The partition of India in 1947 created two independent countries: India and Pakistan. While many regions were divided during this event, Sindh was not one of them. This raises questions about why Sindh was excluded from the partition and what factors influenced this decision. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Sindh’s inclusion in Pakistan.
All About Sindh
Sindh’s demographic makeup was one of the most important factors in its inclusion in Pakistan. The province had a Muslim majority population of around 70%. It made it a natural fit for the Muslim country being created. The partition aimed to create two separate countries for Hindus and Muslims. Sindh’s demographic composition placed it firmly within the Muslim country’s ambit.
Another factor that influenced Sindh’s inclusion in Pakistan was its leadership. The province’s political leaders played a significant role in the Pakistan Movement. It aimed to create a separate Muslim state in the Indian subcontinent. Figures like Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and Liaquat Ali Khan, the country’s first Prime Minister, played a crucial role in galvanizing support for Pakistan among Sindhi people. They believed that Pakistan would be a better home for Muslims in the region. Their leadership shaped the views of the people.
Sindh’s strategic location was also a factor in its inclusion in Pakistan. The province has a long coastline on the Arabian Sea, giving it access to vital sea routes. This made it a crucial strategic asset for Pakistan, which wanted to establish itself as a major player in the region. Additionally, Sindh’s location at the southern tip of Pakistan made it a natural gateway to the Middle East and the Gulf region. They were growing in importance during that period.
Indecisiveness In Sindh
Despite the above factors, there were divisions within Sindh regarding its inclusion in Pakistan. Some Sindhi nationalists and leaders were opposed to the idea of Pakistan. It was argued that it was suppressing Sindh’s distinct culture and heritage. They believed that the central government in Pakistan was exploiting Sindh’s resources for the benefit of other regions. Further, Sindh was being dominated.
Some Sindhi nationalists also believed that the idea of Pakistan was being imposed on them by a leadership that did not understand their province’s unique nature. They felt that the Muslim League leadership, based in the northern part of the subcontinent, made the decision to include Sindh in Pakistan. It was without an understanding of the issues facing Sindhi people.
These tensions continue to exist in some form today, and the relationship between Sindh and the rest of Pakistan is often fraught with tension. Some Sindhi nationalists have even called for the province to be granted greater autonomy or independence, arguing that the central government in Islamabad does not adequately represent their interests.
The decision not to partition Sindh during the 1947 Partition of India was influenced by several factors. Sindh’s demographic makeup, political leadership, and strategic location made it a natural fit for inclusion in Pakistan. However, there were also divisions and tensions within Sindh regarding its inclusion in Pakistan, with some Sindhi nationalists feeling that their distinct culture and heritage were being suppressed. Nevertheless, Sindh remains an integral part of Pakistan today and continues to play an important role in the country’s politics and economy.