Pakistan and the Muslim World is the outcome of an international seminar organised by the UGC-Centre for Pakistan Studies at the MMAJ Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
Unlike other Muslim countries, Pakistan came into being in the name of Islam and Muslim nationalism. The Arab world also witnessed the emergence of nationalism in the 20th century. However, the thrust of Arab nationalism was different from that of Muslim nationalism and the Two Nation Theory which were the basis of the formation of Pakistan. While Arab nationalism was imagined as an idea anchored around Arabic language and secularism, Muslim nationalism and the Two Nation Theory were based on Islam and the distinctiveness between Hindus and Muslims. Despite this cardinal difference, the changes that have been taken place in the Muslim world over the years always impacted upon the politico-economic and socio-cultural realms of Pakistan.
The book tries to locate Pakistan in the larger context of the Muslim World both politically and ideologically. It also discusses the impact of the changes that happens in the Muslim World on the body politic of Pakistan. It brings together the views of a mix of scholars from India and Pakistan and the volume will be of interest to academics, policy planners, journalists and the general readers.