Importance of Pakistan Studies as a subject

This entry sheds light on the significance of Pakistan Studies as a subject in understanding the origin, creation, and development of Pakistan”.

When and why Pakistan Studies was introduced as a separate subject?

Pakistan Studies was introduced as a compulsory subject along with Islamiat at the Secondary and Higher Secondary level during the Bhutto regime in the 1970s. Its introduction as a separate mandatory subject aimed to create patriotism among the youth and awareness of Pakistan ideology. Similarly, it also aimed at enabling young Pakistanis to become the informed and responsible citizens of the state.

What does the term ‘Origin of Pakistan’ refers to?

The phrase “Origin of Pakistan” refers to the very thinking of Muslims of the Indian sub-continent that they were different from Hindus, they could not coexist with Hindus, and that they should have a separate homeland. This very thinking of Indian Muslims in other words is called  Two-Nation Theory, the basis of Pakistan Ideology.

Pakistan Ideology is Islamic ideology as the basic purpose of establishing a separate was to implement Islamic laws which could not be possible in a united India.

How does Pakistan Studies as a subject can help in understanding the origin of Pakistan? 

Pakistan Studies as an academic discipline deals with the political, economic, and social conditions after the 1857 War of Independence that compelled Indian Muslims to think as a separate nation from Hindus.

In other words, it enlightens us about the fundamental factors that led to the creation of the Two-Nation Theory. More simply, this subject addresses questions like ‘What compelled Muslims to think for a separate state?

Thus Pakistan Studies as a subject helps us comprehend the origin of Pakistan which is the Two-Nation Theory.

What does the term ‘creation of Pakistan‘ refer to?

The literal meaning of the word ‘creation’ means ‘making of something. So the word ‘creation of Pakistan’ should mean ‘making of Pakistan. Therefore, the term ‘Creation of Pakistan’ refers to the struggle and efforts made by Muslims of the Indian sub-continent to establish a separate homeland (state) in the name of Pakistan. In other words, it refers to the Pakistan Movement.

How does Pakistan Studies as a subject can help in understanding the creation of Pakistan? 

In Pakistan Studies we study the struggle of Pakistan which is the Pakistan Movement. It informs about the sacrifices that Indian Muslims made and the challenges they faced in the struggle of Pakistan. Moreover, it tells about the leadership of the Pakistan movement and their struggle for Pakistan.

What does the term ‘development of Pakistan’ refer to? 

The term ‘development refers to improvement, enhancement, advancement, etc. When we say ‘Development of Pakistan’ it means the changes or advancement that have taken place in different departments of national life in Pakistan since the establishment of Pakistan to date.

How does Pakistan Studies as a subject help understand the development of Pakistan? 

As a subject, Pakistan studies also deals with the development and improvement in different departments of national life.  For example, we study political and constitutional changes and development in the subject of Pakistan Studies.

In addition to that, this subject informs and guides the government and policymakers to plan future development. It guides in framing policies and taking appropriate measures in light of past experiences, available resources, and challenges.