It’s been 75 years since Pakistan became independent. In this time, the country has experienced a whirlwind of events, While the aftereffects of partition are living history, one wonders what would have been if Pakistan had not been partitioned at all.
It is important to recognize that the partition resulted in significant human suffering, violence, and displacement, with estimates of hundreds of thousands to millions of people losing their lives and millions being uprooted from their homes. However, proponents of the partition argue that it allowed for the creation of separate nations based on religious identity, providing a homeland for Muslims in Pakistan. They believe that this separation prevented further communal violence and allowed for the protection of the rights and interests of religious minorities within each country.Supporters also claim that the partition fostered the growth of distinct national identities, leading to the development of strong democracies and cultural uniqueness in both India and Pakistan.
On the other hand, critics of the partition argue that it resulted in the division of communities and families, perpetuated communal tensions, and led to ongoing conflicts between India and Pakistan, particularly over the disputed region of Kashmir. They contend that the partition created long-lasting hostilities, hindering peace and development in the region. Critics also point out that religious and cultural diversity still exists within both countries, and the partition did not necessarily resolve the challenges associated with managing diversity. One of the best advantages of an undivided Pakistan and India would have been the army as it would have been one of the strongest armies in the world. And RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) and ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) would have worked together for the safety of the nation. The Kashmir issue perhaps wouldn’t have existed and the tug of war between India and Pakistan over Kashmir would not have existed today, and nor China would have been occupying a part of Kashmir.
The cricket team would have more powerful bowlers and skilled batsmen and dominate in the international tournament. A united country could also have done wonders for hockey, allowing the team to soar higher than already existing rivals. Pakistan and India both often fail in protecting the rights of minorities who have been attacked and seen their communities perish under an unpatronizing majority government. A secular country would protect their right to practice their religion and defend them from sectarian as well as communal violence.Without partition, countries would not be able to impose the culture of a male-dominated society thereby offering women greater opportunities to pursue their dreams. The maritime and naval component is an important part of the political, economic, and military domain of a maritime nation. Pakistan and India apart from being hostile neighbors with over 3,323 km of the international land border also share maritime space in Indian Ocean Region.
If the India-Pakistan partition never happened, we would have had extended maritime borders.A united nation would be blessed with more land and states but that would only mean more political parties trying to extend their ideologies to the areas under their control. They would have most likely not cooperated with the central government on conflicting issues and this could have also limited the dynastic rule of the Congress party. As a result, this would have brought selective progress around the country i.e. bringing progress to some parts while others would have been left behind.A united nation would also lead to a decrease in religious violence and no politician would have been able to say, “Go to Pakistan or Go to India.”
Instead of spending a huge amount of money on the defense sector, we would have focused more on improving quality of life, health, and education if the country would have been still undivided. The movies like ‘Border’ and ‘LOC’ would not have been made and the related genre wouldn’t have been this prominent. Both countries would be very powerful if only united.
It is important to note that predicting the exact outcomes of a hypothetical scenario like this is challenging, as it would have had profound implications on the course of history. The complexities and intricacies of the region’s dynamics, including religious, political, and social factors, make it difficult to determine the precise outcome of a united India without partition. Ultimately, it is challenging to definitively label the partition as a blessing or a curse. The consequences of the partition have shaped the histories, identities, and relations of India and Pakistan, and it is a complex and nuanced topic with differing viewpoints.
