PAKISTAN – A WITHERED DREAM

A great subcontinent with a glorious culture dating eons back, which at one time was the richest country of the world, to which the nations from across the world found way to reach so as to trade with her and learn from her ancient institutions, which welcomed both visitors and conquerors with the same hospitality - only to be plundered, looted and left squeezed-out by them, finally split into two countries (later three) based on religious grounds (though the leaders at that time said, political grounds!); saw birth of a new nation within by name Pakistan. The word Pakistan meant ‘Clean Land’ (‘Pak’ in Urdu is Clean and ‘Stan’ in Farsi meant place). However, as per Choudhry Rehmat Ali, the founder of Pakistan National movement who coined the word Pakistan; PAK is an abbreviation of Punjab, Afghan (not Afghanistan, but the erstwhile North Western Frontier Province called Afghania) and Kashmir. It is another matter that subsequent to the formation of Pakistan, the coiner of the word was truly disillusioned with the very nation that he helped form.

Close to six and half decades later, Pakistan today stands as a withered dream.

While Pakistanis would never accept their angst toward India, from their communications and body language, the feeling is quiet evident. Over the last two decades, India had moved completely away from all its comparisons with Pakistan, it is on its way now to joining China in economic status. Pakistan is left way behind. Whenever I read books written by Pakistani authors or hear interviews with them, I see the angst showing up in tongue in cheek form. All said and done, India is there in every Pakistani’s subconscious mind. Having begun the journey together, it is but natural that we get to see them very disappointed.

What is Pakistan today? With all that happening around, it looks more like a banana republic. Left to rule by inefficient, clannish politicians who really do not know whether they are coming or going, with no assistance coming from corrupt establishment and bureaucracy. A completely porous border with Afghanistan continues to give the country mighty migraine! The country side is full of primitive Jihadis who are fighting sectarian wars against each other, when they are not scheming against India. The Pakistan army continues to have it its thumb well on the government and the rulers. To top it all, the country is continuously affected by natural calamities one way or the other. When it is not earth quake, it is the flood! The country and its people are totally ravaged!

The rich and famous are fleeing the country. Or at least they are forced to send their children study outside the nation, either in Middle East or Europe. They live a secluded but exclusive lifestyle, completely cut off from the masses. Education has taken a back seat within Pakistan with madrasas teaching hatred against the kafir and indoctrinating youngsters to plan jihads. Where went the fashionable Karachi, the cultural Lahore and the Swat valley – formerly called the Switzerland of Pakistan?

Majority of Indians initially had lived with a Pakistan complex while the Pakistanis always had shown a persecution complex. The feeling against each other is the highest when the two neighbours played Cricket of Hockey. Win and loss are quiet metaphorical for both, with the winner enjoying true revenge!

Slowly we see that the southern part of India has started forgetting Pakistan. The resultant amnesia of Pakistan in the mind of south Indian is giving them other thoughts, thoughts about progressing and doing well in life. Soon you will see the same with other Indians too. Times are changing. In this nanosecond decade, there is no time to sit down and brood over a dream that had soured. Pakistan is becoming a thing of the past and past is passé. All are busy, with their life and vocation. Pakistan is slowly becoming alienated, even from the Indians!

How can Pakistan ever forget India forgetting it?