What comes to mind when we hear Pakistan? Bombings? Angry mobs? Terrorism? Violence against women and religious minorities? The answer is all of the above. But, is this the true picture? After all, this is all we hear whenever Pakistan or anything about Pakistan is mentioned. The question is whether this picture is correct or is it the media (read Western media) that is "only reporting negative stories'?
Not long ago, women used to ride motorcycles in Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan. Not long ago, people used to enjoy life, appreciate music, theater, literature and other forms of art. Not long ago, Pakistan was a peaceful, welcoming and secular country. And it was also not long ago that everything changed because we had a military dictator who decided that a) Pakistan needed an Islamic identity and religious texture and b) Russia invaded Pakistan's neighbor, Afghanistan, and Pakistan got involved in the global struggle between the two superpowers. Well, the good news is that Pakistan and the United States emerged victorious. The not so good news is that Pakistan is still fighting the left over fighters who initially gathered in Pakistan to wage a Jihad against the Godless Communists in Afghanistan. Those few fighters have become a formidable force, and they have acquired a new name , they are the Taliban. Taliban are ruthless and they don't respect or regard anything human, i.e. humility, civility, culture, tolerance or life. It is literally their way or the death. For these Taliban, dissent is disobedience to God, a crime in their eyes, and a crime for which they believe death is the only punishment. Taliban are terrorizing some parts of the country and they are becoming more brazen after every fight with Pakistan Army and there is no clear strategy to defeat them.
In addition to terrorism, Pakistan is also struggling with economic stagnation, inflation, and political turmoil, which all leads to tremendous instability and confusion in the country. Pakistan has had coups, dictatorship, hanging of the first democratically elected Prime Minster, President's death in a mysterious plane crash, forcing of Prime Ministers in exiles and jails and recently, the murder of a twice elected Prime Minister after a political rally near Islamabad. After all this, is there any good news for Pakistan? Well, the answer might surprise you! During my recent trip to Pakistan, I was astonished to see the remarkable resilience in people across the country. Despite diminishing electricity, scarce water supplies, out of reach prices for sugar, rice, wheat, flour, cooking oil, meat, and other necessities, the wheel of commerce is rolling. Even though the entire world is struggling with fluctuating oil prices and economic slowdown, Pakistanis are living their lives without any help from their government. This truly is a an amazing example of courageous people making the best of their situation.
It is my hope that the country would eventually turn back the tide of perpetual bad news and we will have a stable and relevant Pakistan soon.
Bilal Qureshi
Washington, DC
