The South Asia Institute at Columbia University A Professional Development Course for K-12 Teachers

A Short History of Pakistan

taught by S. Akbar Zaidi

Time: Dates: Location:

Thursdays, 5:30pm 7:30pm January 20 February 24, 2009 (no class on February 17) Room 207 Knox Hall 606 West 122nd Street, between Broadway and Claremont

"A Short History of Pakistan" has been organized primarily for 9-12 high school teachers to address topics in the New York State Global Studies curriculum. It will feature five lectures and will be taught by Visiting Professor S. Akbar Zaidi. All readings and materials for the course will be provided by Columbia University at no charge to registered participants. Registation is required to attend the class (see below). Course Description and Schedule In recent years, Pakistan has been in the news largely for reasons which relate to the rise of fundamentalist Islam across the globe, and as a consequence of the war on terrorism. Opinions about Pakistan being a rogue state with nuclear weapons which might fall into the hands of Islamic terrorists cause much concern in western capitals. Military governments alternating with inefficient and corrupt civilian governments, cause further concern, with fear that that the economy will collapse, leading to major social upheaval. In essence, the fear is that a nuclear, ungovernable Pakistan, with heavily armed Islamists roaming the streets of the major cities in Pakistan, will destabilize the region and threaten western democracies and capital markets. Although often being termed the most dangerous place in the world, Pakistan deserves far greater and more serious understanding than the caricature which makes headline news every 1

other day. This short course, based on five sessions, will hope to make participants aware of a people and their history in one of the more volatile regions of the world. I. January 20: Muslim Separatism and the Idea of Pakistan

Pakistan emerged, in 1947, from a British India which was partitioned and achieved independence. Yet the Idea of what became Pakistan was rooted in politics, faith and the different types of identities of the Muslims of a pre-colonial and colonial India. There is much debate about when Pakistan was created, with some sources (largely official Pakistani sources) stating that the Idea of Pakistan found its roots at the time of the Arab invasion of parts of what was later to become India (as early as 712) and which lead to the spread of Islam in the Indian sub-continent. Other scholars date the beginnings of a Muslim identity and consciousness somewhere in the 19th century, and yet others, in the middle of the 20th century. This first session will examine the different ideas and positions about the Idea of Pakistan and the reasons which led to its creation. II. January 27: Independence and Two Partitions

On 14 August 1947, Pakistan achieved independence one day prior to Indian independence. India was partitioned, and an East and West Pakistan were created from Muslim majority areas. The basis of Pakistan was found in the two nation theory, where it was suggested that the Muslims and Hindus in undivided India made up two nations and hence, required separate homelands. In this session, we will examine the nature and form of the 1947 independence of Pakistan, the problems and challenges it posed for a new nation, and how the creation of an East and a West Pakistan made this creation even more difficult to sustain, resulting in a second bloody partition in the India sub-continent, this time of Pakistan, with the creation of Bangladesh. III. February 3: Politics, Democracy, and the Military

In the 67 years of the independence of Pakistan, the military has been in government for more than half that period, and whenever there have been elections and attempts at democracy, Pakistans civilian governments have had to struggle to find legitimacy and to keep the economy afloat. Moreover, the economic record of military governments has been better than that of civilian elected governments, making some analysts argue that the military is better for Pakistan. This economic performance of the military requires a closer and more careful look, as does the eventual consequence of military rule in Pakistan. In this session, we will try to examine why democracy continues to be weak in Pakistan and why the militarys sh adow looms large on the political map of Pakistan. IV. February 10: Conflicts Within and Around Pakistan

As in many developing countries and societies, various conflicts and contradictions exist in Pakistan, trying to establish their dominance. Whether this is in the form of broader narratives such as modernity and tradition, enlightenment and fundamentalism, or between ethnic groups and between religious sects in Pakistan, the country does often depict a dismal scenario of being 2

in a perpetual conflict internally. One needs to be able to understand the nature of these conflicts and understand why they exist, and see where and how the state has failed to manage such conflicts. Along with internal fissures, Pakistan has also had numerous conflicts with countries in the region, particularly with India, having fought four wars with its neighbor. This session will try to examine the political economy of the different conflicts in and around Pakistan. V. February 24: Contemporary Pakistan and Possibilities for the Future

Does Pakistan have a viable future as a democratic, modern and prosperous nation, or will it always be referred to as a failed state, or the most dangerous place in the world? In this final session, we will examine where Pakistan continues to fail as a society and country, and where possibilities for prosperity and stability exist. Instructor biography Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi is a Visiting Professor at Columbia University, with a joint appointment at the School of International and Public Affairs, and the Graduate School of Arts & Science Department of Middle East, South Asia, and African Studies, through May 2012. Zaidi holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge. He is one of Pakistan's best known and most prolific political economists. Zaidi taught at Karachi University for thirteen years, and was a visiting Professor at Johns Hopkins University in 2004-05. Apart from his interest in political economy, he has research interests in development, the social sciences, and history. His most recent of twelve books is Political Economy and Development in Pakistan, published in 2010. His other books include The New Development Paradigm: Papers on Institutions, NGOs, Gender and Local Government (1999), and Issues in Pakistan's Economy (2005). Primary readings S Akbar Zaidi. Issues in Pakistans Economy, Second Edition, Oxford University Press, Karachi, 2005. Shuja Nawaz. Crossed Swords: Pakistan, Its Army, and the Wars Within, Oxford University Press, Karachi, 2008. REGISTRATION: Participants must be K-12 teachers, two-year college instructors or students enrolled in education degree programs. Attendees may register for the entire course or register for individual sessions. If you would like to register, or have questions, please contact William Carrick at wac2112@columbia.edu or at (212) 854-4565. To register, please include your name, school affiliation, level of students taught, and subjects taught. Students should include their school and degree program, anticipated graduation date, and a brief statement of career goals. For additional information, please contact William Carrick at wac2112@columbia.edu or by phone at (212) 854-4565.

South Asia Institute at Columbia University http://www.sai.columbia.edu/outreach.html

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