Navigating the contours of expression.

The British colonisation of India was not only founded on the basic principles of emerging capitalism but arguably the assumption of their inherent cultural and moral superiority played a significant role in shaping a misguided belief that they were divinely appointed to 'purify' the land of perceived savagery. In their pursuit of this objective, the British raped through a cultural

heritage that spanned several millennia, leaving behind a legacy of pain and trauma that still reverberates today.

It is possible that the English conception of freedom and education was underpinned by a sense of superiority derived from the practice of English Common Law, which ensured certain liberties later labeled as fundamental rights. Among these was the freedom of speech protected by English statutory law.

It is crucial to acknowledge that words have proven to be more potent than weapons, as any adept ruler will attest. Throughout history, leaders have grappled with the challenge of reconciling the need for free expression with the imperative of social control. When governing a vast empire that spans the globe, and ruling over subjects who harbor animosity towards you and actively conspire against your authority, is it not pragmatic to outlaw freedom of speech? Could the stability of the state not be prioritized over individual liberty in such a scenario?

For numerous states, restricting free speech has been deemed a satisfactory rationale. However, the British employed a different approach during their colonisation of India. Alongside their armies, the British introduced the English education system with the aim of inculcating the local elite with pro-British values. Consequently, the Indian colonial experience was characterised by the native elite serving their British overlords, for they seemingly had no other viable options available to them.

Upon gaining independence from the British crown in 1947, Pakistan was faced with the challenge of operating under the Government of India Act 1935, a law drafted by the English. As a result, Pakistan, almost by design, was destined to become a state that would have to grapple with the English concepts of freedom and speech and balance them with the Islamic and nationalistic values of the new country.

Most would say that insofar we have not been very successful in our endeavors. Freedom of speech is something that we seriously struggle with. Many within our nation even see the simple idea of freedom of speech as...

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