Saving Jinnah’s Pakistan

TORONTO: This is with reference to “Saving Jinnah’s Pakistan” by Ayesha Siddiqa (August 15). Jinnah’s insistence on making one nation out of Pakistanis by imposing Urdu was a major blow to democratic ideals and political liberalism besides the occupation of Kalat and dismissal of Khan’s government. Religious identity had already become the binding force in their secession from India.

Pakistanis proudly display their skills at deception and corruption. Last night, a bearded, middle-aged, gainfully employed gentleman admonished me for not lying to avail undue advantage of someone while he puffed a cigarette before his sehri. Skipping rules to gain advantage is endemic. Standing on their religious righteousness, they ridicule man-made laws, such people corrode the very basis of state and society. Developed societies employ education and correction to address non-compliance.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2010.