Adil Najam
There is much – way too much – that is going terribly wrong in Pakistan. But not all is lost. Not just yet.
One must never deny that which is going wrong. Indeed, to accept and acknowledge it is itself the first step towards finding ways to reverse the wrong. But nor should one forget that which may be going right. So, what do you think are things that are going right in Pakistan? (Please, keep your cynicism to yourself – it is neither funny nor useful).
Let me give you a very preliminary and a very arbitrary list of five. These are not in order of priority, nor indeed are they the most important five. They are just five things that came quickly to mind. Trivial as they may sound to some, what is important is that each is a sign of societal strength, not of the state’s weakness. Each, therefore, is a sign of hope.
#1. Music. No, I am not joking. Pakistani music is going through an age of amazing innovation and a passionate embrace of all that is socially meaningful. But that, in fact, is not why I list it here. To me the richness of Pakistan’s music scene – here, here, here, here, here, here and everywhere – signifies that innovation is alive and kicking, in fact, thriving. The innovative spirit embedded in today’s music is what is going so very right in Pakistan, and so very worth celebrating.
#2. Media. We at ATP have bashed the media when it over-steps, over-does and over-reaches as anyone else. We believe that is deserved because there is much to be rightly bashed. But there is much more that deserves to be celebrated. Overall, and despite all that needs to be improved, media independence in Pakistan has been a force for the good. It has also often been a force of courage. The media has not just found its voice, it has given voice to society – the good as well as the bad, but a voice that neither relents nor can be silenced any more.
#3. Youth. That Pakistan is a youthful country is a legitimate demographic concern but also the most powerful potential for societal change in Pakistan. But that is a game of numbers and speculation. What is going right with the youth in Pakistan is not that there are so many of them. It is that so many of them are so very active and engaged in the redefinition of all sorts of social contracts. This is not an unconcerned and unconnected youth. This is a youth that is alive with passion and activism. That passion and activism may sometimes come in flavors we do not like, but this is not an indifferent youth. This is a youth that will make a difference.
#4. Resilience. It is sad that the resilience of this people has been tested as often and in as many ways as it has. At one level, the people of this country have no option but to be resilient. But beyond the resilience for survival is the resilience from an indigenous entrepreneurship. Earthquakes. IDPs. Floods. Pakistanis have lived through these not only with a spirit of philanthropy, but with a spirit of entrepreneurship. It is resilience as an expression of the entrepreneurship of survival that is going right. If only we could find a way to convert entrepreneurship for survival into entrepreneurship for growth.
#5. Responsibility. This is the one I will probably get flak for. But if I am right on this then this may be the most important. The fact that we now hear and read so much about not taking enough responsibility for our own actions instead of forever seeking ‘outside’ hands and conspiracies is itself a sign that times have changed. When the pathology of denial was at its peak, no one would dare talk about that pathology. We have not yet fully turned the corner and there are too many who are too eager to divert, deflect and deny. But the tenor of the national conversation today is not a conversation of denial, but one of taking responsibility. It is an uncomfortable conversation for exactly that reason. And for the very same reason, it is also a much more relevant and important conversation for all of our futures. It is a conversation that is, indeed, going right.
My list is longer. My faith in this society and this people is stronger. Even as there is so much around us that is cause for despair, there is also that which must be a cause for hope. Now, you tell us, please, what you think is going right in Pakistan?
We should focus all this positive energy towards eradication of terrorism and extremism from the society.
Nice to listen some positive and optimistic approach and work done by the Pakistanis. One thing i want to say “no doubt there is lot of potential in this nation” they can do any thing but they don’t have a leadership they just need a true leader.
Regards,
Mushtaq
I liked the optimistic tone of Prof. Najam. Hazrat Ali (R.A.) said that to worry at the time of worry cause fatal disaster. So my message for ATP is that nothing is wrong in Pakistan. What we have to do simply is to make collective effort for good governance, honest policies and the rule of law at the grass root level. I give you some examples of the treasure that we have.
1: Comic Poetry and Comic Political Current Affair Shows.
Can you imagine when people and security forces of Pakistan are shedding the blood on daily basis we are producing best comic poetry and making fun of the situation in Comic/Satirical Political Current Affair Shows. No, please, don’t frown at me; Yes!!! it is a good sign, because being Muslim it is my belief that the night I have to lay in my grave cannot be escaped. So no worries, but the important thing is we are enjoying such poetry/programs when the American and Western media are giving dead lines about the collapse of my motherland – Pakistan. In short, the gravity of the situation is condemnable but the wit and the sense of humor of our people is alive. To me, it is sign a sign of hope.
2: Natural Resources.
Is Pakistan a poor country? No, who said this? We are a rich nation. We are No 1 in philanthropy. We have Racodick in Balochistan, Thar coal reservoir, Mines of gold and jewels, Copper Mines, Largest irrigation system in the world, Out of ten Eight thousand meters peaks are in Pakistan, vast fertile lands, best crops, Arabian sea, Makran coast, deserts, Four seasons etc. Pakistan is rich in Natural Resources beyond our imagination.
3: Ethnic and Religious Violence of 90s is ended.
Well, it is a good sign that incidents of religious violence like 90s are rare in Pakistan. We, in totality, don’t support such a crime against our people and our country. The mood has witness change.
4: Hunger, Poverty, Disappointment and Sense of Loss have CONSTRUCTIVE MEANING.
It is true that Pakistan is not a heaven, this is the reason that I am taking part in this debate and you see how many people have shared their view. Debate is always have positive impact. We have problems, we are discussing the issues. It will create awareness and of course we are discussing for the betterment of the issue. It is CONSTRUCTIVE for me. What about you ………….. ???
5: Military’s Accountability.
Well, it is a touching issue. If you will support Pak Army then you are supporting all its past actions, and if you will continue to do the same, the brass will always remain a sacred cow and Sacred things are always above law. But the reality is nothing should be above law. If you will oppose it, you might help those who set time table for the dismemberment of Pakistan. SO WHAT TO DO? Support your military but make it feel accountable. Tell people that we love our Armed forces, they are the guardian of the country but the concept of “bloody civilian” is NOT acceptable. We are all for service of Pakistan but on equal grounds. Military is realizing this. Process has been initiated and the sooner it will realize the better it will be.
6: Bashing of Political Class/Leadership.
WOW, I love this. This is my country. Although I am poor yet I want to be the Prime Minister of Pakistan. My English is not good but my URDU is fabulous. I am university graduate. I am thinking about Pakistan. It is not the birth and divine right of the elite political class and their posterity to rule over me. PEOPLE ARE ASKING QUESTIONS. It is a very good and positive sign for me. The elites of Pakistan which are pack of hounds for me or for the people of my class are fearing in their hearts. Try to read their faces, don’t you think that now it is not easy for them to make us fool on fake and hollow religious/political slogans.
7: Rejection of BAD Money.
yes, it is right. Do you like corruption and do you support corrupt people? I guess …. NO! Do you want to be rich, I guess … YES!! There was a time in Pakistan when people respected honest men no mater how poor they are. Then a time came CAPITAL became god and symbol of respect, regardless the fact that how it is coming. Now, again we are on the track. BAD Money and ill reputation of a person is not accepted for the youth of Pakistan. The only parameter is do hard work and become rich. I appreciate this thought and it is for our collective benefit.
8: Universities are Full.
Students are doing research. Social Science is progressing in Pakistan. Before, education was a forbidden tree and at the lowest priority for many; but now our youth dream to do PhD. I am not over optimistic but for me the solution of the crisis is only ONE —————- EDUCATION. And, we are on the way. Forget the quality of education, I know it is very Important, but with the passage of time we will get this too INSHALLAH.
9: EVERY PAKISTANI IS THINKING.
Biologically we are animals but we are the masterpiece of GOD’s creation, WHY? Because we can think. Pakistanis are thinking about the future of their country and when a nation starts thinking especially youth, nothing can stand in its way. INSHALLAH.
10. Dr. Adil Najam is there.
People like Dr. Najam are there. They did not forget Pakistan. Dr. Adil still wears Shalwar Qamiz and waist coat. Even on Pant Shirt he wears waist coat. What’s special in Waist Coat and Shalwar Qamiz? It is our national dress. It the part of our culture. If our cultural values are alive, we need not to worry. People like Dr. Najam are thinking and initiating debate in the youth. Although these people are living a very secure and prosperous life yet THEIR HEARTS ARE BEATING FOR PAKISTAN.
PAKISTAN ZINDA-BAAD —- PAKISTAN PAINDA-BAAD
lol @ haroon
well, at LUMS moulvees have started taking over business school and computer sciences college. so earlier signs of cancer at lums.
i hope adil najam will be able to find a solution for this.
there is a faculty memeber in lums business school who takes every opportunity to tell women students that they should stay home. he also told one female student, to whome he was assigned as an advisor, that she should never come to visit his office again. this student had gone to take advice on a matter once she saw he is the advisor for her that quarter. …..molvee soch is a cancer to academic freedom and exchange of ideas.
This comment is my way of not letting go of ATP.
I’ll tell you what is going right for Pakistan… three thing:
1_Adil Najam
2_All Things Pakistan and Pakistaniat
3_LUMS
Three things, now all wrapped in one.
Feeling good about Pakistan right now!