Welcome back to Pakistan: A Hard Country. In this third episode, we dive deep into Chapter 2 of Anatol Lieven’s acclaimed book, Pakistan: A Hard Country — titled The Struggle for Muslim South Asia. This chapter unpacks the complex and often conflicting historical forces that led to the creation of Pakistan and shaped its early political and religious identity.

From the rallying cry of “Islam in Danger” to the competing religious and secular visions of the state, we explore the ideological foundations of Pakistan’s emergence, the fragile nature of its early statehood, and the various reform efforts from the top that struggled to take root.

Join us as we trace the roots of Pakistan’s formation, the tensions between Islamic identity and secular politics, and the enduring impact of these foundational struggles on the country’s modern landscape.