Identity Woes - by Aakar Patel

In his column today Aaker Patel ostensibly writes about Indian's sense of identity. This identity by default finds equal resonance in Pakistan as well. The sub-groups in Pakistan feel equally threatened.

In Zi(n)a's days, following a day long Islamic gathering of Ulemas, they broke for maghreb prayers. Each group and sub sect offered their prayers separately.

Let me reword Aaker: The Indian's sense of his identity is weak and it is easily threatened by another's assertion. Muslims gathering for namaz must be countered with maha-arti, kids celebrating Valentine's Day must have their faces blackened, shops with signs in English must be vandalised.

The Pakistani's sense of his identity is weak and it is easily threatened by another sect's assertion. Their gatherings and celebrations must be countered with bigger gatherings and celebrations. This is the cause for intra Muslim schism between Shias and Sunnis and between Deobandis, Barelvis, Ahle Sunnat, Ahle Hadis, Sipahe Sahabah, Khojas, Bohris....

Now tell me if the identity woes do or do not affect the Pakistani Muslims as well?

PS: The Ahmadis are almost at the bottom of this totem pole and find themselves at the receiving end from everyone else. And ironically, the other similar group, the Ismailis get off almost untouched.