Pakistan and India gained their independence from the British Crown in August 1947 after an intense political and military struggle. However, the separation of these two countries was a very painful process for both sides as much bloodshed followed. Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs killed one another in their respective strongholds. This ethnic strife resulted in massive genocide and sparked the first fire of hatred and mistrust between Pakistan and India which still burns today.

Soon after independence certain thorny territorial disputes erupted between these countries. Such a dispute was the Kashmir imbroglio, a legacy of colonialism, which still persists to provide major impediments towards the normalization of the relationship between Pakistan and India. The Kashmir dispute has cost both these nations billions of dollars when such capital could have been diverted towards much needed economic and social uplifting.

Impact on the Political System:

When Pakistan was created, its...