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Doubts fly as US envoy to Pakistan quits Indo-US Strategic Partnership Threatening Regional Stability Why Our Shia Citizens Are Suddenly Being Killed In Pakistan? Saving Pakistan From Secularism Robert Fisk: Madness is Not The Reason For This Massacre

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Pakistan: Locally underrated, globally misunderstood

Letter to Editor

Last Updated on Friday, 30 September 2011 20:35 Friday, 30 September 2011 20:27

“Out of all the places in the world, why on earth would you want to go to Pakistan?”

A question I have heard in various forms by countless people. After six months of living in Pakistan, I imagined the questions and shock would have settled by now. However, I am still continuously asked why I am here. On many occasions, Pakistanis have been just as shocked as anyone else as to why a non-Pakistani would ever want to stay in such a country.

I am not only troubled with the misconceptions and ignorance of non-Pakistanis, yet find it just as upsetting that locals think so poorly of their own nation and people. I am well aware of the socio-economic and political factors that are hindering the progress, prosperity and full potential of Pakistan, yet do Pakistanis really have nothing to be proud of?

Nonetheless, I can’t ignore the countless problems facing Pakistan. Poverty is widespread and visible on the streets. It is rare to go out of the house without being approached by beggars. The gap between rich and poor is massive. Poverty levels match up with the extremely low overall literacy rate of approximately 50% and the millions of school-aged children that are not even enrolled in school. It is also linked to a number of other socio-economic factors facing millions of Pakistanis, however most of these issues are ones faced by many developing nations around the world and not specific to Pakistan per se.

Unfortunately, Pakistan has a reputation of being an uncivilized and inherently violent country. I was recently asked:

“So, are there roads in Pakistan?”

Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? Also, I cannot even keep count of the amount of times I am asked:

“Are you safe there?”

Contrary to popular belief, I have never felt in danger or unsafe while living in Pakistan and it is more developed than the average outsider might think. I have come to learn that a number of years back, quite a few foreigners used to study, work and vacation in Pakistan. Safety was not an issue for locals and foreigners alike and the image and progress of the country was significantly better than it is now. Pakistanis genuinely desire peace and security just as much as anyone else and many even reminisce about the good old days.

Yes, the current security and development situation has deteriorated more recently. For example, I have been in Karachi during the horrendous bloodshed and indiscriminate killings going on throughout parts of the city. It seemed that almost every day I was hearing about how dozens of people were killed in the most gruesome ways. The general trend is such that the less privileged communities are most affected by these occurrences. Sadly, locals seem to be almost immune to such violence and political conflict. Some might take a few moments to discuss, watch or read about such happenings but at the end of the day, life goes on. Can we really blame them?

In my eyes, one of the main causes of this violence and other problems in the country that are hindering Pakistan’s development is politics. Pakistani politics is as dirty as it gets and the average Pakistani is left suffering as a result. Corruption is rampant and the leadership has not shown a genuine interest in the well-being of Pakistanis and the overall progress of the country.

Yet, we can’t deny that similar or comparable problems are happening in different parts of the world; even places you would not expect. The ethnic/sectarian/political conflicts of Karachi are almost mirror images of those in Beirut (past and present). Various forms of violence have occurred recently in the UK and Norway on a relatively large scale. Security is not guaranteed anywhere. Every country has its set of problems. The point is, Pakistan should not constantly be singled out or misrepresented.

With all that said, I genuinely believe that Pakistan has great potential. People severely underrate it and discount all the wonderful things this country has to offer. Living here has made me appreciate the natural and historical beauty found in different parts of Pakistan. I still remember how captivated I was during my bus ride from Lahore to Islamabad. The serenity and greenery of the fields was truly breathtaking, not to mention the mountainous terrain once reaching closer to Islamabad. Also, Karachi’s beaches add character to the city and are enjoyed by all people, regardless of their background. Pakistan definitely has it all; from mountains to beaches, hills to plains and forests to deserts.

In addition to the scenic views, Pakistan is filled with countless historical and archaeological sites from various civilizations and empires dating back approximately 2 million years. Many sites are still intact or being restored and preserved. I visited a number of sites in Lahore such as the Badshahi Mosque from the Mughal empire and was fascinated and engulfed by the picturesque structure. Overall, Pakistan has a rich landscape, history and culture that should be appreciated by locals and foreigners alike.

An interesting observation I have made is that in some neighborhoods of Pakistan the homes are so unique and beautiful that it is difficult to find two that are exactly the same! Each has a particular style and touch to the exterior as well as the interior. Sometimes, I love driving around the streets of Lahore and Karachi just to observe the diversity of homes with their colors, shapes and landscapes. The houses are just lovely!

Since I arrived in Pakistan, I had been anxiously waiting for mango season to arrive as it is one of my favorite fruits. It was definitely worth the wait. Without a doubt, I have never tasted more delicious,juicy and sweet mangoes in my life. I was also unaware of the countless varieties of mangoes available till coming here. Mangoes aside, Pakistan has such an abundant selection of locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables that it could probably get by without needing to import such goods. In general, the natural and agricultural resources are plentiful.

On top of it all, I personally have met some of the most amazing, genuine and down to earth people in Pakistan. For the most part, I have felt welcomed and respected by locals ranging from the modest gatekeepers to the more affluent and educated populations. Even though my Urdu skills are basic, people really appreciate my efforts and are happy when a foreigner tries to use the local language.

For example, the first time I interacted with my friend’s gatekeeper I said:

“As-salam alaykum, aap kaise ho?”
(Peace be with you. How are you?)

He had the biggest smile on his face and replied by saying:

“ Theek thaak! Wah wah, aap Urdu bol saktee hain? Bohot acha!”
(I am well thank you. Wow! You can speak in Urdu – fantastic!)

Additionally, I find many people from younger generations to have a strong desire to make Pakistan a better place and engaging in various forms of activism. At the same time, I am pleasantly surprised by the spirit of those who are less fortunate. Recently, Pakistanis celebrated Eidul Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. I loved seeing the masses out in the streets enjoying the holiday by dancing, playing music and gathering at the beach with friends and family. Even with all the problems and large poverty levels in Pakistan, people still manage to live their lives and make the most of it.

I have faith that Pakistan can overcome the obstacles hindering its prosperity through proper and genuine leadership. I find that many Pakistanis disregard the positive aspects of this country and my hope is that Pakistanis do not give up on their country but rather actively take on a role in making positive changes.

As for everyone else, I hope there will be a realization that Pakistan is in fact civilized, peaceful and beautiful in so many ways.

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The Meaning of Freedom

Editorials

Tuesday, 30 August 2011 03:16

By: Brig (r) Tugral Yamin

It is very unfortunate that often we take freedom for granted and forget the pain that the generations before us had endured under the yoke of a foreign rule. Such was the pain and stigma of slavery that the great Muslim leader and freedom fighter Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar declared at the first Round Table Conference held in London in 1930, that he would not return to India alive unless the country was set free. "I would prefer to die in a foreign country so long as it is a free country," he addressed to the British, and went on, "and if you do not give us freedom in India you will have to give me a grave here." He died in London and was buried in Jerusalem. He had asked in his will that he be buried there because he did not want to return to a "slave country." It would take seventeen more tumultuous years before his namesake Muhammad Ali Jinnah would prise away freedom from the jaws of death. Jinnah would accept a moth eaten Pakistan at great personal cost (the premature death of his young wife and loss of his personal property in Bombay) and national loss (death and destruction in Punjab and Bengal) because time was running out for him. Jinnah, the Great Leader had defied all odds to win liberty for his countrymen. The great struggle had left him too weak and enfeebled to defy the grim reaper. His mission accomplished, Jinnah died almost a year later. A disconsolate but grateful nation buried him atop a hillock overlooking Karachi, his birthplace and the capital of his newly founded country.

I was born ten years after Pakistan became a free country. My children were born nearly forty years later. We all belong to the post-independence era. We are Pakistanis by birth. We have known no other nationality. We have not known slavery. We have savoured the fruits of freedom without having experienced the pangs of slavery. My late father, a student in Lahore's famous Government College, had campaigned for the Muslim League candidate before partition. He often explained that it was important for the sake of freedom that their election campaign was a success. My mother a young teenager, travelled on a military special train to Pakistan, huddled and petrified by the horrors of communal violence that ravaged the countryside. Pakistan meant safety and freedom from fear. It was the promised homeland for Muslims of India and all those who opted to stay here. A new nation state, where they were free to practice their faith and traditions irrespective of caste or creed, and fear or favour. The prominent white margin in the national flag symbolised their rights as minorities in a free state.

The question often asked is whether the dream has gone sour and if indeed it has. where have we erred? Admittedly our record as a free and independent nation has not been unblemished. As we have struggled to find an honourable place for ourselves among the comity of nations, we have committed grave sins. Some of our mistakes may have not been entirely of our own making but other more grievous and fatal wounds have been self-inflicted. In most cases we have suffered by sacrificing national interests at the altar of self-interest.

What we need to understand is that our struggle for freedom had cost our earlier generations dearly. Some had died yearning for a free homeland. Those, who could make a choice didn't even want an interment in a colonised country. Others, more fortunate ones left behind their native land to begin anew in a strange and alien surrounding. The choice of freedom was too great to forego and ignore. Most of them took the plunge without a second thought. Some succeeded in making a successful life for themselves, others could not prosper but none thought of going back. They had turned the leaf and they simply had to move on in life. Mercifully we are not presented with any stark choices that those before us had to contend with. True, some of us go through great deal of trouble to immigrate to more prosperous countries. There is no harm in seizing better opportunities and improving the quality of life. The only thing to remember is that we are blessed with a free country, where we can do our best to thrive and flourish and in the bargain add to our nation's wealth.

In these times of doom and gloom, we need to reflect on how bad it was before we became a free nation or how worse it could have been if we had continued to languish under colonial rule. See for example the misery of the Kashmiris, protesting against the cold blooded murder of their youth in the streets of Srinagar and chanting the slogans of AZADI (liberty) and ‘Go India Go;’ and the plight of the Palestinians, who are hostages in their own country, where no freedom flotilla can reach them. Freedom is a cherished commodity for all who possess it and for those who strive for it.

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Inquilaab - The Revolution

Letter to Editor

Tuesday, 23 August 2011 19:10

Tum kya Inquilaab Inquilaab kartay ho
Inquilaab se he tau tum dartay ho !

Jahalat pe datay rehtay ho,
Kyun nahi apne aap ko durust karte ho

Kabhi Kisi ka bhala kiya tumne,
jo dosre se bhalayi ki umeed rakhtay ho?

Mayussi mein jakray rehtay ho,
Kabhi mayuusi ko dour karne ka irada bhe kartay ho?

Mohsino ko ahsaan faramosh kardetay ho,
syed mohammad ki azmat ko salaam bhe kartay ho?

Har kisi ko bura bhala kehtay ho,
kya apna giribaan pe bhe nazar rakhtay ho?

Buraya tau tum sar-e-aam kartay ho,
Kya khuda se bhe dartay ho ?

Agar nahi hain in sub ka khayal,
Tau tum kya inquilaab inquilaab kartay ho

Composed & Written by:
Amaan Tareen

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Ramadan in flux for Syrian refugees in north

Letter to Editor

Sunday, 14 August 2011 08:23

MASHTA HAMOUD, Lebanon: Back in Syria Ramadan was beautiful, recalls Nawal Kurdi as she has iftar with her family on the floor at a school in the north Lebanon village of Mashta Hamoud where they have been taking shelter for the past four months.

In her hometown of Tal Kalakh on the border with Lebanon they would stay up late, visit friends and go to the mosque together during the Muslim holy month, she says. Now her friends who have stayed behind are at home hiding, unable to partake in the simple pleasures they once enjoyed.

“I never thought we’d stay this long,” says the 18-year-old student who left her country before having the chance to take her baccalaureate exams. “In Syria we were poor, but I still miss it.”

“We don’t know how long this will last,” says her mother, Samira, as she adds spices to the tabbouleh she has just made, along with a colorful assortment of rice and vegetables – the family does not have the money for much meat this year. “After Ramadan, there’s the Eid al-Fitr. After that, what? There’s school. Then what?”

The Kurdi family, like many other Syrian families displaced by their country’s unrest, is living day-to-day in flux. While family members feel safe from the violence they escaped, they face an uncertain future in makeshift shelters, and they still lack basic freedoms.

“We’re still scared because we can’t go outside the shelter, because we entered through the unofficial border crossing,” says Samira’s son Mahmoud.

Many refugees have been living in the same building, unable to walk around town because of their illegal entry, and most won’t take the risk, knowing that there are checkpoints nearby. They get the occasional visitor, journalists or NGO workers, whom they greet with their traditional hospitality and enthusiasm.

“Have a seat anywhere. It’s a democracy here,” jokes one man.

But in about two weeks the Kurdi family, along with 140 or so other refugees, will have to be relocated when the Al-Iman school reopens after the summer break. Their new shelter will still be in the Wadi Khaled area, where most of the approximately 2,500 UNHCR-registered Syrian refugees in Lebanon have been staying.

The majority of the refugees in the area are from Tal Kalakh, and most have been staying with families in border villages. Many have been in Lebanon since the early days of the five-month unrest, which so far has claimed around 2,500 lives.

Some of the more recent arrivals are from Hama, the latest city to see mass anti-government demonstrations.

As for their own education, the Kurdi family says members will resume their studies, and other aspects of their everyday lives, “once the regime falls.”

“We can’t teach our children here. We can’t teach them back home. Where can we go?” Samira asks rhetorically.

As the family finish their meal, they recall their life in Syria with a mixture of nostalgia, pride and bitterness.

Nawal says she can never feel comfortable in Lebanon because it’s not home. At the same time, she can never forget why she left – because her father was tortured and her house destroyed. But she’s proud that her town was one of the first to demonstrate against the government.

Similarly, Samira can’t forget about the only home she has known until now. She says that two weeks ago she snuck back into Syria for two days to check up on her friends and family in Tal Kalakh, only to find it has become a ghost town.

“Almost everyone is gone. And most of the houses and cars have been destroyed – even those of the people who never demonstrated,” she says.

“What does Assad want to be president of? A destroyed country?”

Downstairs, a group of young men gather in front of a televisionset to watch Thursday evening’s news, flipping between different stations: Orient TV, Ugarit, Sham News Network – anything but Syrian state television they say adamantly.

“We want news that’s correct,” says Mohammad Wilo, a Kurd who hails from Tal Kalakh.

“No time for drama series this year – just news,” he says, referring to the annual tradition of watching the Syrian television series that run throughout the month of Ramadan.

As the television screen shows a scene of a burned-out car in the middle of a street, a man from Hama exclaims, “That’s Hama.” Another says, “No, that’s Deir al-Zour.”

The evening’s headlines include raids near the Lebanese border, and in the cities of Homs and Deir al-Zour, while the uprising in Hama is reported to have been quelled.

The men keep their eyes glued to the screen, watching intently as their country sees it biggest uprising in modern history.

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