After the Second World War, the British Raj decided to conclude their direct colonial rule over the subcontinent. However, before leaving, they partitioned the land. Pakistan was born on 14th August 1947, and India gained their independence the very next day.
Many historians would have us believe that Pakistan was handed over to Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Technically that is true. However, the real power was handed over to the feudal landlords of the south of Pakistan. According to the Wikipedia page on ‘Feudalism in Pakistan’, “the leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League, the political party that established Pakistan in 1947, was dominated primarily by feudal landowners such as the Taluqdars, Zamindars, Chaudharys, Rajas, Rais, Mahers, Maliks, Khans, Jagirdars, Nawab and Sardars. The sole exception were the Jinnahs.”
Originally, these feudal landlords were gifted these lands by the British for their loyalty to the empire and for betraying the patriots (or rebels in the eyes of the British).
Pakistan was split into two parts at birth, East Pakistan (Bangladesh) and West Pakistan. It was clear from day one that this was a marriage of convenience and as expected the divorce happened in 1971. Sadly, there are no prizes for guessing correctly the reason for the divorce, yes it was feudalism. Feudalists in West Pakistan did not like the idea of sharing power with those from East Pakistan. You can call it hubris or any other name. The problem was that the East Pakistan (Bangladeshi) leadership was not feudalist. It became impossible to remain in the club that was exclusive to the feudal power holders.
What is Feudalism?
Feudalism is a hierarchical system. It is kind of like a caste system, with the peasants at the bottom and the king at the top with many other players in the middle.
During the medieval period, most of Europe was ruled under the feudalism system. The peasants worked on the land belonging to the barons and lords, in exchange for their labour they were given protection by the barons and lords, who had armies. It is no wonder that the biggest feudal power in Pakistan is the military.
Normally, the feudal landlords look after the interest of each other at the expense of the peasants. Pakistan is a perfect example of this.
Global Feudalism
Feudalism exists at local and national levels. I would argue that there is a feudal system at the international level as well. And no, America is not the Feudal power managing the rest of the globe. It is Israel. Most world leaders behave towards Israel like peasants would to a feudal lord. Just like a peasant, Sisi is scared of Israel, as well as Biden, MBS and King Abdullah are all scared.
Leaders of the vassal states are convinced that their rule is protected as long as they remain loyal to Israel. Any signs of disloyalty would lead to them being toppled.
Israel controls the American elections, and Israel chooses which peasant can become the next US president. Even American presidents are well aware that they are expendable, e.g. JFK.
Neo Feudalism
A new type of feudalism is emerging in the world, neo-feudalism. Multinational corporations are vying for power to take control of governments but they have not yet completely taken over the reins of power. World Economic Forum (WEF) is promoting the concept of stakeholder capitalism. It is these multinational corporations that are the stakeholders and want to be the new rulers of the world.
WEF boasts that they have penetrated most government cabinets. Usually, this is done through the technocrats. The technocrats are the ex-employees of these multinational corporations. Neo-feudalism is dominating the world power.
Disclaimer:
Although the world has changed since the beginning of the war in Gaza in October 2023, this article is about the old world and not the new one. Pakistan is bankrupt and Israel is no longer invincible as it portrayed itself to be before 2023. Pakistan and Israel were born nine months apart, on 14th August 1947, and on 14th May 1948 respectively. They both may face their future and fate together, it seems.
Allah knows best.