PAKISTAN AND INDIANS

PAKISTAN AND THE HISTORY BY AN INDIAN

Introduction

Pakistan, India’s immediate neighbor to the northwest, shares a long, complex, and often turbulent history with us. Born from the same soil in 1947, our nations have taken divergent paths but remain bound by cultural ties, geographical proximity, and shared legacies. While relations between India and Pakistan have been marred by wars, border skirmishes, and political hostility, there is also a deeper, often-overlooked story—of common roots, cultural overlap, and the hope for peace.

This blog will explore Pakistan through the lens of an Indian—acknowledging its history, identity, challenges, and the future of Indo-Pak relations in 2025.

Historical Background

Pakistan was carved out of British India during the traumatic Partition in 1947, based on the demand for a separate nation for Muslims. The division led to one of the largest human migrations in history, with communal violence and deep emotional scars that still affect both nations.

Since independence, India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars—1947, 1965, 1971, and the Kargil conflict in 1999. The Kashmir issue has remained at the center of tensions, with cross-border terrorism and ceasefire violations adding fuel to the fire. Despite periods of peace and dialogue, trust has been fragile.

The Pakistan of Today (2025)

In 2025, Pakistan stands at a crossroads. With a population of over 240 million, it faces significant internal and external challenges:

1. Political Instability

Frequent changes in political leadership, weak democratic institutions, and the influential role of the military continue to shape Pakistan's governance. Civilian governments often find their powers curtailed by the security establishment.

2. Economic Struggles

Inflation, debt crises, IMF bailouts, and currency devaluation have put enormous strain on the Pakistani economy. Many common citizens struggle with poverty, unemployment, and rising costs of living. Though China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought infrastructure development, the debt burden raises concerns about sovereignty and sustainability.

3. Security Concerns and Extremism

Terrorism remains a serious issue in Pakistan, with both domestic and international implications. Groups like the Tehrik -i- Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have carried out attacks within the country, while other organizations continue to pose threats to regional peace.

4. Relations with India

The relationship between India and Pakistan remains tense in 2025, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 27 civilians, including tourists. India’s Operation Sindoor in response, and Pakistan’s diplomatic backlash, have strained ties further. Ceasefire agreements and third-party interventions (like by the US or UN) have prevented all-out war, but mutual distrust persists.

Culture, Language, and Shared Identity

Despite political hostility, India and Pakistan share a rich cultural and linguistic heritage. Urdu and Hindi, though written differently, are mutually intelligible. Bollywood movies and Indian music have a vast fan base in Pakistan, while Indian audiences admire Pakistani artists, poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and singers like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam.

Festivals like Eid and Diwali are celebrated with joy on both sides of the border. Cuisine, clothing styles, and wedding traditions in Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir bear striking similarities. These cultural bridges remind us that our people are not enemies, even if our governments often behave like they are.

The India-Pakistan Conflict: An Indian View

From an Indian perspective, the core issue lies in cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s use of non-state actors to wage proxy war in Kashmir. India maintains that dialogue is impossible unless terrorism ends. Repeated incidents—like the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Uri attack, the 2019 Pulwama blast, and the 2025 Pahalgam massacre—have hardened Indian public opinion.

At the same time, India has always been open to peaceful resolution. Prime Ministers from Nehru to Vajpayee to Modi have extended olive branches, only to be met with betrayal or mistrust. In 2025, there is growing fatigue in India—citizens ask, “Why should we talk to a nation that doesn’t act against terror groups on its soil?”

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The People of Pakistan

As Indians, it is crucial to differentiate between the state of Pakistan and its people. The average Pakistani wants peace, education, employment, and a better future—just like any Indian. The youth of Pakistan, especially students and professionals, are often progressive, ambitious, and critical of extremism. Social media interactions between Indians and Pakistanis show moments of empathy, humour, and shared humanity.

Many Indian students, for instance, follow Pakistani YouTubers and teachers. Similarly, Indians are praised by many Pakistanis for our democracy, technological advancements, and cinema. These mutual appreciations, though small, matter.

Challenges Ahead

From an Indian viewpoint, these are the key challenges in engaging Pakistan:

1. State-sponsored Terrorism – Groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba are believed to operate with impunity in Pakistan. Unless dismantled, no trust can be built.

2. Military Dominance – The Pakistan Army’s grip on national policy, especially foreign policy, obstructs democratic peace efforts.

3. Propaganda and Misinformation – Pakistani media often spreads misinformation about India, fueling public hatred and making peace harder.

4. Kashmir Obsession – Pakistan's rigid stance on Kashmir, including internationalizing it at every forum, prevents bilateral dialogue.

Hope for the Future

Despite all the bitterness, hope endures. Several Indian leaders and thinkers have expressed the desire to see a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan. A stable Pakistan is not just good for South Asia but for global peace.

Peace will come not through grand political summits but through:

• Educational and cultural exchange.

• Honest media reporting.

• Mutual economic cooperation.

• People-to-people diplomacy.

In 2025, with the world watching, India and Pakistan have the opportunity to break the cycle of hate and build a narrative of progress.

SUMMARY

Pakistan remains a country India cannot ignore—be it for reasons of history, geography, or security. While the wounds of the past are deep, and the actions of the present often hostile, the future still offers a glimmer of reconciliation. From the Indian perspective, peace is not weakness, and war is not strength. We must continue to protect our sovereignty and security while also keeping the door open to dialogue—when, and only when, Pakistan is ready to walk the path of peace sincerely.