The Line That Was Drawn

There is far more to unite than to keep the people apart, hating each other. The British created the divide on the basis of religion. Their goal was control and exploitation — and for that, they couldn’t afford a united public standing against them. So they sowed hatred, using religion as their main weapon. “Divide et impera was an old Roman maxim, and it shall be ours.” Lord Elphinstone — British Governor of Bombay (1858)

Aurangzeb — the Mughal emperor most despised by Hindus in India — sent a Hindu general to command his forces against the Marathas. Hindus filled his court just as Muslims filled the camp of Shivaji, the Maratha ruler. This was a fight between the Mughals and the Marathas, not between Muslims and Hindus, just as it was at the Battle of Khanwa (1527), which was fought between Babur (founder of the Mughal Empire in India) and Rana Sanga (ruler of Mewar and leader of the Rajputs). Governments have kept this truth from the people to carry out their own agendas — to keep the public distracted from what actually deserves their attention.

“For us freedom should not mean mere end of British colonialism — our complete freedom implies living together happily without caste and religious barriers.” — Bhagat Singh

An Inheritance People Didn’t Ask For

Divide and rule worked for the British, but it didn’t leave with them. The governments that followed, in both countries, saw it as too valuable to abandon. Like the British before them, local governments proved just as skilled at spreading and deepening animosity between people. Wars were fought, and the intensity between the two countries never let up. Media, entertainment, and sports only fueled the fire further — serving the interests of governments, not people. “You have thrown us to the wolves”, were the famous words of Bacha Khan (Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan) who felt betrayed by the partition. Being a close ally of Gandhi, he spent his life pushing for Hindu-Muslim unity.

Signs of a Common Struggle

Now, we’re witnessing something of mutual importance for the people living on either side of the line the colonists carved. It has the right ingredients to clear the dust and let the public see things as they actually are. This can give peace a chance. Decades of hatred can wash away, and love can finally breathe.

Both nations need, desperately, a government of the people, for the people, by the people — not leaders who simply serve themselves or their Western allies. They want reform. They want facilities. They demand equal rights and opportunity — basic healthcare and education within reach of every citizen. This struggle is shared by the people of both countries, and it can build a bond between them. More than two centuries of rift may finally be slowing to a stop, and we’re already seeing the signs.

Nelson Mandela understood the roots of this divide: “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion.”

Two Reactions to the Same Fire

In the recent protests in India, people of different faiths shared the same grievance and stood united for the same cause — refusing to let religion divide them from a shared struggle. Countless stories, in images and videos, circulated of people from different faiths supporting one another: eating together, praying together, sleeping side by side on the streets when night came. They dismissed accusations that these protests were foreign-funded. They knew what they wanted, and they didn’t stop until they got it.

Modi’s government appears to have learned from its counterparts’ mistakes in Bangladesh. That unrest also began this way — met with force, which backfired, leaving the government more insecure and pushing it toward increasingly reckless decisions that eventually led to its downfall. The Indian government seems to have taken the lesson and given people what they asked for, restoring order without repeating Bangladesh’s collapse. Should we hope for the same sane instinct in Pakistan?

The Cost of Choosing Force

This didn’t go unnoticed on the other side of the border, Pakistan. People there are living through something similar — but for a long time now, every establishment has handled it with an iron fist. This has deepened the divide, and different groups have emerged in response — some have taken up arms against the regime.

A solution presented itself in the shape of a popular leader, Imran Khan. People flocked to him because he showed, through his actions, that he cared about the people of Pakistan. He seemed genuinely concerned with their situation and wanted real change. But the establishment refused to even consider it — ousting him from office in April 2022. When the people re-elected him in the next general election, he was imprisoned, and the results were altered to install the regime’s preferred choices instead.

The protests that followed were met with even greater brutality — people shot, more imprisoned, thousands of crackdowns carried out nationwide, his political party systematically weakened. These actions have pushed people into a corner with no refuge, as economic conditions worsen daily. Hundreds of thousands are fleeing the country, seeing no way out. The regime has lost credibility it cannot easily rebuild. Massive reform is needed — if handled with the same brute force, the outcome could be worse than Bangladesh’s. (We’ll dig deeper into this in our next piece.)

What Comes Next

The same struggle is shared by the people of the subcontinent. After a long time, they’re witnessing a common cause to unite around. They won’t be fooled or tricked easily, and brute force will only silence them for a moment — it will resurface, in different forms, in different places.

We’re on the verge of a historic shift, where love replaces hatred, unity replaces division, and people move forward together toward a brighter future. Let’s hope to see it in our lifetimes.

“Only a dead nation remembers its heroes when they die. Real nations respect them when they are alive.” — Bacha Khan

A note on CJP: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is not a registered political party — it’s a satirical youth movement that emerged in India in May 2026, sparked by a remark from a senior judicial figure comparing unemployed youth to “cockroaches.” Founded by Abhijeet Dipke, it grew rapidly among Gen Z through social media, and has since expanded into offline protests and a student wing, campaigning on unemployment, education reform, and government accountability. It remains unregistered with the Election Commission of India but continues to shape youth political discourse.

Sources:

• Britannica overview of the policy and its role in Partition —  https://www.britannica.com/topic/divide-and-rule

• Al Jazeera, “The Partition: The British game of ‘divide and rule’” —  https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2017/8/10/the-partition-the-british-game-of-divide-and-rule

• Wikipedia, “Treaty of Purandar (1665)” —  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Purandar_(1665)

• Wikipedia, “Battle of Purandar” —  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Purandar

• Wikipedia, “Pakistani political crisis (2022–present)” —  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistani_political_crisis_(2022%E2%80%93present)

• Wikipedia, “Imprisonment of Imran Khan” —  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imprisonment_of_Imran_Khan

• Wikipedia, “Allegations of rigging in the 2024 Pakistani general election” —  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegations_of_rigging_in_the_2024_Pakistani_general_election

• Al Jazeera, “Pakistan official admits involvement in rigging election results” —  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/17/pakistan-official-admits-involvement-in-rigging-election-results

• Wikipedia, “Non-cooperation movement (2024)” —  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-cooperation_movement_(2024)

• Council on Foreign Relations, “How Protests Ousted Sheikh Hasina” —  https://www.cfr.org/blog/how-protests-ousted-sheikh-hasina

• Wikipedia, “Cockroach Janta Party” —  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockroach_Janta_Party

• Wikipedia, “Cockroach Students’ Union of India” —  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockroach_Students%27_Union_of_India

He was a worthy opponent of Napoleon, and for that reason Napoleon decided to give him a chance to win back his life and freedom for ten thousand coins. Muhammad Karim (Governor of Alexandria & Egyptian resistance leader) may have believed that his life was already saved, as the market owed him more than one hundred thousand coins.

The same man who had fought for the people, who had risked everything for their sake — even his life — now stood before them in chains. The hero who had defended them should have been welcomed with great enthusiasm and praised for his courage and sacrifice. Instead, he was met with harsh looks. The people had turned against him. They considered him responsible for all the chaos. In their eyes, it was because of his resistance that the country had fallen into such a dire situation. Like the Bolivian shepherd who informed the authorities about Che Guevara’s whereabout, an act that eventually led to his capture and execution. When later asked why he betrayed a man who was supposedly fighting for people like him, he defended himself with a simple reply: “His war with the enemy was frightening my goats.”

When Muhammad Karim demanded the money needed to pay his ransom, he was rebuked and left empty-handed. Soon after, he was put to death. Not because he fought the French, who even admired his bravery and gave him a chance to live, but because he had fought for the wrong people. They did not mind being subjects of a foreign power. Their only concern was money and profit, and they were willing to place it above their freedom and the freedom of their country.

One can only imagine what must have been going through his mind when he was betrayed by the very people for whom he had risked everything.

A Hero Repeating the Fate of the Past

He had seen it all — money, fame, and everything a man could wish for. Yet he chose to take on a greater challenge when he could easily have lived a comfortable life with his family. Against all odds, he built a cancer hospital in an underdeveloped and poor country. During the fundraising campaign, he began to feel that these people deserved better. That realization changed the course of his life. He decided to do something about it and gambled away his peaceful life. For more than two decades, he struggled before finally reaching a decision-making position — or so he thought.

Although his intentions were genuine, he was unable to form a strong team, or perhaps he was never allowed to. His decision to rely on the military establishment proved to be a fatal miscalculation. His policies increasingly appeared to favor the interests of the people, which clashed with the interests of international powers.

The real power brokers — the establishment — then orchestrated a political coup. This involved members of his own elected party, opposition parties, and strong foreign backing, notably from the U.S. and the U.K.

Today, Imran Khan sits behind bars on charges his supporters call fabricated. He has limited access to his legal team, cannot meet his family, and is even restricted from speaking to his sons on the phone. He remains in solitary confinement, often denied basic human rights. Due to harsh conditions and repeated denial of medical access, he now risks losing sight in one eye. Many of his loyal party leaders and family members are behind bars including his wife. His sisters face harsh response from the authorities when they come to meet him on court orders.

Yet none of this appears enough to break him. He seems ready to sacrifice even his life for the cause he believes in. But now he stands almost alone. Only his immediate family remains firmly by his side — not much of his own party, and not the people he claims to be fighting for.

After being removed from office, he launched a nationwide campaign. He refused to give up after the setback. He managed to gather hundreds of thousands of supporters, which alarmed the establishment. He survived an assassination attempt, yet continued his struggle. His political party was dismantled piece by piece, but he remained defiant. Eventually, imprisoning him became the regime’s final option.

While he refuses to bend his knees to strike a deal behind closed doors, the nation appears hesitant to stand with him. It is widely believed that he remains the most popular political leader in the country, with approval ratings exceeding eighty percent. Yet the people have not mobilized in large numbers to demand his release.

A nation of over 250 million people appears to have left its leader alone, the very man who claims to have stood for them with courage. Do the people truly recognize his sacrifice? Will they rise in time to save him — and perhaps reclaim their own freedom? Or they continue to flee the country in large numbers instead of coming onto streets.

A Divided Nation Cannot Unite Behind A National Leader

The society appears deeply divided, was never truly united since the birth. Any sense of unity that may have existed when the country was first created has weakened over time. Today, one can easily find Pashtuns, Baloch, Punjabis, Saraikis, and Sindhis — but fewer people who simply identify themselves as Pakistanis. Those who benefit from the system often embrace the national identity most strongly. This includes segments of the ruling elite, wealthy classes, and many influential figures in media, entertainment, and sports.

Even religion, which could serve as a powerful unifying force, has not managed to bridge the divisions. Although the majority of the population is Muslim, sectarian distinctions — Sunni, Shia, and various other interpretations — continue to fragment society.

Is there anything that could unite them?

Ironically, there may be one powerful common factor: economic decline. As the economy deteriorates, millions of people are being pushed toward the brink. Meeting the basic responsibilities of daily life is becoming an overwhelming burden. Many fear that the current trajectory could slowly eliminate the middle class, leaving only a small elite benefiting from the system while the poor continue to struggle beneath it. If poverty drives people to the streets, the consequences could be wide spread chaos. Without a common leadership to guide them, the country may descend into prolonged nationwide unrest.

History has shown this pattern more than once: heroes often stand alone when the moment of truth arrives. The question is not only about one leader or one country. It is about the people themselves. When someone risks everything for a nation, will that nation rise to defend him and their own rights — or quietly step aside and let history repeat itself?

And if a society cannot stand for those who stand for it, what kind of future is it really choosing?

The rule of law is a distant memory, justice is selective, and the main opposition party is being dismantled through imprisonment and repression. Freedom of speech has become a liability, with journalists, activists, and even ordinary citizens living in fear of persecution.

The state operates under an environment of fear and control, silencing dissent through intimidation rather than dialogue.

The Consequences: A Nation on the Run

The impact of this political turmoil is evident in every aspect of life. People are fleeing — whether it’s skilled professionals seeking stability abroad or ordinary citizens disillusioned with their own country.

Investment, both local and foreign, has all but dried up. With no clear policies and an unpredictable climate, no one is willing to risk their capital in a country where political power dictates economic survival.

Poverty is rising at an alarming rate, and with it, crime. When people lose faith in the system, they turn to alternative means of survival — often through illegal or desperate measures.

A Collapsing Economy and the Path Forward

The economy is in free-fall. Rampant corruption, poor governance, and an over-reliance on foreign loans have left the country in a financial choke-hold. The government’s response — raising taxes, imposing restrictions, and cracking down on businesses — has only accelerated the decline.

Without security and economic freedom, no business can thrive, and without business, there is no economic recovery.

The only way forward is drastic reform. Restoring democratic norms, ensuring judicial independence, and providing economic security are non-negotiable if Pakistan hopes to stabilize. Investor confidence must be rebuilt, not through empty promises but through real actions — stronger institutions, transparency, and policies that protect businesses rather than drive them away.

The Future: A Looming Disaster

If this trajectory continues, the consequences will be severe. A nation where the rule of law is absent inevitably falls into chaos. Criminal networks and mobs will exploit the vacuum, forming dangerous alliances with security elements, further eroding state control.

A country that once dreamed of progress may find itself pushed decades back, stuck in a cycle of political repression, economic decay, and social unrest.

Pakistan’s future depends on immediate action. Without course correction, the suffering of the people will only deepen, and the road to recovery will become longer and more treacherous.

“The country is in dire need of political stability and the politics of inclusiveness. The politics of confrontation and power pursuit will not augur well for the country and the people of Pakistan.” — The Nation

The choice remains: reclaim democracy and economic stability, or continue down a path of irreversible decline.

​This narrative presents a poignant monologue from a woman on her deathbed, sharing her harrowing experience. Overwhelmed by the unbearable sight of her children suffering in the sweltering heat without electricity and food, she chose to end her life by consuming poison. Her story reflects the tragic reality faced by many in Pakistan, where financial hardships and lack of basic utilities have driven individuals to such desperate measures.

It is better to die then to see my children die slowly in the unbearable heat. A mother cannot bear this pain. Why you take our lives slowly, little by little everyday, just be done with us in a single shot. This is cruelty, what are you afraid of? No one going to question you for what you did, don’t you know that you are ruling over people with no soul and no emotions for others. They will just wake up when you turn on them like now you did on us. Let me die, don’t save me, so I can find peace, finally in the grave.

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This life and this world is not a place to live for poor and common people, not anymore. As monsters roam free and take on whoever they like and there is no one stopping them. But yes, they receive a lot of support from you and your system. If you sincerely try to save me, then also tell me how to find peace?

A government owned hospital? Well, this shouldn’t have the necessary equipment to save the lives of poor people like me.

Oh, I see, so you are trying to save me so you can feed my body and my soul a little more after saving it. Look at me, is there anything more I have to give you? There is no ban to hunt and feed on animals, why you always come after humans? And you use deadly methods, and deal with people which cannot even be described in words.

Why you come at us one by one and prey on us in secret ways so that even those looking at us doesn’t understand what is really happening? Who is the victim? Who is the oppressor and who is being oppressed? I see, you don’t want to wake the heard. You think, it will be impossible for you to handle us together. Besides they all serve you pretty well, why eliminate slaves and be without loyal servants?

You are afraid that if they became to realize that you are not going to spare no one, they will unite and resist. You want them to be like this, scattered and busy so they will not understand what you are really up to?

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Being a part of this herd, I will tell you that they’re not going to wake up. Even if they did realize somehow, everyone will run to save their own lives. No one will look for others or to stop you from doing it. Now please, you let a helpless woman leave this world, I served the system pretty well, didn’t I?

They say, that those who commit suicide will be sent to hell. What about those who take their lives to escape hell? I should be sent to heaven as I did my time in the hell already.

Do not tell me that you know God, He is not like any of you. He knows I didn’t tried to take my life but you did and all the people are guilty? Yes, people all of them. Now you are nodding your head in denial. Where were you? Why didn’t you stopped them from doing this to us? Are not you the one to stop the evil with your hands when you see it happening? I laugh at the level of faith that all of you have. I am not even talking to you, just go be content with whatever you do and live on a life of hypocrisy. You are only fooling your own self like this.

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Even in these last moments, I am not worried about myself, but my children and my poor husband. To reach heaven should they also have to go through more sufferings? You made this world a hell. I know you are not going to have mercy on any of them that’s why I am not going to ask you. I just pray that God will take their lives quickly so they can avoid all this misery.

What kind of mother prays for the death of her own children? The kind of mother who wanted to save them from unimaginable pain and suffering. To save them from the evil hands which possess this world.

Oh you ignorant people, why don’t you understand this? What is taking you so long? I hope some of you does understand and do something about it. Save themselves if cannot save others.

One last thing, before I depart from this world of sufferings or should I say the world that suffers because of those who inhibits as they are not able to control their hunger for more. Nobody and I mean nobody is coming to save you. You have to do it yourself.

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Forget about your countrymen, they’re asleep. Find yourself lucky as my message reached you. No foreign aid is coming for you, no one is going to remember you. As you read it, I am long gone. Have you heard something about me till now? Forget it, these world human rights organizations, these NGOs that you heard about, the media, the political leaders, those who claim to bear the flag of humanity and all of them are just fake savior. They are all together in this. If you don’t believe then spread my word, and see if I get justice or my family any help. You will know this way if humanity is still alive or not.

Share and spread my story and try to do some real good with yourself for this world as it really needs it. When you come here, I will find you and ask how did it go for you and what did you do.

“Quiet now, Poor Soul, Rest in Peace.”

Source (Incident Details):

In August 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Jahanian, Khanewal district, Pakistan, involving a mother of four young children. The family’s electricity supply had been disconnected due to non-payment. In a desperate attempt to restore power, her husband sold household items and took out a loan to pay the Rs10,000 bill. Despite settling the dues, the Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) did not reconnect their electricity. The family was left without money for food, and the mother was deeply distressed by her children’s hunger. Overwhelmed by the situation, she consumed poison while her husband was at work. She was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved.

The Express Tribune : https://tribune.com.pk/story/2432907/woman-takes-own-life-due-to-power-bill?utm_source

This incident is part of a series of distressing events in Pakistan linked to rising electricity costs and economic hardships. The financial strain of inflated utility bills has led to protests and, tragically, instances of suicide among those unable to cope with the burden.

The Diplomat : https://thediplomat.com/2023/09/pakistans-fatal-electricity-bills

First Part:

The Awakening Journal

A Helpless Woman — Inspired by True Events

I am a helpless woman, whose elder son was killed — and who was responsible? My own other son. You look surprised! This is not a fabricated story; it has already happened. It was all because of a lethal, poisonous piece of paper — they call it the electricity bill. Now, what should I do…

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2 years ago · 4 likes · DR3AM3R

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From the very beginning, the U.S. administration has been dealing with Pakistan’s military establishment rather than its politicians. They appear confident in this relationship, a stance also adopted by the Biden administration. After Trump’s remarks, many people, particularly in Pakistan, lost hope, as it became evident that the current establishment has much to offer from its Pandora’s box, while Imran Khan and his party don’t have much to offer beyond their pleas to restore democracy and the rule of law in the country.

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In the infamous cipher, believed to have originated from the U.S., it was stated that Washington sought to replace Mr. Khan with someone more aligned with their interests. Otherwise, Pakistan would face harsh consequences. This warning was directed at the military establishment of that time. Mr. Khan disclosed its contents to the public and media.

Before Trump’s return, the international community favored Pakistan’s military establishment due to its longstanding loyalty. Several members of Trump’s cabinet have openly supported Imran Khan and democracy in Pakistan, calling for the release of the former prime minister and the restoration of law and order. Their tweets created a significant impact on Pakistan’s political landscape. However, Trump’s recent statement has dealt a major blow to efforts to restore democracy and rule of law.

The U.S. Administration’s Options

Looking at historical precedents, Western countries have consistently preferred dealing with the military in the region. They openly and covertly support military dictatorships while championing democracy only when it aligns with their interests. For instance, in the 1950s, when Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh nationalized the oil industry — threatening British and American interests — the U.S., with the help of military generals, reinstated the Shah, leading to over two decades of oppressive rule until the 1979 revolution.

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People, Democracy, or Military Establishment?

Intelligence agencies, CENTCOM, and military personnel are generally more comfortable engaging with Pakistan’s military rather than its civilian leadership. This is unlikely to change. Speculation suggests that the recent arrest was orchestrated with CIA assistance to strengthen ties between the Pakistani establishment and the Trump administration. If the establishment secures Trump’s backing to continue its model of military rule, it may achieve short-term regional interests. However, the long-term sustainability of this approach remains uncertain.

The situation across Pakistan is dire. Decades of hardship have taken a toll on the population, leading to widespread protests — both peaceful and armed — against the current regime. While the establishment remains in control for now, this state of affairs cannot persist indefinitely. Public desperation is growing nationwide. Pakistan has already ranked among the top countries in terms of attempted emigration in recent years. If the U.S. administration seeks a long-term, stable, and friendly relationship with the Pakistani people, it must support democracy. However, if it continues backing the current setup, only time will tell how long the military can continue serving U.S. interests.

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What the Current Establishment Has to Offer

The establishment has several strategic offerings that are difficult for the West to ignore. These include fostering better relations with India to counterbalance China, distancing itself from Beijing, and potentially opening another front against the Taliban in Afghanistan — something already hinted at by government officials.

Given its long-standing ties with the U.S. and Western nations, the establishment is well-positioned to secure continued support for its authoritarian rule. They simply need to prove that they can maintain power indefinitely with their current tactics.

Options for PTI, the People & Democracy Advocates

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and democracy advocates have failed to offer the West tangible incentives. Their approach is no good to bring the desired results. Their appeals center around restoring democracy and the rule of law — but why would foreign powers be interested? What’s in it for them?

This is the critical question that PTI and other pro-democracy forces must address. They need to convincingly assure the U.S. that if they assist restoring democracy, they will maintain even better relations than the current regime. They must demonstrate their ability to completely neutralize terrorism, manage the Taliban, and turn former adversaries into strategic allies for the U.S. They can cite Imran Khan’s tenure as proof, highlighting how terrorist attacks ceased under his leadership. Unlike the establishment, which has often been accused of enabling regional terrorism, PTI can position itself as a more effective and long-term solution for U.S. interests.

Trump has the mindset of a businessman. If he sees a proposal that both saves billions of dollars and eliminates threats, he will be interested. PTI must clearly communicate this and also its vision that aligns with democratic governance, not Islamic rule — something that remains a major concern for U.S. policymakers. If Trump and his team perceive Imran Khan as an Islamist leader — as portrayed by the current establishment — they will be reluctant to support him or democracy in Pakistan. PTI must emphasize Khan’s Western exposure, his alignment with democratic values, and his commitment to regional stability.

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It is the responsibility of PTI and pro-democracy forces to secure U.S. support by addressing its interests and alleviating its fears. Pleas for democracy and human rights alone will not suffice — realpolitik demands clear benefits.

A Pivotal Moment

The situation is delicate and can shift in any direction. While nothing is certain, the likelihood of the U.S. siding with Pakistan’s military establishment over Imran Khan and democracy remains high.

“The U.S. supports democracy if and only if it conforms to strategic and economic objectives.” — Noam Chomsky

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