Pakistan: A Land Extremism, Radicalism, and Violence
It is widely recognized that Pakistan is a nation associated with terrorism, extremism, and sexual violence. The only difference is that most countries remain silent, with only a few willing to speak out. Silence can be a powerful weapon, often politically motivated. However, when we do not break silence when needed, it can have devastating consequences, akin to a nuclear attack. Unfortunately, the world often realizes this only after a tragic event has occurred, which can be far too late to take action. I urge everyone to understand the reality of Pakistan before it is too late. It is a ticking time bomb that could explode anywhere in the world at any moment. You may wonder why I make such a bold statement. Let’s explore the reasons why Pakistan is a land of terror, extremism, radicalization, bigotry, and sexual violence. 1) The Existence of Pakistan The very existence of Pakistan underscores its radical nature. Following the end of British rule, many extremists and separatists migrated to Pakistan just around India gained independence on August 15, 1947. Barrister Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan and a former leader of the Muslim League, approached Lord Mountbatten, the Viceroy and Governor-General of India at the time, to advocate for a separate nation based on the Islamic faith. Jinnah was the only prominent figure pushing for this division; he played the religious and victimization cards to garner support. Please also read my blog ‘Pakistan’s current and historical views on Women – PolyBlogger.com’, to know more about events that occurred during partitions. His ultimate goal was to become the first Prime Minister of India, but he recognized that this was unattainable. Thus, he demanded the partition of a united India. Mountbatten and the British royal family were keen to keep India unstable and embroiled in conflict, which would hinder its development. They welcomed Jinnah’s radical demands. Jinnah incited Muslims across India, leading to strikes and riots throughout the country. Prominent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and even Mahatma Gandhi opposed the partition. However, their efforts to prevent it were in vain. Ultimately, Nehru, who also aspired to be the first Prime Minister of independent India, approved the partition. In essence, even before its formation, the roots of the foundation of Pakistan were in radicalization and extremism. It emerged as a fundamentally bigoted and extremist nation. 2) The Partition Timeline India gained independence on August 15, 1947. Jinnah sought an earlier independence date, but that was not feasible. Instead, he chose to declare Pakistan’s independence a day earlier, on August 14, 1947. He intended to demonstrate to the world that Pakistan achieved independence before India, positioning India as secondary to Pakistan. By the time of independence, no countries had the boundaries clear and final. The entire nation was aware that there would be a partition, with Muslims moving to Pakistan and Hindus to India. However, Mahatma Gandhi stated that any Muslim who wished to remain in India can stay back. In contrast, Jinnah’s supporters insisted that Pakistan should be exclusively for Muslims, leading to a rise in extremism. On August 14, 1947, a train departed from Peshawar, Pakistan, heading to Delhi, India. The radical individuals, predominantly radical Muslims attacked the train. Almost all Hindu and Sikh passengers were killed, and the women on board were subjected to horrific violence, with many raped multiple times. When the train finally reached Delhi, it was full with the bodies of adults and children. The scenes were gruesome, with dismembered bodies and women left naked. This event marked a severe escalation of hatred against Hindus and Sikhs, transforming former neighbours into enemies overnight. This extreme mindset also took root in India. A train leaving Delhi and stopping in Punjab was attacked by Sikhs, resulting in four deaths and numerous violent confrontations. In response to these events, Pakistan became even more radicalized, committing to the mission of killing Sikhs and Hindus at any cost. Another train departed from Lahore, Pakistan, to Ludhiana, Indian Punjab, on August 15, 1947, filled with the bodies of men, women, and children. Many women were gang-raped by groups of eight to ten men before being sent to India. This train bore a message that read, “Nehru and Patel ko Azadi ka tohfa” (a gift of independence for Nehru and Patel). Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel found themselves in a dilemma, torn between celebrating independence after 200 years of colonial rule and addressing the horrific situation unfolding around them. In the aftermath of these incidents, numerous riots erupted between Hindus and Muslims in India. Over 2 million people lost their lives, and countless rapes occured and history has documented it now. The situation in Pakistan was similarly dire, but the number of victims remains unknown due to the suppression of data. Nearly 14 million people were displaced as a result of Jinnah’s demands. Such horrific Jinnah was. This is how Pakistan began its descent into extremism, radicalism, and bigotry, becoming associated with acts of violence and sexual assault. One might question how India differs if similar actions occurred there. It is crucial to remember who initiated the violence, who sought partition based on religious grounds, and who aimed to expel all Hindus from the region. Attacks made in self-defence are not the same as unprovoked aggression. As you continue reading this blog, you will understand why Pakistan is labelled as extremist and radical, while India is not. 3) Radicalism and Extremism As previously mentioned, the existence of Pakistan is rooted in radical thinking and Islam religion. Not all Islamic people are radical however, the majority of Pakistanis are radical. We have already discussed the pre- and post-partition movements in Pakistan. Now, let’s delve into the next chapter. Kashmir was a princely state ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh, who faced the choice of joining either India or Pakistan. While he deliberated, the Pakistani army feared he would align with India. To prevent this, they sent local Islamic tribal groups, known as “Kabaylis” (singular: Kabayli) and
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