ABSTRACT
The Soviet Union has the capacity to enflame Pakistan’s frontier regions. Pakistan must be classified with the weaker political entities. It was a premature, feeble offspring at birth and although it survived a critical infancy, it never gained the strength necessary to combat its inborn ailments. The amputation of East Pakistan is evidence of this condition. There is little opportunity for give and take, for flexibility and compromise in Pakistani politics. This is by no means unique but it must be judged important in a country that professes fairness, justice, egalitarianism and human freedom. Pakistanis have deceived themselves into believing they were establishing coherent democratic structures: in point of fact they did little more than reinforce their ‘Great Leader’ tradition. Zia-ul-Haq has done more to magnify the Islamic factor in Pakistan’s national life than any of his predecessors. Traditional values have been elevated to positions of primary distinction.
