Correlation Between Nationalism and Political Development in Pakistan: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

This research paper aims at to study the correlation between nationalism and political development in Pakistan since its time to General Pervez Musharraf’s era. The research paper uses secondary data to examine the subject under study. After WWII, modern states emerged on the basis of nationalism. It acts like a cement to hold the people together under one organization termed as “Nation-State”. Nationalism has bared the follow characteristic: race, territory, religion, language, culture. In developing states, like Pakistan, there are small communities who supposed to be a part of nation rather revolt and pretend to be a separate nation. Political stability, strong institution, fair distribution of resources between provinces, and effective government policies bring political development in the state and vice-versa. It is to be noted that local identities cannot be abolished but can only be living side by side to the national identity. The research findings indicate that there is a close link between nationalist feelings and political development which lead towards national integration. Though, Pakistan lacks leadership of national stature that can stimulate positive and vigorous changes in political, economic and social spheres. It is also inferred that indorsing nationalism and enable nation-building and development in Pakistan is a long way to go.