NHS Media

GET NEWSLETTER

Cross-Border Perspectives: India’s View of Pakistan’s Identity

4 minutes read

Cross-Border Perspectives: India’s View of Pakistan’s Identity

4 minutes read

 

In a recent interview, NHS Media had the opportunity to have an interview with Mr. Tilak Devasher, a distinguished author and former civil servant, who currently serves as a member of the National Security Advisory Board. Their conversation delved into various aspects of Pakistan’s history, identity, internal challenges, and regional relations. Mr. Devasher’s insights shed light on Pakistan’s past, present, and future trajectories.

Key Points:

  • Pakistan grapples with the challenge of forging a unified national identity rooted in its diverse history and religious foundations.
  • Mismanagement of water resources over decades has led to a critical water scarcity issue, affecting agriculture and causing environmental problems.
  • Post-U.S. withdrawal, expectations of the Afghan Taliban addressing Pakistan’s security concerns remain largely unmet, highlighting complex relations.
  • Deep political polarization hampers Pakistan’s ability to address national issues collectively, hindering effective governance.
  • Pakistan’s economic woes, including diminishing reserves and high debt, raise concerns regionally about stability and its ability to manage crises.

 Mr. Devasher began by sharing the inspiration behind his book, “Pakistan: Quaking the Abyss.” He noted that his interest in Pakistan started early, thanks to his father’s stories of Air Force officers who played pivotal roles during the freedom struggle and partition. This interest further deepened during his post-retirement period, leading him to extensive research and eventually to writing the book.

One of the pivotal themes discussed was Pakistan’s struggle with its identity. Mr. Devasher emphasized that Pakistan’s fundamental structural issue lies in its inability to establish a cohesive and self-confident national identity. While the Lahore resolution and the vision of the founder, Mr. Jinnah, sought to build the nation around Islam, this approach has faced challenges. Mr. Devasher questioned whether basing a nation on religion could be viable, considering the existence of various Islamic nations with diverse identities. He also highlighted that Pakistan’s internal diversity and history further complicate the pursuit of a unified identity.

Another crucial issue tackled was the looming water crisis in Pakistan. Mr. Devasher pointed out that while Pakistan possesses a significant irrigation network, poor water management over the decades has led to dire consequences. He discussed how mismanagement, lack of storage facilities, and inadequate distribution systems have resulted in severe water scarcity. He highlighted that Pakistan’s poor water management not only affects its agriculture but also leads to serious environmental problems such as soil salinity and sea intrusion.

Regarding Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan, particularly post the U.S. withdrawal and the rise of the Taliban, Mr. Devasher provided a comprehensive analysis. He observed that Pakistan’s expectations of the Taliban addressing its security concerns have largely gone unmet. While Pakistan hoped the Taliban would push out India and defuse the TTP threat, these expectations have not materialized. The tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban underscore the complex and delicate nature of their relationship.

Discussing Pakistan’s democracy, Mr. Devasher highlighted the importance of consensus between the government and the opposition for democracy to function effectively. He expressed concerns about the current political polarization in Pakistan, emphasizing that such deep divisions hinder the country’s ability to address national issues and crises collectively. He cited the example of the national action plan after the Peshawar school attack in 2014 as a positive instance of unity and collaboration.

On the economic front, Mr. Devasher acknowledged the challenges Pakistan is facing, including dwindling foreign exchange reserves and high levels of debt. He pointed out that India, along with the regional countries, is concerned about the potential implications of Pakistan’s economic crisis. The uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s economic trajectory raises questions about its stability and ability to tackle both domestic and regional challenges.

In essence, Mr. Tilak Devasher’s insights provided a comprehensive understanding of Pakistan’s multifaceted challenges. From identity struggles to water crises, from regional relations to economic concerns, the interview shed light on the complex issues that Pakistan faces today. As the country navigates these challenges, the need for unity, consensus, and effective governance emerges as crucial factors for its future stability and progress.[

Leave a Comment

NHS MEDIA

Your Trusted Source for South Asia News & Analysis. Unbiased reporting, in-depth insights, and engaging multimedia.

 

Explore the region with us!

© 2023 NHS MEDIA – All Right Reserved.