nationalism
depends upon 'primordial' sentiments.

NATIONALISM IN PAKISTAN:
Pakistani nationalism refers to the political, cultural, linguistic, historical,
religious and geographical expression of patriotism by the people of Pakistan,
of pride in the history, culture, identity, heritage and religious identity of
Pakistan, and visions for its future.
Unlike the secular nationalism of other countries, Pakistani nationalism and
the religion of Islam are not mutually exclusive and religion is a part of the
Pakistani nationalist narrative. From a political point of view and in the years
leading up to the independence of Pakistan, the particular political and
ideological foundations for the actions of the Muslim League can be called a
Pakistani nationalist ideology. It is a unique and singular combination of
philosophical, nationalistic, cultural and religious elements.
Most of modern-day Pakistani nationalism is centered around the common
Indo-Iranian identity and heritage of 99% of the population. Baloch,
Kashmiris, Mohajirs, Punjabis, Pakhtuns and Sindhes and minorities are

mainly of Indo-Iranian stock. It also

expression of religious influences
consciousness. Nationalism describes
moulded the Pakistan movement, and
politics of Pakistan.

refers to the consciousness and

that help mould the national
the many underlying forces that
strongly continue to influence the

Conditions of nationalism in Pakistan:

Conditions of rising nationalism in Pakistan are following:
1) Leadership:
The critical issues of corruption and poor governance, disillusioned populace
and a young population with few economic prospects have to be addressed
quickly. This requires Pakistan to come up with a new generation of leaders,
who are capable of relaying the foundations of State in crisis and who are
also capable of defending its populations interests better, based on
unwavering respect for different State institutions.
2) Education System:
The education system has to be Pakistani and not the western. It has to be
based on true spirit of Pakistani nationalism. The notion of provincialism and
separatism should be eradicated from minds of our generations through
nationalistic curriculum of our schools. Inculcating Pakistani nationalism
should be the hall mark of our education system.
3) Literacy Rate:
The positive relationship between rising nationalism and the literacy rate
demands that we should all possible measures to enhance literacy rate in the
country.
4) Justice:
Merit should prevail. Everyone, poor or rich, strong or weak should get
his/her due without any discrimination based on caste creed or religion.
5) Self Reliance:
No country in the world can live on crutches of foreign aids. Pakistan has to
get rid of economic problems by managing its own resources in a better way.

This is the only way to get rid of foreign interference; otherwise friends like
USA will keep dictating and imposing policies of their interest.
6) Due Share to Balochis:
Despite the fact that it had the strongest national movement in 1947, the
KPK never presented a significant challenge to Pakistans central institutions.
The reasons are clear. The Pukhtoons have been given a considerable share
in the country. (Jones Bennett Owen, 2002, pp.139-40) The same treatment
needs to be given to Balochis as well.

7) Geography:
Pakistan was created astride the Mighty Indus River. Yet it was born moth
eaten and deprived of its natural borders. Kashmir and other regions which
were legitimate parts of Pakistan were forcibly denied to it. This unfair
partition resulted in Pakistan-India confrontation which continues till date.
This baggage of history and truncated geography has created the Security
minded Nation State of Pakistan. Constant Indian threats and wars (with
Pakistan’s vulnerable major population centers near Eastern border)
created a siege mentality and Anti India bias of its nationalism.
Two foreign misadventures in Pakistan & rsquo;s North Western border by
Super Powers in Afghanistan further influenced Pakistani political geography.
First the Soviets and later Americans occupied, but waged unwinnable wars
in Afghanistan. These protracted wars and their fallout have had a major
impact on Pakistani national thinking. Freedom loving Pakistanis feel insecure
with foreign armies occupying Afghanistan and meddling in Pakistani
National Affairs. The extremism and militancy also received a fillup due to
these foreign wars in the overlapping neighbourhood. India & rsquo;s 1971
attack on East Pakistan to convert it into Bangladesh was also part of the
Pakistani mindset. Further reminded by efforts of foreign hostile players to
support separatists in Baluchistan today.
The threat to Pakistan’s Geography influences Pakistani nationalism.
Recent US – Indian attempts to project an existential threat from
Pakistan’s North West and image of a pacifist India runs counter to
ground realities. Geographically, Pakistan separated from its East which is
India and sought solace to its west in Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and of course
Saudi Arabia. This thousand year old historical plus geographical narrative
cannot be negated by foreign propagandists. For Pakistani nationalism the

clear and present danger to Pakistan is from the East. Yet peace efforts with
India continue, to resolve issues amicably. In any event, nuclear armed
nations have no choice but peace. Peace is required not only by Pakistan but
also by India. Kashmir resolution can make peace permanent.
8) Geo Economics:
Pakistan’s Geo-Economics potential holds great promise for future
integratation with nearby regions. Pakistan’s multiregional linked
geography can contribute to its economic growth. As trade, transit, storage
land for Central Asia, Russia China and linking with the Arabian Sea plus Gulf.
The
concept
of
Bridge
State
after
resolving
national
and
neighbourhood’s issues are also sinking in. The Gwadar Concept is
part of the Pakistani national inspiration amply highlighted in my book,
Gwadar on the Global Chessboard. China, Central Asia and even Russia are
now friendly aspirations. The masses of Pakistan deserve a better
environment, where the basics of life are available to all the people.
9) Ideology and Religion:
Pakistan's ideology and religion Islam blend with and augment the concept of
Pakistani nationalism. There is no clash between religion Islam and Pakistani
nationalism. One complements and supplements the other. Today the
modern states of Iran, Turkey and Egypt in the revolutionary Middle East
display that Islam and nationalism are completely compatible. In fact Islamic
nationalism is the theme and Pakistan is no different. Afghanistan’s
war of GWOT fame besides mayhem projected an extremist version of Islam.
Over all the people of Pakistan are moderates Muslims, patriots and
nationalistic who deserve peace and prosperity. Pakistan’s ideology is
blending finely into its nationalism overtime.
10)

Culture and Language:

Pakistani nationalism draws inspiration from its varied cultures such as of

Baluchistan, Sindh Punjab, Pakhtoon khuwa and Kashmir. The Muhajirs from
deeper parts of India brought their rich traditions. This melting point
environment is further unified by the Urdu Language. Urdu is spoken or
understood in some form in almost every part of Pakistan. The centrally
flowing Indus River and its saga with all provinces around or astride it.
Pakistan has more natural affinity than other parts of the world. The food
eaten in almost all parts of Pakistan is alike and so is the dress. Customs are
similar and the media plus communication revolution are interconnecting

Pakistan. By contrast Indian disunity is natural because of its sheer variety

and size. Pakistani Nationalism has to be increasingly based upon respecting
Baluch traditions, Pakhtoon values and cultures, rights of Mahajirs and
Sindhis, Punjabi contribution, Kashmiri flair for freedom. Pakistani nationalism
is for all and from all parts of Pakistan.
11)

National Security:

Pakistani nationalism draws inspiration from the great people of Pakistan.

People of Pakistan demand national security against local terrorists and
foreign threats. The nationalism narrative aims to support the Armed Forces
of Pakistan for defending Pakistan internally and externally. The Nuclear
Program me and quest for deterrence against adventurous aggression enjoys
full support of masses. Similarly ISI is highly respected in its efforts for
national security and the nation supports this fine institution.
12)

Bane and Hurdles to Nationalism:

Pakistan’s self serving elite and foreign sponsored (or on foreign

dole) liberal puppets still conspire against Pakistani National Interests. They
aim to divide the nation for their own petty ends. Still the tide of the era is
changing, Pakistan will unite and its nationalism will triumph
13)

Youth and Future:

The Pakistani Youth is its real asset. This Youth bulge holds promise of taking
Pakistani nationalism to new heights. Despite vacillating and inept elite,
foreign sponsored disinformation and frustration, the youth is overall
steadfast. The concept of nationalism appeals to bulk of the younger
generation. A unified Pakistan, a reformed society for peace and prosperity. A
unified Nation State of Pakistan where caste, sectarianism, ethnic, class and
other divisive trends abate. Pakistani nationalism is determined to defend
Pakistan against all odds. This is the future of Pakistan