As the Two-Nation Theory culminated in the creation of Pakistan, the same also became the ideology of the State for the purpose of legitimizing political authority. However, religion-based national identity could not cement the diverse socio-cultural entities of Pakistan. The myth of cohesive Islamic nationhood was exploded with the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. Although, Pakistan has managed to survive as a nation-state, aspiring multiple identities continue to pose threats to its mono-religious national identity. In the face of contesting multiple identities, the domination of Punjab and Punjabis still remains a defining core, alongwith the Islamic identity. The present study explores, analyses and estimates this on-going process of interface of rival ethno-sectarian, linguistic and regional identities and Pakistan as a Nation-State.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Surendra Nath Kaushik
Surendra Nath Kaushik is Associate Professor and Director, south Asia Studies Centre, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. He is actively engaged in research on issues and problems bearing upon South Asia, in general, and Pakistan in particular. He has contributed numerous research papers in Journals of contributed to a number of edited boks on South Asian Politics, Gender Studies and Human Rights. He has authored four books-Politics in Pakistan (1985), Politics under Bhutto's Leadership (1985), Politics of Islamization in Pakistan: A Study of Zia Regime (1993), Ahmadiya Community in Pakistan: Discrimination, Travail and Alienation (1996). He has also co-edited three books-India and South Asia (1991), contemporary Politics in Pakistan: Trends and Issues Vol. I and II (2001), India's Foreign Policy: Emerging Challenges and Paradigms Vol. I and II (2003). His forthcoming works include: Governing Pakistan: Politics of Alternating Civil and Military Regimes and Politics of Sectariansim in Pakistan: The Shia-Sunni Conflict.
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