Geopolitical analyst Malik Ayub Sumbal joins me today to discuss current affairs in Pakistan, with a brief look back at history and then today’s particularly relevant matters for South Asia and the recent election. Pakistan, a South Asian nation of over 240 million people, emerged from the tumultuous partition of British India in 1947. Established as a homeland for the subcontinent's Muslims, Pakistan faced immense challenges from its inception.
Driven by the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan inherited regions with a rich history dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's oldest. It became a canvas for successive empires – from the Mauryan and Gupta dynasties to the influential Mughal Empire, which left an enduring cultural legacy.The British colonial era dramatically transformed the social and political landscape of the region. The struggle for independence eventually led to the partition of India and the birth of Pakistan.
However, this historic event was marred by widespread violence and displacement, leaving deep scars on both Pakistan and its neighbor, India.Since its independence, Pakistan has grappled with political instability, periods of military rule, and a complex relationship with India marked by conflict and tensions. Despite these challenges, the nation has made strides in economic development, education, and cultural expression.Pakistan's future is intertwined with its ability to resolve internal conflicts, achieve political stability, and foster peaceful relations with its neighbors. Its rich history, diverse population, and strategic location hold both challenges and immense potential for progress and growth.
Malik Ayub Sumbal is an award-winning journalist, geopolitical analyst, commentator, and moderator. He has more than 18 years of experience working in key editorial positions with world-leading media outlets. He was awarded the Syracuse University Mirror Award in 2012. The S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University confers the Mirror Award annually to honor excellence in reporting on the media industry.
Layne Hartsell, PhD is a research professor at the at the Center for Science, Technology, and Society, Department of Philosophy, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok and at the Asia Institute in Tokyo.He is a former research professor at Sungkyunkwan University and the Advanced Institute for Nanotechnology and Sookmyung Women’s University in South Korea; and a researcher at the University of Virginia, College of Medicine, USA. He is a board member of Korea IT Times.
