Pakistan marks 60th anniversary

image courtesy BBC

Celebrations are under way across Pakistan to mark the 60th anniversary of independence from Britain and the creation of the country.

Pakistan and India won independence from Britain in August 1947 following a nationalist struggle of three decades.

What is the legacy of partition?

Have your say by following the above link.

The story of Pakistan

The story of Pakistan is one of remorseless tug and pull between the civilian and military rulers on the one hand, and the liberal and religious forces on the other

Story of Indian Muslims

So why has the lot of Indian Muslims remained miserable after six decades of independence?

Half of Muslims women in India cannot read or write

For one, it is the sheer apathy and ineptitude of the Indian state which has failed to provide equality of opportunity in health, education and employment.

This has hurt the poor – including the Muslim poor who comprise the majority of the community – most.

Mahesh Rangarajan says poverty and “absence of ameliorative policies” has hurt India’s Muslims most.