Q: The separation of East Pakistan in 1971 marks the termination of the contemporary Two-

Nation theory in South Asia. Please comment.

From the Two-Nation-Two-State stage of evolution reached in 1947, the Reality moved to a new Two-
Nation-Three-State stage in 1971 because South Asian religion-based Muslim nationalism had always
encompassed streams of region-based identity. One such form is Bengali Muslim nationalism as in
Bangladesh, Pakistani Muslim nationalism as in Pakistan, Indian Muslim nationalism as in India. Muslims
in Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives are also conscious of their exclusive Muslim identities distinct from
their fellow non-Muslim citizens.

On certain occasions, the religious affinity may transcend national borders. But in its own parameters,
the Reality will hopefully move from its first stage of concretisation the formation of two major Muslim
nation-states in South Asia and others in which Muslim nations reside in large or in small numbers to the
next stages of progress. After the acceptance of the first of 3Ds, the ‘Distinctiveness’ of Muslims, the
Reality will address the challenges of the second ‘D’, which is equitable ‘Development’, an advancement
that will erode disparities of gender, income, race, faith and political power. The effort is well worth
making to approach the third ‘D’, a ‘Destiny’ that fulfils the aspirations of the Muslims of South Asia.