I was amazed to see a series of articles entitled “Partition of India” by Syed Shahabuddin in your esteemed paper. While I believe that it is the right of every individual to express her/his opinion on a topic, it was certainly not very appropriate to provide so much space to an Indian national to question the existence of Pakistan as a separate state and the rationale for its creation.

Had the author chosen to restrict himself to discussing Pakistan-India relations and Pakistan’s foreign policy, it would have been understandable.

Yes, Pakistan has its problems and divides. However, like any other country, it’s for Pakistani citizens to deal with the situation. We certainly do not welcome a national of another country telling us that the very existence of a country was the root cause of the problem.

It appears that the writer, as well as those supporting his viewpoint, belong to an old generation far removed from the contemporary realities. The young generation of Pakistanis has a distinct identity shaped and defined by independent existence of Pakistan for more than six decades now. We have challenges to overcome, but that does not stop us from cherishing our distinct nationality. India might be doing well but we would still like to be identified as Pakistanis as a proud and independent nation without feeling the need for mourning partition.

And for once, let a young Pakistani make it clear that our distinct identity as a nation state for the last six decades has inculcated in us an outlook of life which is very different from the Indian Muslims. We do feel different from them. Our governance is our business and the realities of India which the Indian Muslims have to face is their business. They would do better to not try to teach the Pakistanis what they have lost by the way of partition of India. For once, let it be clear that the younger generation of Pakistanis does not harbor any wish to patronize Indian Muslims nor does it appreciate patronage by the ilk of Maulana Azad.

Kamran Akhtar

Jeddah