catastrophes, division, reminiscence: the lasting bonds connecting India and Pakistan

The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, shook India and triggered widespread anger, pushing the two nations into a near-war situation. The incident, which identified tourists based on their religious identity, was framed by India as evidence of Pakistan's continued reliance on divisive ideology to justify cross-border terrorism.

The attack, however, also serves as a stark reminder of shared vulnerabilities due to climate change. The recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan underscore the need for cooperation rather than confrontation for survival.

Pakistan, contributing less than 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces catastrophic impacts from climate change. India, responsible for about 7% of global emissions, is also acutely vulnerable due to its vast population, fragile Himalayan ecosystem, and exposure to erratic monsoons and extreme weather.

The traumatic legacy of Partition continues to endure in memories, family narratives, and inherited anxieties in both India and Pakistan. In Delhi, the demography and politics bear the imprint of communities uprooted from West Punjab, with reminders of that history persisting even today. Similarly, in Karachi, colonies were named after towns left behind in India, such as Delhi Colony and CP & Berar Society.

Interestingly, the military leaders of both nations often operate as inheritors of a history marked by upheaval, survival, and the relentless pursuit of security and cohesion. General Zia-ul-Haq, a previous Pakistani Army Chief, and General Asim Munir, the current Pakistani Chief of Army Staff, both came from agricultural caste backgrounds and had roots in Indian Punjab.

General Zia-ul-Haq, who ruled Pakistan with an iron hand, enforcing martial law, curbing political freedoms, and pushing through a harsh Islamization agenda, studied at St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and was adept at engaging with India and the United States. His statement at an Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, declaring that Hindus and Muslims constitute two distinct nations, invoking the two-nation theory, has once again brought the ideology that underpinned the Partition of British India and the creation of Pakistan into the limelight.

However, there are fewer visible markers in Pakistani Punjab, where cultural continuity of West Punjab with East Punjab was stronger. The cultural and social fabric of Delhi has been reshaped by communities uprooted from West Punjab, with reminders of that history persisting even today.

Despite the ongoing tensions, there are instances of cooperation between the two nations. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif acknowledged India's warnings about the rising waters in the Tawi river, departing from the habitual script of suspicion. This small act of mutual understanding could be a step towards building a more peaceful and cooperative future between India and Pakistan.

Regarding the Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace workshop in 2006, there are no specific details available about the participants. The lack of information about this workshop underscores the complex and nuanced relationship between India and Pakistan, a relationship that is shaped by history, politics, and shared vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, the Pahalgam attack and its aftermath highlight the need for dialogue, cooperation, and understanding between India and Pakistan. The shared vulnerabilities due to climate change and the enduring trauma of Partition call for a renewed effort to build bridges and foster peace between the two nations.

catastrophes, division, reminiscence: the lasting bonds connecting India and Pakistan