1. Nationalism reflects a sense of belonging.

Shed light on
those identical expressions which the state used to ensure
association, internal cohesion, and unity among citizens.
What is Nationalism?
Nationalism is the feeling of love and pride for your country. It makes people feel like they
belong to one big family, even if they come from different backgrounds. In Pakistan, a country
with many ethnic groups like Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, and Pashtuns, the government has used
different ways to make everyone feel united as Pakistanis. These ways are called "identical
expressions" because they are tools or methods to create a shared identity. Let’s look at how
Pakistan does this.
Ways Pakistan Promotes Unity
1. Using Islam as a Common Bond
Pakistan was created as a homeland for Muslims, based on the idea that Muslims in India
needed their own country (Two-Nation Theory). The government has used Islam to bring
people together. For example, in 1949, the Objective Resolution said that Pakistan’s laws
would follow Islamic principles. This was meant to make all ethnic groups feel connected
through their shared religion. Slogans like Pakistan ka matlab kya? La ilaha illallah
(What does Pakistan mean? There is no god but Allah) were used to inspire people to feel
united as Muslims, no matter their language or culture.
2. National Symbols
The government uses symbols to make people proud of Pakistan. The national flag, with
its green color and white stripe with a crescent and star, represents Islam and unity. The
national anthem, sung in Urdu, is played at schools, events, and on TV to make people
feel connected. Events like Independence Day (14th August) celebrate Pakistan’s history,
and pictures of leaders like Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah are everywhere to
remind people of the struggle for Pakistan.
3. Education System
Schools teach children about Pakistan’s history, especially the Pakistan Movement,
which led to the country’s creation in 1947. Textbooks talk about heroes like Jinnah and
Allama Iqbal to make students proud of being Pakistani. The government designs lessons
to show Pakistan as one united nation. However, some people say these lessons focus too
much on one version of history and ignore the stories of smaller ethnic groups, which can
cause problems.
4. Promoting Urdu as the National Language
Urdu was chosen as Pakistan’s national language to help people from different regions
communicate. It’s used in government offices, schools, and TV channels like Pakistan
Television (PTV). The idea was to create one language that everyone could use, even
though most Pakistanis speak other languages like Punjabi, Sindhi, or Pashto at home.
But this has caused tension, as some groups feel their own languages are being ignored.
5. Role of the Military and Media
The Pakistan Army is seen as a symbol of strength and unity. It includes soldiers from all
provinces, and events like Defense Day (6th September) celebrate the army’s role in
protecting Pakistan. The media, like PTV and radio, shows programs about Pakistan’s
culture and history to make people feel proud. For example, dramas and songs often
 highlight the beauty of all regions, from Balochistan’s deserts to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s
mountains.
Challenges to Unity
Even with these efforts, Pakistan faces problems in keeping everyone united. Different ethnic
groups sometimes feel left out. For example, Baloch people in Balochistan or Sindhis in Sindh
may feel their cultures and languages are not respected enough. Movements like the Baloch
nationalist movement show that not everyone feels included in the idea of “one Pakistan.”
Scholarly Views
Experts like Adeel Khan say that Pakistan’s focus on Islam and Urdu as unifying tools can
sometimes make smaller ethnic groups feel ignored. They argue that the government should also
celebrate regional cultures and languages to make everyone feel included. On the other hand,
some scholars believe that Islam and national symbols have helped Pakistan stay together despite
its diversity.
Conclusion
Pakistan uses Islam, national symbols, education, Urdu, and institutions like the army to create a
sense of belonging and unity. These efforts have helped build a national identity, but challenges
remain because of the country’s many ethnic groups. To make unity stronger, Pakistan needs to
respect all cultures while promoting a shared identity.
Urdu Meanings of Difficult Words:
 Nationalism (‫قومیت‬, Qaumiyat): Love and pride for your country.
 Cohesion (‫اتحاد‬, Ittehad): Sticking together as one group.
 Identical Expressions (‫یکساں عبارتیں‬, Yaksan Ibaratein): Methods or tools used to create a
shared identity.
 Marginalized (‫پسماندہ‬, Pasmanda): Left out or ignored.

2. Is Punjabization of Pakistan a myth or reality? Explain

this statement, keeping in view the ongoing ethnic issue in
Pakistan.
What is Punjabization?
“Punjabization” means the idea that Punjab, Pakistan’s biggest province, controls too much of
the country’s politics, economy, and culture, making other groups like Sindhis, Baloch, and
Pashtuns feel left out. Some people think this is true (reality), while others say it’s exaggerated
(myth). Let’s explore both sides with examples and explain how this connects to ethnic problems
in Pakistan.
Why Some Say Punjabization is Real
Punjab is home to more than half of Pakistan’s population and has a strong economy, so it
naturally has a big role in the country. Here’s why some people think Punjab dominates:
 Political Power: Punjab has the most seats in the National Assembly because of its large
population. This means Punjab’s leaders often have a big say in national decisions. For
example, parties like PML-N, based in Punjab, have ruled Pakistan many times, making
other provinces feel their voices are not heard.
 Economic Advantage: Punjab gets a lot of development projects, like roads, schools,
and factories. For example, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has major
 projects in Punjab, like highways and power plants. Meanwhile, provinces like
Balochistan and Sindh feel they get less, which makes them feel ignored.
 Military Influence: The Pakistan Army is a powerful institution, and many of its top
leaders come from Punjab. This makes some groups, like the Baloch, feel that Punjab
controls even the military, which is supposed to protect everyone equally.
 Cultural Dominance: Urdu, which is closely tied to Punjab’s cities, is Pakistan’s
national language. This can make other groups feel their languages, like Sindhi or Pashto,
are less important. For example, Sindhi nationalists argue that their culture is
overshadowed by Punjab’s influence.
Ethnic groups like the Baloch and Sindhis often complain that Punjab benefits more from
resources. For instance, Balochistan has natural gas (like the Sui gas field), but most of it is used
in Punjab, while Balochistan stays poor. This creates anger and ethnic tensions.
Why Some Say Punjabization is a Myth
On the other hand, some people argue that Punjabization is not as big a problem as it seems:
 Not All of Punjab Benefits: Punjab is not one single group. It has different communities,
like Saraikis in southern Punjab, who also feel ignored and demand their own province.
Even within Punjab, rural areas are often poor, just like parts of Sindh or Balochistan.
 Shared Power: Pakistan’s government system shares power with all provinces. The 18th
Amendment (2010) gave provinces more control over their resources and decisions.
Leaders from other provinces, like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto from Sindh or Imran Khan from
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have also been powerful, showing that Punjab doesn’t always
dominate.
 Population-Based System: Punjab gets more resources and seats because it has more
people, not because of unfair favoritism. The National Finance Commission (NFC)
Award gives money to provinces based on population, so Punjab naturally gets a bigger
share.
Connection to Ethnic Issues
The idea of Punjabization fuels ethnic tensions in Pakistan. Smaller provinces feel they are not
treated equally, which leads to movements like Baloch nationalism or demands for more rights in
Sindh. For example, Baloch nationalists say their province’s resources are taken by Punjab,
which makes them demand independence. Similarly, Sindhis feel their water and land are
controlled by Punjab-based policies.
Scholarly Views
Experts like Ayesha Jalal say Punjab’s influence comes from its large population and historical
role in British India, not from a plan to dominate others. However, scholars like Feroz Ahmed
argue that Punjab’s power creates feelings of unfairness, which strengthens ethnic conflicts.
They suggest that giving more power and resources to smaller provinces could reduce these
tensions.
Conclusion
Punjabization is partly real because Punjab’s size and influence give it a big role in Pakistan’s
politics, economy, and culture. But it’s also partly a myth because not all of Punjab benefits, and
power is shared through the federal system. To solve ethnic problems, Pakistan needs to share
resources fairly, include all groups in decision-making, and respect every province’s culture.
Urdu Meanings of Difficult Words:
 Punjabization (‫پنجابیائزیشن‬, Punjabiyazeshan): The idea that Punjab controls too much of
Pakistan.
  Ethnic (‫نسلی‬, Nasli): Related to different cultural or language groups.
 Dominance (‫غلبہ‬, Ghalba): Having control or power over others.
 Federal System (‫وفاقی نظام‬, Wafaqi Nizam): A government system where power is shared
between the central government and provinces.

3. How does the Baloch nationalist movement challenge

Pakistan's national unity?
What is the Baloch Nationalist Movement?
The Baloch nationalist movement is a struggle by some people in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest
but least populated province, who feel their rights and culture are ignored. They want more
control over their land, resources, and decisions, and some even want a separate country. This
movement creates big challenges for Pakistan’s goal of keeping all its people united as one
nation. Let’s explore how this happens.
Background of the Movement
Balochistan joined Pakistan in 1947, but it wasn’t easy. The princely state of Kalat wanted to be
independent, but Pakistan’s government forced it to join. This caused anger among the Baloch,
who felt cheated. Since then, there have been several uprisings (1948, 1958, 1962, 1973-77, and
since 2004) where Baloch groups have fought for their rights.
Why the Baloch Are Unhappy
1. Economic Problems: Balochistan has valuable resources like natural gas (from Sui),
copper, and gold, but the province is very poor. Most of the money from these resources
goes to other parts of Pakistan, especially Punjab. For example, gas from Sui was used
across Pakistan, but many Baloch villages didn’t even have gas connections. This makes
the Baloch feel cheated.
2. Political Exclusion: Balochistan has fewer seats in the National Assembly because it has
a smaller population. This means Baloch leaders have less say in national decisions.
Many Baloch feel the central government, based in Islamabad, ignores their needs.
3. Cultural Neglect: The Baloch have their own language (Balochi) and culture, but they
feel these are not respected. Urdu is promoted as the national language, and Balochi is
rarely taught in schools or used in government offices. This makes the Baloch feel their
identity is being erased.
4. Human Rights Issues: Some Baloch claim that the Pakistan Army and government use
force to control the province. There are stories of people being arrested or disappearing
without explanation. This has made many Baloch angry and distrustful of the
government.
How the Movement Challenges National Unity
 Armed Attacks: Groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) attack government
buildings, army posts, and projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
These attacks weaken the government’s control and make people feel Pakistan is not
united.
 Demand for Separation: Some Baloch groups don’t just want more rights—they want a
separate country called “Free Balochistan.” This directly challenges Pakistan’s idea of
being one nation with one border.
  Ethnic Tensions: The Baloch movement creates tension between ethnic groups. For
example, the Baloch often blame Punjabis for taking their resources, which causes
mistrust between provinces. This makes it harder for Pakistan to feel like one big family.
 International Attention: Some Baloch leaders living abroad speak out against Pakistan,
saying the government mistreats their people. This brings negative attention to Pakistan
and makes it harder to show the world that the country is united.
Government’s Response
The government has tried to solve these problems in two ways:
 Development Projects: Projects like the Gwadar port (part of CPEC) are meant to bring
jobs and money to Balochistan. But many Baloch feel these projects benefit outsiders, not
locals.
 Military Action: The army has used force to stop Baloch groups like the BLA. However,
this often makes things worse, as it increases anger among the Baloch.
Scholarly Views
Experts like Adeel Khan say the Baloch movement shows that Pakistan’s government focuses
too much on a single national identity (based on Islam and Urdu) and ignores ethnic groups’
needs. Others, like Selig Harrison, believe that giving Balochistan more control over its
resources and decisions could calm the movement and help national unity.
Conclusion
The Baloch nationalist movement challenges Pakistan’s unity by demanding more rights,
attacking government targets, and raising the idea of separation. To fix this, Pakistan needs to
share resources fairly, respect Baloch culture, and talk to Baloch leaders to make them feel
included in the nation.
Urdu Meanings of Difficult Words:
 Nationalist (‫قوم پرست‬, Qaum Parast): Someone who fights for their group’s rights or
identity.
 Unity (‫اتحاد‬, Ittehad): Being together as one group.
 Insurgency (‫بغاوت‬, Baghawat): Fighting against the government with force.
 Autonomy (‫خودمختاری‬, Khudmukhtari): The right to make your own decisions.

4. Identical marginalization was the igniting force behind the

separation of East Pakistan. Mention five other factors
which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
What Happened in East Pakistan?
In 1971, East Pakistan broke away from Pakistan to become a new country called Bangladesh.
The main reason was that Bengalis (people from East Pakistan) felt ignored and treated unfairly
(marginalized) by the government in West Pakistan. But there were other important reasons too.
Below are five other factors that led to Bangladesh’s creation, explained simply.
1. Economic Unfairness
East Pakistan made a lot of money for Pakistan by exporting jute (a plant used to make ropes and
bags). But most of this money was spent on West Pakistan. For example, in the 1950s and 1960s,
West Pakistan got 60-70% of government funds for things like roads and schools, while East
Pakistan got much less, even though it had more people. Bengalis felt cheated because their hard
work wasn’t helping their own region grow.
2. Political Exclusion
Bengalis were not given a fair share of power. Even though East Pakistan had more people, it
had fewer seats in the National Assembly for many years. The government and army were
mostly led by West Pakistanis, especially Punjabis. In 1970, the Awami League (a Bengali party)
won the national elections, but West Pakistan’s leaders refused to let them form the government.
This made Bengalis very angry and pushed them to demand their own country.
3. Language and Cultural Differences
Bengalis spoke Bangla and had a different culture from West Pakistan. But the government
declared Urdu as the only national language, ignoring Bangla. In 1952, Bengalis protested for
their language to be recognized, and some were killed during these protests (Language
Movement). This event became a symbol of Bengali pride. Bengalis felt their culture and identity
were not respected, which made them want their own nation.
4. Military Crackdown
In March 1971, the Pakistan Army started Operation Searchlight to stop Bengalis from
demanding more rights. The army used extreme force, killing many people, destroying villages,
and causing millions to flee to India. This violence turned a political movement into a war for
freedom. Bengalis formed the Mukti Bahini, a group that fought back against the army with help
from India.
5. India’s Support
India played a big role in helping East Pakistan become Bangladesh. When millions of Bengalis
fled to India to escape the violence, India gave them shelter and trained the Mukti Bahini to
fight. In December 1971, India sent its army to fight Pakistan in the Indo-Pak War. Pakistan’s
army surrendered in Dhaka, and this led to the creation of Bangladesh. India’s help made it
possible for Bengalis to win their independence.
Scholarly Views
Experts like Sisson and Rose say that Pakistan’s leaders made a big mistake by not listening to
Bengali demands for equal treatment. Ayesha Jalal argues that the army’s control and refusal to
share power with Bengalis caused the split. If Pakistan had given East Pakistan more rights, the
separation might have been avoided.
Conclusion
While unfair treatment (marginalization) was the main spark, economic unfairness, political
exclusion, cultural disrespect, military violence, and India’s support were also key reasons for
East Pakistan becoming Bangladesh. This shows that treating all groups fairly is important to
keep a country united.
Urdu Meanings of Difficult Words:
 Marginalization (‫پسماندگی‬, Pasmandagi): Being ignored or treated unfairly.
 Exclusion (‫خارج کرنا‬, Kharij Karna): Keeping someone out of power or opportunities.
 Crackdown (‫کریک ڈاؤن‬, Crackdown): Using force to control people.
 Independence (‫آزادی‬, Azaadi): Freedom to have your own country.

5. Materialistic needs and challenges change the

demographic structure of a region. Explain this statement
under the instrumentalist school of thought.
What Does the Statement Mean?
“Materialistic needs” are things people need to live well, like jobs, money, land, or water.
“Demographic structure” means the mix of people in a place, like their ethnic groups, languages,
or cultures. The statement says that when people chase these needs, it can change who lives in a
region. The “instrumentalist school of thought” believes that people use their ethnic identity (like
being Punjabi or Baloch) as a tool to get these needs. Let’s explain this with examples from
Pakistan.
What is the Instrumentalist School of Thought?
Instrumentalists, like scholar Paul Brass, say that ethnic identities are not just about culture or
pride—they are used by people (especially leaders) to gain things like money, power, or
resources. For example, a group might emphasize their ethnic identity to demand more jobs or
land. When people move, fight, or organize for these needs, it can change the population of a
region.
How Material Needs Change Demographics
1. Moving for Jobs: People move to places with better jobs or opportunities. In Pakistan,
many people from rural Sindh, Balochistan, or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa move to big cities
like Karachi or Lahore for work. This changes Karachi’s population, making it a mix of
Pashtuns, Sindhis, and Muhajirs. Instrumentalists say these groups use their ethnic
identities to form parties (like MQM for Muhajirs) to get better jobs or housing in the
city.
2. Fighting for Resources: When groups compete for things like water or land, it can lead
to conflict and change who lives where. In Sindh, Sindhi people feel that water from the
Indus River is taken by Punjab or settlers from other provinces. Sindhi leaders use their
ethnic identity to demand control over water, sometimes causing tension that pushes
other groups out of certain areas.
3. Development Projects: Big projects, like the Gwadar port in Balochistan (part of
CPEC), bring workers from other provinces, like Punjab, to Balochistan. This changes
Gwadar’s population, with fewer Baloch and more non-Baloch. Baloch leaders use their
ethnic identity to protest, saying these projects take jobs away from locals. This shows
how material needs (jobs, development) change who lives in a place.
4. Conflict and Displacement: When groups fight over resources, some people are forced
to leave. In Balochistan, the Baloch nationalist movement fights for control of gas and
minerals. The government’s response, like military operations, has forced some Baloch to
move to other areas or even abroad. This reduces the Baloch population in some parts and
changes the region’s demographics.
5. Government Policies: Policies to meet material needs can change who lives where. For
example, since the 1980s, millions of Afghan refugees settled in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
and Balochistan because of war in Afghanistan. These refugees compete with locals for
jobs and aid, using their ethnic identity to organize. This has made these regions more
diverse but also caused tensions.
Examples in Pakistan
 In Karachi, ethnic groups like Pashtuns and Muhajirs form political parties to demand
better access to jobs, housing, and services. This shows how material needs lead to ethnic
competition, changing the city’s population mix.
  In Balochistan, the arrival of workers for CPEC projects has increased the non-Baloch
population, sparking protests from Baloch leaders who use their identity to demand local
jobs.
Scholarly Views
Paul Brass says that ethnic identities are tools used by leaders to gain power or resources. In
Pakistan, Adeel Khan argues that movements like Baloch or Sindhi nationalism are driven by
competition for material things, not just cultural pride. However, critics like Anthony Smith say
that instrumentalists focus too much on material needs and ignore the deep emotional connection
people have to their ethnic identities.
Conclusion
The instrumentalist school explains that people use their ethnic identities to chase material needs
like jobs, land, or resources. In Pakistan, this leads to migration, conflicts, and development
projects that change the population of regions like Karachi, Gwadar, or Balochistan. To reduce
tensions, Pakistan needs to share resources fairly and make sure all groups feel included.
Urdu Meanings of Difficult Words:
 Materialistic (‫مادی‬, Maadi): Related to things like money, jobs, or resources.
 Demographic (‫آبادیاتی‬, Aabadiyati): The mix of people in a place (by ethnicity, language,
etc.).
 Instrumentalist (‫آالتی‬, Aalati): The idea that ethnic identities are used as tools for gain.
 Displacement (‫بے گھری‬, Be Ghari): Being forced to leave your home.