Pakastan International Forum

    On Tuesday April 29, 2008, Chico State University held an international forum.  The topic of discussion was "Understanding Pakistan." The speaker of the evening was Mahan Mirza, a professor from the department of religious studies.  The topics of his discussion were demographics and geography, history, politics, and current.

    Pakistan used to be broken up into two regions, East Pakistan, and West Pakistan. East Pakistan is now Bangladesh. It is a long and skinny shaped country that is surrounded by Iran, India, Afghanistan, and China.  Because the country is so spread out and the borders are so long, it leaves them very vulnerable to foreign country attacks. There are also many climates that exist throughout the region. There are mountains, rivers, oceans, plain and deserts that produce all four seasons.  The temperature is very hot in the summer (July ave=90 degrees).  The population of the country is 170 million people and is in an area similar to twice the size of California. 1 million of those people live in the capital city of Islamabad, and over half the population is under 30. The national language is Urdu, but they speak other languages as well.

    The history of Pakistan is based on religious pursuits. After the Muslims from India in 711, the Moghal Dynasty in 1526, followed by the British in India, Pakistan finally gained it's independence in 1947. Once Pakistan was established, it became an Islamic Republic.  The following years it has changed back to a Republic, to Islamic Republic, to republic again nearly 7 times.

    The political leaders of Pakastan has also changed many times.  The two popular leaders seem to switch off every time there is a new election. The leadership position goes from civilian to military and back again every year..

    Currently Pakistan has a strong military, strong secular progressive forces, strong islamist sentiment, and a free media. It has also been dubbed the most dangerous country in the world. 

    In Conclusion, Professor Mirza recommends that everyone learn, travel and educate themselves about Pakistan.  Breakdown stereotypes, and learn what Pakistan is really about.