Adil Najam
From all of us at Pakistaniat.com, and on behalf of all our readers too, we wish the young girl in this photograph a wonderful New Year and a prosperous and peaceful 2010.
Her future is our own.
As she stares at the camera, and indeed at us, her eyes capture a sentiment that is also our own. A sense of fear, but also one of resolve. One cannot know what she was thinking as this photograph was taken. But in looking at this photograph on this new year’s day, 2010, one cannot help think about the future and what it may hold for her, and for all of us. On this new year’s day, let us understand that – for good or for bad – our future will be what we ourselves will make of it.
The grand schemes of history and its attendant forces certainly structure the choices that we confront, but let us never forget that it is we ourselves who have to make the choices, no matter how tough the choices may be. The weaker and more fragmented we are ourselves, the more vulnerable we will be to the forces outside our control. It can be comforting to pass the blame to others, but even when there is much justification in doing so, it is not very useful unless we ourselves are willing to make the right choices.
Making those right choices – often tough choices – is our responsibility and no one else’s. It is our responsibility to history, to ourselves, and to the young girl in this photograph.
Let us make no mistake, our future is our own. And so is this girl’s.
P.S. This year, like in the year before, we have again chosen a photograph by one of our favorite Pakistani photographers, Umair Ghani (here, here, here, here).
Yes, the first step has to get out of the denial. We keep making excuses because we do not want to believe that the demons doing this are like us. They are not, they are the enemies of Islam and of Pakistan. That is why we must all rise against all the Taliban and all their supporters. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD.
Excellent, Sir.
I remember this video you had put up earlier. Still makes me stand up and think.
http://pakistaniat.com/2009/04/25/hasan-nisar/
Thank you for always speaking out the truth.
Pakistan is in the midst of multiple crises of confidence ranging from lack of basic security and political stability to continuing economic stagnation, many of which are of their own making. More than anything else, what the nation needs now is sincere, strong and wise leadership to deal with both internal and external threats. Pakistan needs leaders who can not only respond to the urgent national security problems now, but those leaders who can also ensure a better future looking beyond the current “war on terror” and US demands on Pakistan to a time when the US will leave the region and Pakistanis will have to live with the consequences of their actions in support of the United States. Pakistanis should use force when necessary against the militants and murderers, but they must not shun other avenues of political dialog and necessary reforms to build a national consensus for peace, stability, social justice, and shared economic benefits.
Pakistan is just too big to fail. In spite of all of the serious problems it faces today, I remain optimistic that country will not only survive but thrive in the coming decades. With a fairly large educated urban middle class, vibrant media, active civil society, assertive judiciary, many philanthropic organizations, and a spirit of entrepreneurship, the nation has the necessary ingredients to overcome its current difficulties to build a democratic government accountable to its people.
http://www.riazhaq.com/2009/12/american-cias-war-i n-pakistan.html
I have decided that next time when I miss pakistan, I would just go to Mexico. Its much closer.
There is so much common in both countries.
Their both governments are extremely corrupt, incompetent and backward.
(To be fair they dont know any better)
Their beeches are beautiful and a warm climate. They also bath with their clothes on, which is a good thing because no one is interested in looking at their pot bellies.
Their teachers are more interested in taking the fees than providing a good education.
(To be fair to them, they dont know any better)
Last year, I was in Aca pulco, Mexico and I saw a dust ridden about 7 year old girl “bare feet” in front of the 5 star hotel
that just made me feel home.
My mexican friend told me that in his country you are guilty until proven innocent. hmmm De Ja Vu!
One good thing about mexico that are no mullahs there
and their Margaritas are delicious. Astughfurullah!
Their salesmen are rude with no sense of customer service and they will jack up the prices if they find out that you are a foriegner and will give you a headache bargaining.
(To be fair to them, they dont know any better)
In brief, their women are dumb and their men piss in public.
Disclaimer: I find no pleasure in writing this, wish it was the other way. AND IT WILL BE, INSHALLAH!
Dear Watan Aziz
Thank you for going back and finding these quotes. What amazing sentiments. I had read all of them but had forgotten just how intellectually powerful ATP posts are and what a blessing it is to get a daily dose of this.
Someone should really collect these great quotes, and maybe also ones in comments in a book. They are very very powerful and a running record of the sentiments of a nation.
Thank you ATP and a best prayers for the new year for everyone.