Hey there! If you missed our virtual get-together on December 16, 2023, you missed out on some serious brain food. On 16th December 2023, South Asia Times (SAT) organized a discussion on X Space. The event explored the historical echoes significant to that date. Moderated by SAT’s Haleema Khalid, the discussion featured distinguished speakers. These speakers provided unique perspectives on the diplomatic landscape of 1971. They also drew crucial lessons for addressing contemporary political challenges.
Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi discussed how Pakistan navigated its international relations during the 1971 crisis. She addressed the diplomatic challenges of that time. She highlighted the distance between the two parts of the country. Additionally, she explored the historical echoes that resonate with contemporary political challenges. Through her analysis, she drew valuable lessons for addressing today’s issues in international relations.
She mentioned that Pakistan, at its inception, was a nation with both East and West Pakistan. It was strategically positioned as both a South West Asian and South East Asian nation. The geographical distance and time difference between East and West Pakistan presented diplomatic challenges, demanding a nuanced approach. In the initial years, Pakistan was part of alliances like SEATO and CENTO, led by the United States. The delicate balance in foreign and defense policies aimed to protect interests on both the western and eastern fronts. However, the dismemberment of East Pakistan occurred due to various factors. These included India’s refusal to accept Pakistan’s independence. Historical beliefs rooted in Hindu ideology also played a role. India consistently sought to undermine Pakistan since its formation, creating challenges on both the eastern and western borders.
The Hindu Desire for Pakistan
Referring to the Hindu fundamentalist who assassinated Gandhi, Ambassador Naghmana highlighted his last wish. He wanted his remains scattered in the Indus River. This expressed a Hindu connection to the region. It also provided insight into the strategic mindset. The mindset indicates that proponents of Hindutva ideology view this area, including Taxila, as part of their heritage. They also have contention with its historical echoes.
This is because the sacred Hindu text, the Rig Veda, was written on the banks of the Indus, not the Ganga.
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Moreover, she also underlined that since 1947, Pakistan has grappled with non-recognition from India to the east and Afghanistan to the west. The primary focus of our foreign policy has been securing our eastern and western borders, exacerbated by the significant Kashmir issue. In response, Pakistan forged a crucial alliance with the West, commencing a friendship with the United States in its Historical Echoes.
India, recognizing Pakistan’s military strength after the 1965 war, intensified efforts to weaken and dismember the country. Therefore, India, along with allies like Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, employed agencies like RAW to penetrate Pakistan, especially in East Pakistan, contributing to its eventual separation as part of its Historical Echoes.
India’s Meddling
The lessons from the East Pakistan tragedy underscore the enduring threat from India, which seeks to undermine Pakistan at international and regional levels. India’s extensive presence in Afghanistan, particularly in the form of consulates, points to a sustained effort to destabilize Pakistan. Current issues in Balochistan are attributed to India’s interference, which aims to replicate the separation of East Pakistan. The tragedy of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar in 2014 is linked to external support, with the belief that India orchestrated the attack. The recent Supreme Court judgment on Kashmir, deviating from international norms and UN resolutions, is another indication of India’s ambitions.
Pakistan has protested globally, receiving support from China. Post-1971, Pakistan shifted its foreign policy towards strategic cooperation with China, evident in the development of the Karakoram Highway and the contemporary China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Military-to-military cooperation has evolved over time, shaping the current state of international relations. The need for vigilance remains, given the historical context and ongoing challenges from India.
Dr. Salma Malik, Assistant Professor in the Defence and Strategic Studies Department (DSS) at Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad, highlighted how the enduring prejudice against East Pakistanis, perceived as different, has created a divide that persists today. She emphasized how the enemy has exploited this division, utilizing physical distance to its advantage. Citing Faiz’s poem “hum k thahray ajnabi,” she pointed out the widening of this feeling over time, cleverly employed by Sheikh Hasina. The first generation attempted to mitigate this divide when Sheikh Mujib visited Pakistan for the Islamic Summit, but the second generation politicized it.
The Need for Inclusivity
Dr. Malik underscored the unresolved issue between the two countries, emphasizing the need for inclusivity despite differences in language and clothing. Referring to Jinnah’s September 11th speech, she urged the consideration of inclusivity, setting aside prejudices based on color, caste, language, and dress for the sake of unity. Repeatedly eroding this foundational principle echoes the events of 1971.
She urged a united federation where differences are seen as colors, emphasizing that being different does not equate to treachery. Understanding these differences is key to finding solutions. Dr. Malik stressed the digital and narrative exploitation of diversity by today’s enemy, necessitating internal course correction to address this challenge effectively.
Mr. Syed Mohammad Ali, a Strategic Security analyst and expert, discussed India’s strategic mindset regarding the 1971 East Pakistan dismemberment and its current impact on regional security. Key aspects highlighted were the reasons behind the 1971 incident and the lessons applicable to today’s security challenges.
He highlighted that in 1971, identity politics, cultural insensitivity, governance issues, and the exploitation of a segment of the population by the enemy were crucial factors. The political awareness of East Pakistan’s Muslims played a vital role, emphasizing the need to consider geographic factors from social, political, economic, and ideological perspectives.
Establishment of an Inclusive Society
Establishing an inclusive society post-1947, considering various social and cultural factors, remains a question. Ethnic and identity politics become prominent when power and opportunities are distributed, leading to complex politicization of grievances. Strong cultural, economic, and intellectual interdependence is crucial, especially in regions with robust ethnic and political identities.
The close cultural ties between East Pakistan and India facilitated the exploitation of grievances by Hindus, with Hindu academia emphasizing ethnic identity. The formation of Mukti Bahni and Indian intelligence cultivation culminated in the 1971 conflict, revealing India’s strategy of non-conventional warfare.
Mr. Ali underscored the need to draw lessons from these historical events to effectively address contemporary non-conventional security challenges.
The session concluded with the moderator underscoring that while in 1971, the threat was primarily ethno-cultural and subnational, Pakistan now confronts a two-front threat – both ethno-cultural and ethno-religious – creating a compounded threat matrix. The moderator emphasized the need for policymakers to develop strategies in response to this evolving security landscape. Following these remarks, a sincere thank-you note was extended to all participants for their valuable insights and contributions to the discussion.
The comprehensive session is available for viewing here:
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