ABSTRACT
Pakistan is part of the Indian subcontinent but has close links with the Middle East, located at the head of the Arabian Sea. Following the India Independence Act promulgated on 18 July 1947, the subcontinent of India was split according to religion and Pakistan was granted independence in the August. From the start, there were problems of attempting to reconcile an Islamic identity with the development of a modern state. Pakistan has been careful to retain close links with the USA and, as a member of the Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO) and the Baghdad Pact, received economic aid. However, relations with the USA have become strained as a result of Pakistan's nuclear programme. On 28 and 30 May 1998, Pakistan carried out a series of nuclear tests which have greatly heightened tension with India, currently ruled by the anti-Muslim Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Relations with the West have been damaged through support for the taliban and through nuclear testing.
