Breaking History Partition’s Ghost: How Pakistan Became a Deep State
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May 28, 2025 Aisha Jalal, a prominent Tufts University professor and biographer of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, dives deep into Pakistan's turbulent history and its emergence as a deep state. The discussion reveals the charged aftermath of the 1947 partition, tracing the military's influence and the rise of militant groups. Jalal sheds light on Jinnah's legacy and the shift toward Islamism, highlighting the intricate geopolitical landscape shaped by past leaders like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and General Zia. Their actions have profoundly affected Pakistan's identity and relations with India, making future conflicts increasingly likely.
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Cold War U.S.-Pakistan Alliance
- The U.S. and Pakistan allied during the Cold War to counter communism, with Pakistan as a key anti-Soviet ally.
- Pakistan used U.S. aid primarily against India rather than communism, straining the alliance.
Bhutto's Rise and Zia's Appointment
- Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became Pakistan's president promising social change but was wary of the military's power.
- He appointed General Zia al-Haq chief of staff, unknowingly setting stage for his own overthrow.
Zia's Coup and Islamization
- General Zia ousted Bhutto in a 1977 coup and later executed him after a controversial trial.
- Zia imposed martial law and began harsh Islamization, altering Pakistan's political and social fabric.
