THE IDEOLOGY OF PAKISTAN

During the struggle for political independence in India, the "Two-Nation Theory" emerged, which meant that two nations, Hindus and Muslims, inhabited the Sub-Continent. Their cultural differences increased, so much so that Hindus adopted Hindi in Deonagari script as their language and Muslims accepted Urdu in Naskh and Nastalique script as their language. Since no formula for sharing political power could be evolved between the two, the Muslim majority areas separated and Pakistan came into being as the national homeland of Muslims. "The Ideology of Pakistan" is in fact Pakistani Muslims' concept of "nationality" which is based on their common spiritual aspirations i.e. Islam and not on common language, race or territory. Similarly Urdu is their national language, although it is not the spoken language of any province of Pakistan, but it is considered as the language of Muslims. Pakistan is neither a "theocratic state" nor a "secular state". It is a territorial state founded on Islamic principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice as enumerated in the "Objectives Resolution".
Under these principles Pakistan is a federal Parliamentary form of democratic welfare Islamic state wherein the Muslims shall be enabled to order their lives in accordance with the teachings of Islam, and adequate provisions shall be made for the minorities to freely profess and practice their religions and develop their culture. Wherein shall be guaranteed fundamental rights and the independence of judiciary shall be fully secured. Wherein welfare laws shall be made for all without any discrimination of creed, in the field of basic necessities like food, shelter, education and medical relief. Wherein shall be encouraged the development of a spirit of unity, equality and tolerance among all the citizens. Wherein efforts shall be made for unification of the Muslim countries and Muslims who are fighting for their independence in Palestine and Kashmir shall be supported. Wherein shall be extended hand of friendship to all the countries in the world, and if there exist differences, these would be resolved through mutual negotiations.
It is sad that the present political leadership in Pakistan seems ignorant as to the Ideology of Pakistan, as neither any political party has included it as part of its manifesto nor any practical step has been taken to mould the national order in accordance with the Ideology. Eventually the chief of army staff had to explain that Islam cannot be separated from Pakistan. Unfortunately even some intellectuals are displaying a regrettable behaviour in this regard.