Shadows Over a Nation: How Repression Has Shaped Pakistan Since 1948
Shadows Over a Nation: How Repression Has Shaped Pakistan Since 1948 Pakistan’s history is marked by promises of progress and self-determination—but also by a long legacy of state violence and repression. From the turbulent early years after partition in 1947 to modern-day struggles in Balochistan, ordinary people have suffered under policies that use fear and force to silence dissent. Here, we explore this dark legacy in simple terms, with live examples that illustrate the human cost of such repression. The Early Days: Building a Nation with a Heavy Hand When Pakistan was formed, many diverse communities—from Punjabis and Sindhis to Pashtuns and Balochs—faced uncertainty. In an effort to build a unified nation, the new government used strict measures to enforce its authority. In some areas, local groups resisted what they saw as forced integration, and the state responded with military force. These early struggles set the stage for a recurring cycle of protest and harsh crackdow...