Breaking History Partition’s Ghost: How Pakistan Became a Deep State
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May 28, 2025 Aisha Jalal, a prominent Tufts University professor and biographer of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, dives deep into Pakistan's turbulent history and its emergence as a deep state. The discussion reveals the charged aftermath of the 1947 partition, tracing the military's influence and the rise of militant groups. Jalal sheds light on Jinnah's legacy and the shift toward Islamism, highlighting the intricate geopolitical landscape shaped by past leaders like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and General Zia. Their actions have profoundly affected Pakistan's identity and relations with India, making future conflicts increasingly likely.
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Pakistan's Deep State Explained
- Pakistan's deep state means the military and intelligence agencies are more powerful than its elected government.
- This dynamic is unlike the U.S., where the national security state coexists with civilian government.
Radcliffe's Partition Impacts
- British judge Cyril Radcliffe was tasked with partitioning India without knowledge of its peoples or geography.
- His rushed borders caused massive violence and dislocation during partition in 1947.
Kashmir's Central Role
- Kashmir's majority Muslim population ruled by a Hindu Maharaja led to enduring India-Pakistan conflict.
- The region's strategic mountain passes and rivers make it vital for both nations.
