Is Pakistan Indian? A question that has sparked endless debates, controversy, and confusion. With the shared history and geography between the two nations, it is not unusual for people to ponder over this query. However, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
The relationship between Pakistan and India dates back to the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. The separation marked the end of British colonialism, but it also set in motion a violent and devastating communal riot that saw the displacement of millions of people. The split created two sovereign states; India and Pakistan, with Pakistan being formed as a separate Muslim state.
For many years, Pakistan and India have been considered by many as twin brothers, as both nations were formerly sharing the same landmass and having one common culture. Nevertheless, keeping the political differences aside, Pakistan has a unique identity, and it is not Indian.
Pakistan is a country that has embraced its individuality since its inception. With a rich blend of Balochi, Punjabi, Pashtun, and Sindhi cultures, Pakistan’s history is distinct from India, although the two countries share a few cultural similarities.
Given the geographical proximity, Pakistan and India share some basic similarities in the culture, including customs, culinary arts, religious practices, and even festivals. Both countries celebrate Diwali, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Holi, among other festivities. However, one should not forget the fact that the culture of Pakistan has distinct features too. From the poetry of Faiz and Ghalib to the music of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen, Pakistani culture has left the world awestruck with its uniqueness.
Even much before the partition of the Subcontinent, the territories of present-day Pakistan were ruled by distinct empires, including the Mauryan dynasty, the Mughals, the Marathas, and the British. These historical events shaped Pakistan’s culture and identity.
Pakistan is also a nation with a unique language. While Urdu is the national language of Pakistan, the country is home to a plethora of different tongues, including Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, and Brahui. These languages enjoy a significant following, and many people take pride in their mother tongues. India, on the other hand, has more than 19,500 distinct tongues, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi, among others.
One of the most significant differences that sets Pakistan and India apart is their political and governance structures. While India is a secular, democratic republic, Pakistan is an Islamic republic with a presidential system of government. The two countries also differ when it comes to their military focus, with Pakistan placing greater emphasis on its military than any other South Asian nation.
Pakistan and India also have different economic and social institutions. Pakistan primarily relies on its agriculture, whereas India has built a reputation as a hub for outsourcing and manufacturing. India has also made significant strides in technology and innovation, while Pakistan is one of the largest textile exporters in the world.
In conclusion, while Pakistan and India share certain similarities, their differences in culture, language, history, and governance point to them being distinct and separate nations. The long history and shared geography between Pakistan and India often leads to confusion about the two countries’ identities. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that Pakistan’s history is unique, and its culture is distinct. As such, it is not appropriate to refer to Pakistan as Indian.
Keywords: Pakistan, India, culture, language, history, politics, governance, economy, society.