Pakistan as a nation was hastily cobbled together in the few years immediately preceding the end of British colonial rule. At least two of its five present provinces were incorporated against their will and still harbour separatist intentions in reaction to the overwhelming predominance of the Punjab. The Government of Pakistan regularly invokes the principle of self-determination with regard to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, inspite of the fact that the application of this principle to Pakistan would spell the break up of the country. India should confront Pakistan on this and not hesitate to let the logical consequences take their effect on its increasingly unstable and strife torn neighbour.
