070 Notable Ideas and Terms

Basics of Pakistan as a regional power in South Asia

Pakistan is a key South Asian power due to its geography, population, and nuclear capability; it balances India, aligns with China, and influences regional security and trade.

Pakistan government's security priorities

Main priorities include defense against India (especially over Kashmir), counterterrorism, nuclear security, relations with Afghanistan, and balancing ties with China and the U.S.

Creation of India and Pakistan (1947)

British India was partitioned into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan; led to mass migrations, violence, and long-term disputes like Kashmir.

Bangladesh War of Independence (1971)

East Pakistan fought to separate from West Pakistan; India supported the Bengali cause, resulting in Bangladesh’s creation and exposing regional inequalities.

Ethnic (linguistic) diversity in Pakistan

Pakistan has diverse groups—Punjabis, Pashtuns, Sindhis, Baloch, Muhajirs; Urdu is national, but regional languages show cultural diversity and occasional tension.

Idea of Pashtunistan

The concept of a Pashtun homeland across Pakistan and Afghanistan; rooted in ethnic nationalism and disputes over the Durand Line border.