Nationalism and patriotism in Pakistan are contested subjects. What makes us Pakistanis and what is it that makes us love our land and nation?

The answers to these questions vary widely depending on who is being asked. A large part of our national identity stems from our sense of history and culture that are deeply rooted in the land and in the legacy of the region's ancient civilisations. Religion has also played a big part in making us what we are today. But the picture history textbooks paint for us does not portray the various facets of our identity and offers quite a convoluted description of who we are. The distortion of historical facts has in turn played a quintessential role in manipulating our sense of self. What’s ironic is that the boldest fallacies in these books are about the events that are still in our living memory.

Herald has invited several writers and commentators, well versed in history, to share their answer to the following question.

What is the most blatant lie taught through Pakistan history textbooks?

Dawn.com invites its readers to answer the question above. Selected comments will be published in the upcoming issue of the Herald. Click here to subscribe.