By P Mohan Chandran
The histories of India and Pakistan began on the same fateful day in 1947, but the trajectories of these two nations could not have been more different. While India has ascended to become one of the world’s largest economies and a beacon of democratic governance, Pakistan has spiraled into economic ruin, largely fueled by its obsession with terrorism and its flawed ideological foundation.
A Nation’s Flawed Beginning: The Creation of Pakistan
The very idea of Pakistan, as envisaged by its founding father, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, was based on religious division. Jinnah’s call for a separate state for Muslims was rooted in the belief that Hindus and Muslims could not coexist in a single nation. This two-nation theory laid the foundation for a nation defined by its religious identity, inherently setting Pakistan on a path of exclusion and division.
Since its creation, Pakistan has struggled with internal instability, ranging from ethnic conflicts to religious extremism. The military has consistently overthrown democratic governments, resulting in a state that has rarely enjoyed political stability. The nation’s focus shifted from governance and development to harboring terrorist activities as an extension of its foreign policy, particularly toward India and Afghanistan. This flawed foundation and its continuous meddling in global terrorism have contributed to Pakistan’s economic downfall and international isolation.
India’s Rise: A Journey of Progress, Democracy, & Development
In stark contrast, India embarked on a democratic path from the moment of its independence. Under the visionary leadership of its first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, India embraced a secular constitution that sought to unify its diverse populace. India’s leaders focused on industrialization, infrastructure development, and economic reforms. Over time, India’s mixed economy allowed it to balance state-led development with private enterprise, eventually propelling it into the global spotlight.
Today, India is the world’s fifth-largest economy, surpassing the UK in 2022, and is on track to become the third-largest economy in the world by 2030. It is expected to surpass the United States to become the second-largest economy by 2048, trailing only behind China. According to projections, India could become the world’s largest economy by 2050 or 2060, driven by its youthful population, robust technological advancements, and strategic policy-making. India's steady economic growth—marked by reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), infrastructure development, and the rise of its digital economy—has been pivotal in its global influence.
India’s foreign policy and humanitarian approach have only bolstered its standing on the world stage. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s “Vaccine Maitri” initiative saw the nation provide vaccines to over 160 countries. India's role as a first responder to global crises, such as natural disasters, has earned it a reputation as a responsible global leader.
The Fall of Pakistan: An Economy in Ruins
On the other hand, Pakistan’s economic model has been in perpetual freefall. The nation has seen its currency plummet, inflation skyrocket, and debt levels spiral out of control. With an economy heavily dependent on foreign loans, Pakistan has consistently turned to the IMF, World Bank, and wealthy nations like Saudi Arabia and China for bailouts. Since its independence, Pakistan has approached the IMF more than 20 times, most recently securing a $7 billion loan (over a 37-month period) in September 2024 to stave off economic collapse.
The Pakistani rupee, once on par with the Indian rupee, has dramatically devalued over the years, crossing the 300-rupee mark against the US dollar in September 2023. Inflation, at its worst, reached an astounding 36.4%, making basic necessities unaffordable for the average Pakistani citizen. The price of essential goods such as wheat, sugar, and fuel has surged, further deepening the country's economic woes.
Pakistan’s Obsession with Terrorism: A Curse on Its People
One of the most glaring reasons for Pakistan’s failure as a state is its continued sponsorship of terrorism. Pakistan has harbored terrorist groups like the Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, using these proxies to further its geopolitical ambitions, particularly against India. These groups have not only destabilized the region but have also contributed to Pakistan’s international isolation. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed Pakistan on its "grey list" for failing to curb terrorist financing—a testament to the country’s deep-rooted issues with extremism.
While India invested in technology, education, and economic reforms, Pakistan continued to prioritize military spending and support for terrorist groups. The contrast couldn’t be clearer: while India built roads, schools, and healthcare systems, Pakistan built terror networks. The result? A nation that is continuously on the brink of collapse, both economically and politically.
A Nation with a Begging Bowl vs. A Humanitarian Giant
Pakistan’s economic fragility has reduced it to what many have termed a “begging bowl” nation. Year after year, Pakistan knocks on the doors of the IMF, China, Saudi Arabia, and others for financial assistance. Its internal governance failures mean that no substantial economic reforms have taken place, trapping it in a vicious cycle of debt and dependency.
In contrast, India has emerged as a global humanitarian leader. When the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, India stepped up by providing life-saving vaccines to over 160 nations under its "Vaccine Maitri" program. India’s leadership in times of global crises, be it natural disasters or health emergencies, underscores the values of compassion, service, and global solidarity that the country espouses.
A Nation Built on Terror Can Never Succeed
History has repeatedly shown that a nation built on the foundation of extremism, terrorism, and intolerance can never succeed in the global order. Pakistan's obsession with supporting terrorism has not only alienated it from the international community but has also eaten away at its own internal stability. Ethnic tensions, regional disparities, and growing extremism within its borders have created a fractured society that struggles to find a unifying national identity.
In contrast, India’s pluralistic democracy, commitment to secularism, and focus on development have allowed it to rise as a global leader. While Pakistan continues to falter, India is poised to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030 and, eventually, the global economic leader by 2050 or 2060.
Final Thoughts: Two Nations, Two Destinies
As we reflect on the journeys of these two nations, the contrast is stark. One is a nation that has embraced democracy, economic reforms, and global cooperation; the other is a state that has been hijacked by its military and extremist ideologies. Pakistan’s creation, based on religious division, was a flawed idea from the start, and its consistent support for terrorism has only led to its downfall. In contrast, India, built on the values of unity, secularism, and development, has risen as a beacon of hope and progress.
The hard-hitting question remains: will Pakistan continue down its path of ruin, or will it finally recognize that terrorism and extremism will never build a successful nation? And as India rises, will it maintain its commitment to global leadership and humanitarianism?
© 2024. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved
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