The Verdict
Pakistan ka matlab kya...who cares?

Pakistan ka matlab kya...who cares?

I understand that a particular ideology was necessary for Pakistan’s creation, but it has no use today.

Hassam Durrani April 01, 2011

Six odd decades after independence, we are still squabbling over the ideology of Pakistan, what it represents and what it means to be a Pakistani.

With the rise of social media and greater access to information, the urban youth are starting to challenge the official narrative of history. And hence, today the battle of the ideology of Pakistan is in full swing.

To me, Pakistan is an undeniable truth, much like Israel. Pakistan is a sovereign country - whether one agrees with the original ideology it is based upon is irrelevant. Like Israel, Pakistan is on the map and must be accepted.

Pakistan was carved out of British India, and while I understand that maybe an ideology was a necessity in Pakistan’s creation, I strongly feel that it has no use today.

Ideologies are obsolete

I am not talking about a specific ideology, rather calling the idea of having an ideology as obsolete.

Here’s why:

I am a third generation Pakistani.This is to say that I was born and bred as a Pakistani to parents who were born as Pakistanis themselves. I have always been a Pakistani and know not what it means or feels to be Indian, Afghani, Iranian, Arab or any other ancestral nationality. My CNIC, driving license and passport are green and the world makes sure to remind me of that at international airports.

Pakistan for me is geography, a place where I was born, a place where I will live, and a place where I will most likely die.

After Bengal split, the concept of ideology was reinforced on us because it was thought that Pakistan could only stay united under the banner of Islam.

This forced us to shy away from the mistakes we made in the past and continue to make today in Balochistan. The Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan by name is recognition by the federation that it denied justified rights to the people of Balochistan. These mistakes had nothing to do with ideology.

There is still hope

Anyone who saw the cricket love fest over the past few weeks would agree that Pakistan in itself has the power to unite. Living in Peshawar, I celebrated Imran Khan’s cornered tigers just like any other kid in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad or Quetta and I cheered Lala’s boys like everyone from the Durand line to Dhaka.

Despite all its failings, Pakistan has united us - there is enough to embrace without a jaded ideology.

If we do away with the question of what Pakistan was meant to be, maybe we can resolve each individual problem on its own merit. It is time to break the shackles of the past in pursuit of the future.

It is time for Pakistan to elevate itself from being an ideological project into being a geography reality; and it is time for us to stop trying to be more than who we are - Pakistani.

WRITTEN BY:
Hassam Durrani An engineer who blogs at http://slothsville.blogspot.com/ and tweets @hassamkd

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (68)

charlie | 12 years ago | Reply @Hallian: I believe that every human being has the right to worship the higher power of their choosing. I also weep when seeing the injuries and deaths of the people of Pakistan and pray to my higher power for a peaceful future. But with that said I also remember the American soldiers that put themselves in harms way in July of 2010 to deliver supplies and evacualte over 20 million flood victims in Pakistan. Those could have very well been one or two of the soldiers that raided the compound of Bin Laden,and those brave men were on alert of a Pakistan attack on them. REALLY!!! I do not agree with all of the decisions made by my government but I will defend til my death those men and women of our armed forces who save lives,deliver supplies and eliminate threats of human lives. You are aware that the $150 million dollars in aid that the U.S. is providing to Pakistan to help in the recovery from the flood comes from the American people right. We as people of the planet earth cannot allow groups to take our way of life and our religions and twist them to fit in some kind of distorted cause. When the towers were attacked in New York City......those were people....Americans,Pakistanis,Africas,English....they were people. I feel for the Bin Laden family for their loss but my higher power nor Ali appointed Osama as judge jury and executioner of the world the only perfect being does not exsist here on our planet but we will all stand before them in time. Asa Lama Lanka-peace be unto you and the world

ali umair khan | 13 years ago | Reply @Waqas: nice excerpt, may u live long

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Syed Arbab Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply @Hassam: Justice & provincial autonomy is the key to success for "Pakistan". (1) Justice among provinces in Pakistan: All we need is justice in Pakistan among all provinces, which is very absent in Pakistan since its creation, as NWFP always ask for its royalty of electricity, Baluchistan has not given commands on its own resources, Sindh earn most but don't get what it deserve, it seems as we did not learned any lessons from 1971 where our enemy India took advantage of injustices with Bengalis, that WAR was PAKISTAN Vs PAKISTAN AND NOT between INDIA Vs PAKISTAN , because BANGLADESH was PAKISTAN then. INDIA intervened with USSR (as any other enemy) in our internal affair as we were doing injustice with Bengalis, otherwise Bangladesh would have still a part of Pakistan, and so if we do "Justice" then India, Israel, USA and the rest of the world simply can't break Pakistan. (2) Provincial autonomy is the way forward for Pakistan: Why Pakistani leaders are afraid of Provincial autonomy in Pakistan? Foolish leaders of Pakistan think that if we give province its right to rule itself, it will break Pakistan, but to me this will make Pakistan stronger as province will have their future in their own hand, their resources in their own hand, and they will not be angry with the federation that it is NOT giving our rights, our money, our resources, not self-governess, provincial autonomy would thus mean the capacity for a province to govern itself, to determine, without interference from the outside, its own policies and priorities, assured to have the financial capacity to fulfill its responsibilities etc & the federation will get its income as province give them to take care of currency, Military & foreign policy. As Canada a progressing country has provincial autonomy,USA has given autonomy to its states & it’s the only “Super Power” in the whole world, & USSR which was broken due to the same kind of problem now Russia has learned from its past and now has unique policy for its provinces: Russia consists of 83 "subjects" (divisions) 21 = republics (full autonomy) 46 = oblasts (same as our provinces) 9 = krais (territories - same as provinces) 1 = autonomous oblast (Jewish province with republic autonomy) 4 = autonomous okrugs (districts which are autonomous) 2 = federal cities Republics differ from other federal subjects in that they have the right to establish their own official language and have their own constitution. The chief executive of most republics has the title of "President" however are appointed by the President of Russia himself. The President's nomination must be accepted by the republic's parliament for the appointee to be eligible. Oblasts are administrative units similar to our Pakistani provinces and are less autonomous than republics, in that they cannot establish their own language and constitution. Krais are the same as oblasts; Krais are similar to "territories" (provinces with smaller populations and larger landmasses). Federal Cities are two in Russia; Moscow and St. Petersburg and have direct control of their own affairs. Conclusion: Punjab province which has at least 54% of the Pakistani population has to take a serious step in this matter as without the will of Punjab these imperative things simply can’t happen as the people of Punjab came on streets only then judiciary was restored otherwise it was a daydream, so without the involvement of Punjab province “Justice” & “Provincial autonomy” can’t be achieved and this is the only way to save Pakistan. Pakistan can only progress when we have Unity among us and for Unity we need “Justice” & “Provincial autonomy”, these things are the key to success for Pakistan, without it our future is bleak. http://syedarbabahmed.blogspot.com/2009/09/justice-provincial-autonomy-is-key-to.html

Hassam | 13 years ago | Reply Yar the reason Bangladesh split with us, the reason the Balochs are rebelling, and the reason Pushtun's and Sindhi's for that matter have a problem is because of lack of autonomy. Autonomy is a solution, not a problem. Provinces would live in greater harmony because of it, not lesser.

Sulaiman | 13 years ago | Reply It's always heartwarming to see displays of devotion when such a big cricket match comes along, but it cannot be denied that sadly Pakistan is broken in a number of ways, we have fractured separatists in balochistan and the frontier, FATA is a mess that should never have existed, if anything the army needs to re-establish control in the area. Here we are being threatened by terrorism and we're giving autonomy to these people (I am a Pashtun myself for all those who would allege that I'm some sort of biased Punjabi). You're correct in comparing Pakistan to Israel, and yes our founding ideology was purely religious and although the Qaid was secular many of the people who supported him were not. Pakistans problems lie in the extreme class divide we see today, with no real middle class to speak of, the majority of the population lives in poverty, and those who don't live in poverty live in servitude. The class divide has become so extreme that we communicate in different languages, these are the people who the mullahs will one day rally against us unless something is done to fix this. The poor will take over and Pakistan will be another Iran. We have so much potential but all of it is being squandered by corrupt politicians, although it isn't just them its our fault for not doing anything about it, in our country we reward corruption, the more corrupt you are the higher you'll rise. So what started as a united country has ended in a decadent bourgeois and a trampled over working class, one side is secular the other unites itself using the only two things they have in common, poverty and religious extremism.

sameen | 13 years ago | Reply @Irfan Salim: what i understand from this article is not actually too different from what you are saying but some points seem to be carelessely placed .......yes nothing anti pakistan in it.......nor did i state anywhere that there was.....but still seems quite immature.....the title of the article first of all is quite careless, suggestive of insolence towards those who thought it had or has a meaning.......secondly.....i dont think the ideology of pakistan is jaded or restraining our progress in any way or becoming a shackle at all.............its our character as a nation which needs to be worked upon.......just because a few people think that an ideology is not necessary doesnt mean it should be done away with..........our past and history is something we learn from, something we get motivation from...............yes its quite useless to gloat over what our ancestors did if we arent doing anything but its also quite immature to state forgetting the past would be better...........it would be more constructive if we could learn from our past and channelize it to reproduce a better future...........thats what progressive nations do they built upon their past, they dont do away with the foundation to start from scratch. The objective resolution stated quite clearly why all the muslims at that time were striving for a separate homeland and one can see quite clearly that ideology was the main reason muslims united for this cause. Yes we do need to prove our identity, yes we have to make ourelves worthy and yes we do need heroes but with all due respect sir i dont think one can do that by forgetting where we got our identity from in the first place...........i dont think one can make him or herself more worthy by forgetting the worth of this freedom and those people who worked hard for it.........and i dont think new heroes can be born to a nation which forgets its old ones.......for me its as simple as that.............we need to work and work hard yes.....but this is certainly not the starting point!

Kamy | 13 years ago | Reply @Arif: There is no going back, we have to sort out our problems for our selves. No one favours anything even close to reunification. They just want to improve their country and get out of the hold of the mullahs one and for all.

Irfan Salim | 13 years ago | Reply i would like to tell you sameen that you have failed to understand what the author has been trying to put forward. You should read the detailed analysis and then come up to terms with your argument. There was nothing anti Pakistan in it. Neither did this article portray the sacrifices as nothing. All it said is that we should have a sense of pride in being Pakistani. Just like our ancestors did. Living in the past and just exclaiming how superb we were doesnt quite make it. We have to prove that we were worthy. We need heroes at this time. Not just looking over our past and exclaiming to everyone what we had did before. But to live in today and prove our identity.

sameen | 13 years ago | Reply we care sir..........us pakistanis care!...............our ancestors laid their lives for what it could mean to us their future..............everything has a meaning.........everything........and so does Pakistan......a mere geographical reality as you like to put it.....it is certainly not!.........there is more to it.......but this is something time will prove!

Irfan Salim | 13 years ago | Reply hmmmmmm

Hassam | 13 years ago | Reply Thank you Waleed, (and all those who've shared their thoughts) I agree, the semi-final did all but expose the void within us from lack of real progress. I read an Indian's tweet before the match that he wished with sincerity that Pakistan wins the semi-final, because we needed it more, and he didn't need to prove his patriotism and love of India from a cricket match. That pretty much sums up our present state of affairs. Lots of work needs to be done to propel Pakistan forward into a vibrant, progressive, productive and a successful country. Unfortunately most Pakistani's want to keep hold of the past, even if it costs them the future. I fail to understand how is that being more patriotic.

Sahibzada Waleed Noor | 13 years ago | Reply Very nice post Hassam. Some brother mentioned above the need for an ideology that binds the nation, and Islam seemed to him the only candidate. Well i hardly see how Muslim states have been exemplars for building national unity except by force, even then there are too many exceptions. A thing that bothers me is, that by making the "West" a projection of the devil, a microcosm of decay and moral deprivation, we deal ourselves arguably our biggest blow. In that we shun the examples of the greatest proponents of human progress known. Irrespective of means and intentions, of colonialism, slave labor and rampant prejudices, whats important for us is that the ideology of "progress", real scientific and industrial progress paved the way for change unprecedented in our history. Again, losing the semi-final to India and the ensuing hollowness we felt tells me unfortunately how little we have to look forward to as a nation in the sense of "real" progress.

Wasio Ali Khan Abbasi | 13 years ago | Reply It's a surprise for me to see such a blog on ET. Frankly, I never thought people will actually question the way I did few years ago. Allow me to share my experience. I had been having a severe conflict regarding our textbook ideology and during my Pakistan Studies exam, I was required to answer question "Is the Two Nation Theory still valid? Give reasons for your answer". I clearly stated that Two Nation Theory was no longer valid and listed out few points in detail that took up 3 sheets of exam paper. Long story short, when the result came out I was awarded 4 out of 5 for my logical explanation, however I had to endure few minutes of sermon where the teacher emphasized that even though my answer made sense, I was astray from the right path and that I am completely conflicted regarding my country's identity due to which anti-state aggression might be building up in me ... in short, I might be a terrorist in the making (hidden message offcourse). That's when I truly realized that we are not ready to accept that our ideology is no longer valid even if we feel something is wrong. I do not belittle what had to be endured to achieve Pakistan back in 1947 and what our founder went through, however we had vultures waiting for the creation of this country as well. As soon as Pakistan was formed, these vultures began feeding upon it from the shadows and took advantage of this ideology in many ways to gain personal advantage. Nearly every institution and ethnic group in Pakistan have taken benefit from this ideology or got affected by it negatively to great extent. We perceive our neighbor as the "Big Hindu India", leave everything about Islam on Mullahs and consider Quaid-E-Azam as an icon that cannot be criticized AT ALL. Please don't judge me on that but it is time to be rational. In nearly every country the founders are, in one way or the other, criticized in both positive and negative ways to ensure clear and objective judgement of their actions. Getting a country was one thing, running it another. From the point of forming constitution to settlement of migrants, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of problems that were not properly addressed or not prioritized correctly. Failing to implement a constitution within 3 years of Pakistan's independence was criminal negligence due to which we still suffer. Clearly, the ideology we have been running after for so many years is no longer valid... still, we are mentally not ready to throw it away.

Cherish Raj | 13 years ago | Reply I am an Indian and do not have any interest in defining the identity of Pakistan or any other nation. But I have read about the issues of identity in different contexts. Nations with diversities have a tough time managing national integration. A nation like China is very fortunate that 95% of its population are ethnic Huns-the world's largest ethnic group. Bangladeshis do not have much trouble in defining themselves- 90% of them are Muslims who speak Bengali. On the other hand, countries like India and Pakistan, with huge diversities would invite disaster by sticking to the idea of a single identity. If Pakistan's idea is only Islam, then how is it different from say Iran. How do the Emiratis differ from the Saudis or the Qataris? In the same way that Pakistan tries to unify people on the basis of Islam, the Emiratis insist that Islam by itself cannot define their nationality. If the idea of Pakistan is only Islam and is delinked from its geography, then an Albanian Muslim is a Pakistani and a Christian born in Lahore is not a Pakistani, which is ridiculous.

Arif | 13 years ago | Reply @Raqib Ali Yes,every nation which is formed creates a system which employs people but does it mean that it is stable,safe and sustainable. we although did give some jobs,employment opportunity and little security to migrant and predominantly muslim population but odds are not in our favor in present and future. we are on the verge of bankruptcy!we have a bad economy and we spend almost 50% of budget on defence which only serves the defense! Are we still able to call ourself a nation?have we produced any multi national company in last 64 years? We are divided by 1000 more reasons and we will never ever become a true state since our creation was merely based on wrong philosophy! I forsee the worst coming for us and we still dont learn from our mistakes! If we continue to degrade ourself,time is not far that we will be kicked out of all countries! Recently an extremist from indonesia was caught in pakistan.We are only famous for evil. The intelligence agency,army is not fighting taliban but its dividing taliban for future ,where it wants to keep afganistan as its puppet with those pro pakistan talibani factions playing cards!! Shame on us ,army and all installments which are not all serious about our future!!

Syed Arbab Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply If somebody thinks that IDEOLOGY is nothing then this thinking is nothing, as everything which makes sense based on some ideology, and when the it comes to 'Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan' Punjab province which has at least 54% of the Pakistani population has to take a serious step in this matter as without the will of Punjab these imperative things simply can’t happen as the people of Punjab came on streets only then judiciary was restored otherwise it was a daydream, so without the involvement of Punjab province “Justice” & “Provincial autonomy” can’t be achieved and this is the only way to save Pakistan. Pakistan can only progress when we have Unity among us and for Unity we need “Justice” & “Provincial autonomy”, these things are the key to success for Pakistan, without it our future is bleak. http://syedarbabahmed.blogspot.com/2009/09/justice-provincial-autonomy-is-key-to.html

Khalid Rahim | 13 years ago | Reply Has anyone asked a Malaysian, Indonesian, Tunisian, Yemeni, Omani or Turk what is the meaning of their land, mind you they also recite the same Kalima as us, And their Allah is no different. This phrase of Pakistan ka matlab kya hai is nothing more then to exploit the sentiments of a nation both depressed and suppressed by vested interests. Pakistan was created to give us better opportunity to develop our socio-economic structure without the hegemony of the Hindu majority. Lets stop worshipping Bigotry and seek salvation with the power of reason that has been gifted to us, less the Omipotent Creator blesses the four legged creatures with it !

G. Din | 13 years ago | Reply @Raqib Ali: I am not sure you quite understood what Arif was trying to convey. What he was saying, in effect, is that we in India try to give a fair chance to everyone, Muslims amongst them. We don't have quotas for Muslims or any one. Yes, some people are shown a little preference but to the extent that it is only a little helping hand which does not disable others. Would you expect that Muslims, being 13% or so of population should have specific positions in the government or industry designated for them? Even Muslims of India don't expect that, nor even desire that. You can see that by the number of comments coming from them on this forum itself. People, no matter Muslim or otherwise, desire that they be treated fairly, nothing more. India is trying its utmost to have such a level field for EVERYONE. Not an easy task, I can assure you!

Raqib Ali | 13 years ago | Reply @ Arif If there are 3 Muslims in Indian team, there are ALL Muslims in Pakistani team. If Muslims in India are getting jobs in media, they are all already Muslim in Pakistan. Our 700,000 army is also predominantly Muslim. Aren't you happy that untouchables of pre-1947 India are now full citizens of Pakistan? would you have been happier in India taking a small slice and being happy with being an occasional token president etc??

saqib wasim | 13 years ago | Reply i have not read whats written above coz i know their is something that bide us together no matter anyone realize it or not but the fact is pakistan means something which gathered millions of people to get a separate state for their own. for the wishes of their own for the way of their life. gathered under one flag with dynamic leader who took them to their destiny. and they accomplish bcz their was reality in their wish. after that if the have forgotten that what for their forefathers sacrificed everything for this destiny they ve forgotten what they exactly are. then it never and never ever means that ideology is useless or of no worth any more or who cares......... rethink and think over and over again and again and when u realize teach those who do not.

Arif | 13 years ago | Reply As a pakistani settled in dubai,i feel close to indian counterparts muslims,hindus or even sikhs!! We get together well and live in communal harmony! I sometimes really feel the ideology of formation of pakistan.We have become a banana republic and india is growing leaps and bounds in every field!! Their cricket world cup is a mere indication of the growing nation booming with economy and might!! We all cheered for india victory not only its because it is land of my grandfather but also I have the highest sense of respect for India,indian captain "dhoni" their reputation as a nation ,their true democratic and secularism flourishing at the good pace!! They have 3 crickets who are muslims in their team ,with 1 being the highest wicket taken in the tournament!!Their media house and business community is affluent with muslim acumen!! And recently i have been seeing a big influx of their muslim middle class taking a lead in education and service sector!! If pakistan continues to be lurking and unstable,we would see many more pakistani favoring merger with india for the sake of humanity .I dont want to live in pakistan which is being divided on basis of states ,even being 98% belonging to same religion but still fight for ?? We have no precise policy ,no respect in world and have no vision!! on the other side ,india is expected to have 100% literacy rate in next 10 years and become third largest economy by 2020!! We really need to introspect !!

Hassam | 13 years ago | Reply Please read the extended(original) version on my blog page if you feel i am anti pakistan, anti palestine, or any other such conclusion. Click on my name and you'll get there. Please read so you may not jump to conclusion then feel free to comment here. Thank you

Mohammad Nawaz | 13 years ago | Reply Yes, we are Pakistani, but mostly and unfortunately so by name. Or at least a lot of us who are visible don't appear to be Pakistani in spirit, unless it becomes a fashion. By this I mean that when just about everyone is truly absorbing the spirit of being a Pakistani, some of us who are far too aloof with our own minds, join the crowd so they aren't left out. The rest, who are already part of the crowd since day one, are the ones who have the real hope of shining as a nation, like we all should. I propose that we at first should look into resolving the current situation that threatens our very homeland and the integrity and dignity of our people. We as a nation MUST see to it that those that break us apart are removed from the equation, they should not be allowed to come to the top where they impart their views which are not in line with what we as a nation need. Only those that work for us, and are truly one of us should be there to lead us out of the situation we are in, and give equal rights to all people so that everyone is finally at peace. The introspection, thinking and self-emancipation can then begin, by which we will then feel better that we are indeed one with our history, and know what we as a nation must do to truly stand on our feet and rise above.

Khalid Irteza | 13 years ago | Reply @Hassam: We are all Pakistani since last 63 years and still could not emerge as a single united nation. We will keep on suffering till we realize our basics. I suggest you to read on Justice AR Cornelius, a practicing Roman Catholic, but had been insisting on to adopt Islam as a source of legislation for Pakistan.

m.saqlain bangash | 13 years ago | Reply "To me, Pakistan is an undeniable truth, much like Israel. Pakistan is a sovereign country – whether one agrees with the original ideology it is based upon is irrelevant. Like Israel, Pakistan is on the map and must be accepted." its sad to know that you are compairing pakistan's existance with isreal.i think you need to study and learn more about isreal and palentine history and the way isreal came into existance.you are denying existence and freedom fight of palestine and hamas. express tribune should reconsider your articels befre posting it

Faraz Hussain | 13 years ago | Reply I Like the idelogy of our nation but it is always parieshed by our courroupt politacal system, becasue if this idealogy has been understand by the every pakistani then these politcal leaders dont have any space in the country.

Canny | 13 years ago | Reply Dear Friend, While I would have agreed with you wholeheartedly a few years ago, now however, I am not so sure. We are a nation living in the thin twilight zone between reality and religious wonderland. We believe firmly that there is no such thing as "an undeniable fact", that everything can be changed if we pray hard enough, or become pious enough. When that didn't work for the previous generation, they did change their secret personal opinion about the matter but risked not a foregone hear-after or the silent judgement of the pious to voice our skepticism in public. Cornered, obtuse, unsure if that help form God really is coming our way or not, we must hold on to this relic, this ideology, because it does help us sleep better at night. Regards,

Let us not digress | 13 years ago | Reply Bravo Sir. Bravo. "Islam is not the answer" is the answer we've been looking for in vain for decades now. Magnificent write-up. I think Pakistan can stand strong on grounds of the amazing diversity have over here despite the area. But my only concern is how we are going to undo the damage done by the mullahs over the years. They have created a whole generation of hate mongers and extremists.

hassanmalik | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistan is on the map. No one can deny it. Pak is a sovereign country, with all the works, yes, but, still, you have shied away from spelling out what is the ideology of Pakistan. Pakistna's matlab kya, you haven't answered it. The answer is very very simple; it is like a binary thing, like 0 and 1. Either this or that, with no in between. Pakistan's ideology is not Islam. Pakistan's ideology is this: We Are Everything That India Isn't. Pak means: WE ARE NOT INDIA hassan from across the border (mods, take it easy !)

Zaki Khalid | 13 years ago | Reply I would like to say very clearly, that by forgetting the ideology of Pakistan, you are insulting the founding fathers for this is the very basis upon which 50 lakh martyrs gave their blood: the creation of Pakistan. You can keep your "3rd generation" jargon to yourself. You were born late, and you have no idea of what our elders went through. Everything is available for you at your doorstep that is why you taking everything as "chill", which is expected.

Junaid Khan | 13 years ago | Reply I am a pakistani muslim by many generations. I agree with the author and support IDEOLOGY FREE PAKISTAN. It should be Republic of Pakistan only. I feel embarrased while filling passport form where I have to fill some many things about my religion, regarding I certify this and I certify that etc etc. What is the purpose of putting religion in a passport, religion is a personal matter, why and simply why people and state want to know about my religion. Its really really discriminating. I hate islamic ideology of pakistan and particularly discriminating towards other religions. What this nation did with Dr Abdus Slam. pakistan will never prosper unless it says good bye to religion from state affairs and stops discrimination. We need Mustafa Kamal At Turk like leader. Live free and let people live free, dont impose your religion on others and dont be so curious about religious affiliations of others. One should mind one s own business only. Its a pleasure to see tribune express like news paper in pakistan which allows liberal view points. great job, thumbs up for the writer of this blog. Junaid

DesiAndLovingIT | 13 years ago | Reply Dear Author and all those in favor of Ideology Free Pakistan: l Do us all a favor, stop ur silly RAMBLINGs.Read our history, my gradfather was involved in the freedom movement. I know what people had to go thru to get this country- u view it as a piece of land. We see it as Holy Land that Allah bestowed after sacrifices that fill history books today. Despite all odds, despite the bombs and drones that destroy the peace, we WILL emerge, inshaAllah. And this country, Mr Hussam is based on an ideology that, if forgotten by the lyks of you, leaves no reason for our very existence. Why not merge with India if we are all the same!Keep ur secular views to yourself, i might sound lyk a fundamentalist to the lyks of you. But remember, i can vouch for the fact that 90pc would agree with me and not buy ur enlightened bullcrap/. PEACE!

saad | 13 years ago | Reply agree with every word this guy says, both in the article and the comments.

Hassam | 13 years ago | Reply @Khalid if islam was enough to bind us, Dhaka would have been in Pakistan, and Balochistan would not be revolting. People do not revolt if treated fairly, but muslims will revolt even from fellow muslims if they are being treated unfairly or their rights are not being met. Its a simple equation. We are not the only country in the world with multiple ethnicity. And we have been Pakistan long enough to cherish it, simply because we have no other country and we dont belong to any other country. We are almost all muslims in Pakistan, so we do not need islam to keep us united. Its sports, its culture, its heroes, its national achievements, and its equitable distribution of resources, its appreciation for multiple ethnicities, its tolerance for diversity.

MUNIB | 13 years ago | Reply No doubt why the minority in PAK are suppressed at every level . . . It all starts with the cancer that started in 1956 Had PAK been simply a republic these TALIBANs in PAK would not be existing anywhere Religion in wrong hands is more poisonous than anything else The ESTABLISHMENT in PAK needed religion to keep people under control and what else can be the best proof than all those 2 dozen sectarian and ethnic terrorist org which our agencies have created, fed and funded for local and regional goals. Until the constitution goes back to 1956, we will be like this for next 65 years Following is the BEST POSSIBLE list of all terrorist groups operating in KARACHI (PAKISTAN). [1] High-threat Terrorist groups: Al Qaeda (Qari Zafar Group) , TTP (tehrik e taliban pak) , Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah Sahaba Pakistan [2] Medium-threat Terrorist groups Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan , Harkatul Mujahideen alAlami , Harkatul Jihad-al-Islami , Tehrik-e-Islami Lashkar-e-Muhammadi , Jandullah (PAK faction) [3]Low-threat Terrorist groups: Harkatul Ansar , Jaish-e-Muhammad , Lashkar-e-Taiba , Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Fiqh-e-Jafaria The most active local groups are Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan and its military wing, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi

Khalid Irteza | 13 years ago | Reply @Hassam: True, but I think my point is still not understood. In a situation where other's rights are ignored rather oppressed, we need a source of inspiration to act for a common cause. Good is instilled in the human psyche, although difficult to adhere to. It's always a common cause that unites a community to forward in a specific direction. World Cup semi final is the example. In the absence of an "effective" nationalist cause, we will have to look for an alternative, and that could be no other than Islam.

faraz | 13 years ago | Reply @Hallian Everyone has its own interpretation of these golden principals of islam. According to my interpretation of islam, you cannot enforce your ideologies on others. You cannot stop me from watching what i want; nobody is forcing you to remain away from islam. Your major problem could be as trivial as use of prostitutes to extract information, but the responsibilities of a state are much larger in scope, mainly welfare, stability and security of the society. Its reponsibility of the state to protect the rights of the people from the thugs of different religious groups. And how can you explain the irreconcile 1400 years old sectarian differences and the death of tens of thousands of Companions of Prophet PBUH in various civil wars. Just study some islamic history, its not as golden as you think it is.

Hassam | 13 years ago | Reply Dear Mr. Hallian, first thing I would like to say is that it disappoints me that you think I am bringing filth to Pakistan. I find it condescending and highly offensive of whatever you are assuming of me and my activities. I have always tried to carry my self in a dignified manner, respecting everyone I have known. I am confident i could pass any standard of morality test you make and i am sure those who know me can vouch for my character. Living in Peshawar I grew up respecting religious values as a core part of me. Such self righteousness on your behalf leaves me disappointed but unfortunately not surprised, we Pakistani's are quick to assume about others, even educated one's like yourself. I however am not 'bringing' anything to Pakistan, I was always here. And that is what I am trying to say, I perfectly respect your view of how you want Pakistan to be, because you too are a Paksitani. But I do expect you to respect my view too because I too am a product of this country. Unfortunately in your view of Pakistan and the majority may be with you, there is no room for fellow Pakistanis who disagree with you.In my view of Pakistan there is room for the all of us. Peaceful cohabitation is all i ask for. Only then can we move on to resolve the real problems of this country, the problems of which some you highlighted

Hallian | 13 years ago | Reply Well Mr. Durrani, most Pakistanis want to live their lives according to the golden principles of Islam in Pakistan. Certainly, I want to live in a society which respects Islam and does not discredit or disgrace it. I for one want Pakistan to be a place where it is easy and conducive to follow the principles of Islam. A society where the media does not display an unhealthy dose of obscene images and thoughts day in and day out. A society where good moral principles flourish and which is immune to the corrupt influences of Western societies. Where the state agencies follow certain standard rules of engagement related to the golden principles of Islam. e.g. where the secret agencies do not use prostitutes to extract information from enemies like Western agencies do. In Islam the means are more important than the ends. For people who want to live to just have all the fun, there places like Vegas and Atlantic City to name a few. Please do not bring all your filth to Pakistan and keep it clean. Majority of the Pakistanis want nothing to do with this so called Mader Pidar freedom of America and instead want to live Islam in Pakistan in true spirit.

Alien | 13 years ago | Reply @ALL....... I want to know 'Islam was the ideology to create Pakistan but Islam was never implemented in the constitution from the beginning........And if it was not then what was the reason for this break-up of sub continent. Where did it go wrong ??????

Hallian | 13 years ago | Reply It's a shame u guys censored my last comment. Millions of dollars of US money for American propaganda through voice of America and partnership with the anti-muslim newspaper IHT is filling the coffers of Express. Your jihad against Islam is going really well. Keep it up.

Hassam | 13 years ago | Reply @Khalid Irteza : countries are formed when the powerful oppresses or tramples the right of a significant population, tools for separation are found later. Pakistan was made because the muslims of india felt their economic, political and social rights were threatened in a united india, muslim nationalism followed. Bangalis felt that their due rights were continuously being denied to them, bengali nationalism followed. If Pakistan will separate, it is not going to be because of lesser islam, it will be because we deny rights to our minority provinces. It is only now that we have started recognizing this with the NFC award, Aghaz e haqooq, recognition of Gilgit Baltistan, Devolution of Power, etc. If Pakistan remains fair to its citizens, then we have seen it being loved and cherished. The whole country bled green over the past month, not just 1 or 2 provinces.

IK | 13 years ago | Reply International Militancy / Sectarianism / International Aid / Cricket are the main ideologies of Pakistan, & without doubt, the whole world will agree.

bvindh | 13 years ago | Reply I want to go ahead a step and ask the more important question, Pakistan ka scilab kya?

Mubarak | 13 years ago | Reply 'Pakistan ka matlab kya' has different meaning to different people of our beloved country. For Mullah it may be: Halwa Kha te moug urah. For civil servants: Rishwat Kha te Maal Bana For Politicians: Lut mucha te bhag Ja etc. etc.

Khalid Irteza | 13 years ago | Reply @Hassam: you may need to reassess your comments. Like Arabs, Turks, Iranians they are all have related to specific racial backgrounds which Pakistan do not. In modern history all the movements that took place in those areas were based on Nationalism (Except for Iranian Islamic revolution of 79, which had specific objectives behind that). It is unfortunate that present day Pakistan had been segregated since inception on the basis of group interests, where the powerful always preferred their own interests over the national. Those Bengalis who were biggest nationalists in the pre 71 Pakistan have separated themselves. After that everyone in this country is fighting for their Rights and at the same time not ready to accept their responsibilities. In that scenario, that is, in the absence of "Effective" national spirit the only option left with this nation to unite is Islam. The people of this country want to get united under a banner but they are not provided with a basis to that and off course, a common goal to pursue.

Anoop | 13 years ago | Reply Good that you have recognized the 2 nation theory's faults and can look beyond it. It is a slap on Jinnah's face that the theory he proposed and promised as the key to the prosperity of the Muslims of India is seen as a major miscalculation and even opportunistic in nature.

J | 13 years ago | Reply If Islam was the ideology to create Pakistan then it has failed. The biggest example is the creation of Bangladesh. Islam was used merely as a tool to exploit simpletons and to convince them to initiate a struggle for a new country.

Amer | 13 years ago | Reply @Hassam: I totally agree with your last comment. I live in Dubai and this last comment brought something to my mind that I would share with you. An Indian Muslim friend here said to me after the semi-finals that most of the muslims in Dubai were supporting India and he had told them to dua for India. I said to him that brother I saw on tv that there were Hindus, Christains and Sikhs making prayers for Pakistan's win. Pakistan today has evolved from what it was or what it's precieved to be at the time of independence and there is still a long way for us to evolve as a nation.

Yousaf | 13 years ago | Reply Past is history. What was done at the time of independence to muslims cant be undone. But we should not be captured by history and stray away from future course. Its time to portray Pakistan to be state where every one can live with peace and harmony regardless of religion and rule of law is supreme. If malaysia, UAE and Turkey can progress why cant we. Its better to slow down the Islamic ideology and follow moderate model striving for economic prosperity addressing the issues of hunger, unemployment, inflation etc yousaf

Raqib Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Fully agree. Pakistan is a reality... no need to look for here and there. My identity is Pakistani. I don't know how it feels to be from any other country. Full stop!

Tilsim | 13 years ago | Reply I agree with the author. Pakistanis today are of every shade and hue. We are rich, poor, middle class, Muslim, Chrisitian, Hindu. We have our icons - the cricket match is just one illustration but so is music. We have our free media, which we love and hate. We have our army/politician tussle. The massive flood last year effected every single province. Before that when the Northern Areas earthquake happened, the whole nation raced to help. We are a diverse society but at the same time we have a sense of nationhood. The author is absolutely correct. We don't need an official ideology anymore to unite us. It's Pakistan that beats in our hearts, no matter to what creed that we belong. In contrast, everytime religion is emphasised as a national enterprise rather than a personal quest for self-correction, there is division, fear and killing. Even Maulana Diesel is not immune from hate and violence in the name of religion. Say no to division. Say yes to Pakistan.

Hassam | 13 years ago | Reply Thank you all for your feedback Some responses to my fellow pakistani's @waqas I read the piece you shared and this part pretty much highlights my point "If Afghanistan, Iran, Egypt, Iraq and Turkey eliminate Islam from their lives, they would still retain their identity as Afghans, Irani, Egyptian, Iraqi and Turks. But if we, Pakistanis, try to escape from Islam, Pakistan will not have any distinction of its own. " See that is no longer true. It may have been back then during 1st generation Pakistani's who needed Islam to define themselves with respect to say indians. But we today are As Pakistani as a turk is turkish, an Afghan an Afghani and so on. You can not take away my Pakistaniat because I don't subscribe to an ideology, I was born a Pakistani, like all of us. We today do not need to define ourselves as Pakistani's, because we already are.

Waqas | 13 years ago | Reply Thanks to all for very cultured and mature discussion so far. I am happy that nobody has so far labelled each other agents of some vested interests. Yes, blindly following an ideology without meriting the rituals associated with it can be used as a tool. But are you all sure that it is solely the fault of ideologies of the Present times? Nope - it is the lack of analytical thinking and intolerance. Study any culture/society and the beacon of tolerance will shine over their success. And in my humble opinion, Islam has never taught intolerance. Neither in text nor in practice. To all, live and let live.

Abdul-Mughis Rana | 13 years ago | Reply May be today some of us can say,"who cares" but yesterday when it was all written in pure blood, human blood my dear! We are a young country me & you have to sweat for it to shine but, but God's really great gave us such a nice and big place ‎ا I am truly thankful we all have to learn to appreciate! ‎

Humanity | 13 years ago | Reply Totally agree with the author and then some! It is time for Pakistan to get out of the mode of trying to figure out what it will be when it grows up!

faraz | 13 years ago | Reply Ideology is a tool in the hands of military and political elite to usurp the rights of different ethinicities, sects and provinces. Main purpose of a state is security and welfare of the people, not to enforce ideologies. Faith based ideologies cant unite 170 million people, as people follow different religions and sects. Nation that judges people from their extent of religiousity is destiend for failure.

Sardar Khan | 13 years ago | Reply Religious ideologies soon turn into 'sectarian' hate-filled divisive tools and its extremely foolhardy to think religion as a political ideology can keep countries together. No sir. Never ever. The author is right , we have to move beyond our follies of the past, throw away our retrogressive outlook as a nation and develop a progressive, democratic, free outlook which make us fit to live in the twenty-first centry and beyond. Say good bye to the past, welcome the future. Come out of the cave that the mullahs, the faujis, the feudals and the 'ideologues' have pushed you into and embrace the wider world.

S. Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Urban pakistani youth is not a majority. It is a portion of urban population. Which is a small number compared to the rural youth, so no worries

sikandar | 13 years ago | Reply @Waqas: From that day we are in this mess, now Idea when we will come out of this phobia.

abhinav | 13 years ago | Reply @Waqas Very true! After creating a country in the name of Islam, it doesn't make sense to ditch this ideology.

danish | 13 years ago | Reply @Waqas: thanks brother for reproducing this excerpt from Shahabnama in English. Our intellectuals now give more time to English Blogs and publications than to our Books that were written in Urdu. Nice share indeed.

Waqas | 13 years ago | Reply No Mr. Durrani, You sir have got it wrong. Here is an excerpt from the book Shahabnaama... Perhaps the message will get through:

After the passing of 1962 constitution, I noticed something peculiar that in all the documents of the government, the word 'Islam' was not written with the name of Pakistan. First, I thought that it might be an error in the drafting, but after some days I came to know that the error was repeated several times and it seemed more intentional than unintentional. I wrote a note to President Ayub Khan to allow me to write a letter to all the ministries about this frequent error. One evening, He came to me and told me that it is not an error but we have taken this decision with a general consensus. President Ayub Khan told me that the name of Pakistan will be "Republic of Pakistan" instead of "Islamic Republic of Pakistan". If I had the courage, I would have asked him : "Who are you to eliminate the word 'Islam' from the name of Pakistan?" However I came back home and wrote a two pages note, the summary of which is as following: Pakistan has no escape from Islam. The history of this country is very old but its geography is new. The Red-cliff line between Pakistan and India was drawn for the purpose that we acquired this piece of land on the name of Islam. If now Islam is erased from the name of Pakistan, the limitation of this line will have no meaning. We became Pakistan for the sole reason that we are Muslims. If Afghanistan, Iran, Egypt, Iraq and Turkey eliminate Islam from their lives, they would still retain their identity as Afghans, Irani, Egyptian, Iraqi and Turks. But if we, Pakistanis, try to escape from Islam, Pakistan will not have any distinction of its own. Now, if Islam suits our luxurious life or not, Islam fits to our way of life or not, We personally follow Islam or not, the truth is that whether for the sake of saving our hereafter or for the worldly profit and selfishness, we are compelled to keep Pakistan and Islam parallel to each other for the sake of the long lasting of Pakistan. Due to the illiteracy of others, there is no need to go into the inferiority complex yourself. In addition to this note, I also wrote a resignation letter to resign if this note is not accepted. Next Day President Ayub came to me to tell me something, He sat infront of me and took that note from my hand and started reading it. After reading few sentences, his facial expressions changed suddenly and he started reading from the beginning again.Then he said slowly: "Yes, Right You Are" and repeated this sentence again, and hence the word 'Islam' was added to the name of Pakistan.

(Excerpt from Shahabnama)

Saqib Omer Saeed | 13 years ago | Reply Amazing write-up! It says that ideology was required to create something and the rest is all physical or geographical reality! It is entirely an unscientific thinking that based on weak knowledge of management and political science even. After seeing a lot of grievances if these folks are united so it is merely the courtesy of the ideology that was agreed by our forefathers’ right back in 1940. After separation Bangladesh was not merged with India and if it was based on all geographical aspects so the most suitable was Bangladesh’s merger with India but they got that ideology firm & keep their status as an independent Muslim country. This ideology is the only threat that makes India united even after having independence movements in 13 out of her 28 states. Such an effective prove of our ideology of making Pakistan that even unites India over Anti-Pakistan sentiments. Yes it is an ongoing fashion to keep thoughts with no logics that can impress selected readers but when we screen concepts over yardsticks of knowledge and intellect, all those slogans are so hallow. After sacrificing million of our people over this ideology we got this country and if today we feel that this ideology is no more then no problem! People after us shall throw this thinking out. Things anyways have to back to reality and the reality is firm as PAKISTAN – The country that is ideological and based on certain objectives. Its geographical survival is even impossible without this THE IDEOLOGY OF CREATING IT. I traveled whole Pakistan! We get a new culture, language and dynamics on every 10 kilometers. Can anyone tell the nation that do we have any other single point that can unite us other than our IDEOLOGY OF CREATING PAKISTAN? I even respect the point of view of the writer and I am certain that the majority of PAKISTAN knows what they feel. If anyone has doubt so better they organize the gathering of 100,000 people that raises voice against PAKISTAN’S IDEOLOGY and tell that now we only care our geographical reality. If this movement can turn the majority of nation in same line so then we can accept! Even it is not possible in urban areas. Many lives ignorant but just try to spark over ideological factors of this nation they become the same as they were in 1940 except few hundreds who hardly know what Pakistan is and they like to live with global appreciations regardless of national realities.

CB Guy | 13 years ago | Reply Nations are built on ideologies and those who grew keep a firm grip on theirs. take US for example, to date, they stick to the very basics of their founding principles. We are loosing our identity coz we simply ignore it. So my suggestion is study it, understand it and use it to make matters better "If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday". Pearl Buck

Fyza Javed | 13 years ago | Reply so true.. i mean for a moment when you think about that match, we came across patriotism and passion from every corner of the country. A decade ago, i heard the last national song but that day it really boosted your morale and love for Pakistan

usman | 13 years ago | Reply Its the ideology that has united our team as well !!! and we are PROUD of our ideology !!!

Zain | 13 years ago | Reply Finally somebody who shares my optimism and ideology. I know it is not the context of this article to go Mullah bashing, but dear sir you can't deny that Mullah's have used this ideology of "Pakistan ka matlab kya" to dangerous proportions by extorting peoples feelings about religion. In my opinion religion always invokes a sense of guilt amongst Pakistani's. In a recent argument with a friend, I cornered him by saying that "this is written in the Quran" and I had no idea whether it was true or not, the reaction was as I expected, he went quiet and said "Ok, then you must be right". Which proved my point, that without conducting our own research we are willing to believe whatever we here with out question, especially if it has the label of religion in the end. I have noticed one thing, in Pakistan, it is the love of Cricket, Cinema and Music that unites us. When me and my friends go to Cinema's in saddar albeit to watch cheesy indian movies :P, people from all ethnicities and walks of life are their with no discrimination. It is like the world outside doesn't exist, this is Pakistan, and apart from that the hospitality we show to each other is commendable. The political framework and institutions want to divide us on the basis of religion and ethnicity, but I believe there is hope. You see, when you look at history, civilizations can only stand the rule of kleptocracy and injustice for so long. The recent advents in the middle east are proof. Look at the South American economies of Brazil and Argentina, they went through a whole host of tribulations and now they have come out stronger and are rising. The 4 Asian Tigers are a similar story. We only need a "crazy" person to come up and say, enough is enough! Who will that be no one knows, but one person stands up to change the ideology of nations, Jinnah did and we will rise again. However if religion is to be incorporated then it should be incorporated fully and not in a hybrid system as it is right now. Religion is complete, it is a scary thought incorporating it in state because people fear it will bring about extremism, but Islam in its full sense will not, it will eliminate the hate and only unite. They fear a loss of rights, but Islam grants many rights and liberties but in a conservative and modest fashion. I will be honest, even I am scared of religion being incorporated in the state, because you can't use one school of thought and even I fear that liberties will be taken away, but we could become like the UAE. I coming to terms with it, and slowly getting with grips to what the true way is. Oh dear, I have written my own blog in the comments section.

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