While Pakistan faces political uncertainty, a conflict of sorts has gripped the British political arena.

Right now, Scotland is in the process of deciding whether it wants to remain a part of Britain or completely leave the United Kingdom and form its own legal entity.

Although the tension between the Scots and the English has palpably existed for centuries, this referendum may exacerbate matters as celebrities and politicians alike clamber to put across their take on the matter.

Also read: Aye for Scotland?

The hugely popular fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has prompted a Twitter furore by saying that she supported Scottish independence and hated the English, despite not being Scottish herself.

On the other hand, the world famous author of Harry Potter, J. K. Rowling supports a united country, again prompting backlashes from pro-union supporters on Twitter who called her a “traitor”.

Politicians from the three leading political parties in Westminster have been approaching the matter in a gung-ho manner, going all in and hoping for a result which favours the unionists.

Read on: Cameron begs Scots not to vote for independence

Analysts are confused over what might become of the UK’s Security Council seat, National Health Service and whether David Cameron can even remain as Prime Minister.

Yesterday, when Ed Milliband, leader of the Labour Party, was walking through a shopping mall in Edinburgh, he was accosted by supporters of Scottish independence and the scene became panicked and hectic.

It was all a PR shamble, but it showed how high tensions have been running and how polarised views have become.

I remember visiting Edinburgh when I was younger and was mesmerized by how beautiful the town was. The air was fresh and crisp and people were very friendly. Edinburgh Castle, a most brilliant ode to history, was perched on top of a formidable rock; a constant reminder of the tensions that existed between Scotland and England over the centuries.

Even when speaking with the locals, they would make constant references to the English with derogatory terms as a way of carrying out friendly banter. There was no harm intended by it at all.

Breaking apart a nation based on hatred towards the English, in my humble opinion, is not really a wise move, especially considering the intense economic implications which will follow.

However, it is the hatred for the Englishman’s totalitarian rule which also prompted Pakistan’s creation.

Take a look: Scotland braces for historic independence vote

How the English behaved as rulers in a united India had a lot to do with Pakistan’s creation. After the failed mutiny of 1850 in India, the English rulers, keen to crush any unity amongst the local population, sought to create divisions amongst Hindus and Muslims.

“The Last Mughal” by William Dalrymple details the intense discrimination that Muslims suffered following the botched revolution.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan felt the painful isolation and founded the prestigious Aligarh University to overcome it. Later on, the stereotypical views disfavouring Muslims continued to haunt Jinnah and Iqbal, who then voiced support for the two-state theory and worked extremely hard to achieve it.

Jinnah and Iqbal were keen to revive the idea of a Muslim identity but within an environment which encompassed people from all faiths, a concept Jinnah no doubt picked up during his studies in London.

Even if the dream of Pakistan’s creation has soured and it is being labelled a “failed state” by outsiders, I cannot call any place else my home. Although Scottish independence might be completely maniacal in its inception, I can understand the jingoism and intense passions that the Scots are displaying for an independent country.

The Scots and English have been fighting for what seems like time immemorial and it seems like the people of Scotland will finally have a part to play in changing the future for this region.

Explore: A crucial role

For Pakistanis, I feel similar comparisons can be made. Although political mutinies and military coups have blighted the nation for years, I have noticed a seismic change in people’s involvement in politics. Whether they believe in dharnas and “naya Pakistan” or not, the people of Pakistan are being drawn into a change in their mindset.

The polarisation of views in Pakistan is something which has never been witnessed before and it paves the way for some exciting, albeit tense times ahead.

Just like the Scottish people feel the Oxford-educated, white, upper class politicians in Westminster do not speak for the local populace, the citizens of Pakistan feel that elitist, corrupt and aloof politicians are not to be entertained any longer. The major concern that now remains is whether this uprising will result in absolute anarchy or will it set the building blocks for greater stability within Pakistan.

Also read: Whatever Scotland decides, the old order is dead and buried

In conclusion, even if the Scots vote “No” to independence, it has definitely ruffled a few feathers in Westminster and made ordinary people become involved in politics in the same manner as the ordinary citizens of Pakistan have.

Only time, and indeed the outcome of this referendum, will tell whether the Scots and Pakistanis will achieve their goals of freedom from political mind games.