Apart
from what the western media projects why don’t you speak to a Pakistani to know
more about Pakistan. It’s not only the land of bomb blasts and terrorism as publicized
in the breaking news and newspaper headlines. It is Iqbal’s dream for a land of
peace which was realized by Jinnah. It is Abdul Sattar Edhi’s philanthropy,
Arfa Kareem’s intelligence, Boom Boom Shahid Afridi’s excellence, Deepak
Puvani’s world famous sherwani designs, Javed Miandad’s sixer, Dr. Abdul Qadeer
Khan’s restless efforts, fastest growing IT industry, ever expanding middle
class, the brave nation who fought dictatorships, cricket and hockey world cup
winners, astonished? Let’s take a closer look.
Pakistan,
we made this country on 14th of August 1947, populated more than 180
million. More than 97% of population belongs to Islam. Hockey is the national
game but people are more addicted to cricket and cricketers as well. The culture is rich and homogenous;
we can see people from almost every part of country in big cities. People
like to talk on politics but strangely don’t want to practically involve in it.
People are welcoming, loving, and patriotic.
Karachi,
Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi are the most populated cities. For the people of
small cities and villages these cities are the center of attraction, manpower
from almost all parts of countries move to big cities like Karachi and Lahore
for better living standard, jobs and economy. Karachi, called the city of
lights, is the economic hub; the city has an aggressive beach and the busiest port.
The winters rarely visit this city while the weather is more towards warmth.
The days are warm, nights are pleasant and windy. On weekends, you can hardly find
a place to eat as most of the restaurants become house full as the night falls,
with boys playing cricket late night matches on streets and hangout till Sunday
morning.
The thin
Kurta Pajama from Karachi, stretch to Shalwar Kameez in Sindh, and expand more in
width as you went to Balochistan, each region and area has their own fashion to
wear Shalwar Kameez with extra accessories to revamp and stylize like cultural cap,
shawl, sandal. As far as Pakistani culture is defined its rich and original, you
can experience the beautiful blend of Mahajir, Sindhi, Punjabi, Siraiki,
Punjabi, Baloch and Pashtoon culture and as you travel towards the northern
areas of Pakistan you can see a fresh and more beautiful culture within every
10 kilometers. People follow their culture religiously the culture which is sheltered
with modest teachings of Islam.
Islam
is the largest following religion in Pakistan up to 97% people are Muslims, according
to the recent survey by British Council 38% youth is in favor of government and
laws based on Islamic Shariah. Apart from Islam there are many other religions liberally
being followed in different part of Pakistan like Christianity, Hinduism, Parsis,
Sikhs, Kalash. People respect each other religion however people are conservative
in the manner of eating and only halal food is available throughout the length
of Pakistan. Wine is prohibited in most areas and not sold openly. Islamic
education is mandatory part of syllabus, yet Madarsas are another source of
provision of Islamic education in addition to this they provide welfare, food
and shelter for a large number of orphans
and children from low income families.
People
are more educated in cities as compared to rural areas; the literacy rate is
58%. There are 93 engineering universities, accredited institutes and colleges
which offer engineering programs, while 203 universities fully functional and
accredited by Higher Education Commission, where as unlimited number of
different educational institutes schools and colleges. If you are educated and
willing to work, then you will definitely get a job. However there is an issue
with salaries due to the inflation, but it is enough if you want to live a content
life. The first choice of any student is however engineering or medical
education, but they have a hard criterion so unfortunately after rejection from
them students head to other fields like commerce & management. Proper
guidance and career counseling for youth still lacking, this is the reason most
of the students induct in the studies which might become difficult for them to
fit in. Islami Jamiat Talba (IJT) is the biggest student organization which is
working in every part of Pakistan, other organization include Pukhtoon Student
Federation (Puk.SF) active in KPK, People Student Federation (PSF) mainly
active in Sindh, Muslim Student Federation (MSF) active in Punjab and All
Pakistan Muttehda Students Organization (APMSO) which is limited to institutes
in Karachi. Almost all organizations have their relations with political
groups. Currently student organizations are still banned in institutes but students’
organizations are managing to work.
Pakistani
economy is not static, prices fluctuate and people go crazy with respect to
price, but strangely no big protest are observed on the subject of prices, the
largest middle class is ever compromising on the said issue. Karachi is the
economic hub, having the port connected to Arabian Sea making it the backbone
of the economy of Pakistan. However agriculture is also another big money
making field which is making this country standing on its feet, agriculture is
being religiously done in the areas of Punjab as well as some parts of Sind. Software
industry is booming, but the industrial sector is facing difficulties due to lack of electrical
supply hence the industries are moving towards other energy sources or trying
to produce their own energy, currently they are able to survive due to better
planning and management of their limited energy resources.
Pakistan has a free media there is a
national television PTV. In addition, there are many news and entertainment
channel that broadcast 24/7, including GEO, HUM, ARY, AAJ. The radio industry
boosted from last 10 years with many new channels emerged attracting more
people towards radio. Pakistani film industry is a history, that’s why most of
Pakistanis use Indian and English movies as alternative source of entertainment.
Internet entertainment is also emerging and many channels are broadcasting
their programs through online streaming, however YouTube is blocked due to blasphemy
issues.
Pakistan
has good relations with all countries. America, yes we are the frontline ally of
America in the War on Terror, however there are several differences among the people
and the government on this issue, the people are demanding to get rid of this
war on terror because it created anarchy since Pakistan involved in this war. America
however trying to make the government happy by economically supporting and thorough
programs like USAID. But still people of Pakistan are demanding actions to be
taken on drone attacks and periodical invasions by America.
Afghanistan
is the friend of Pakistan, both the countries have supported each other in the
time of difficulties, many Afghans are still settled as refugees in Pakistan
while there are some of them who have actually become a part of Pakistani due
to the prolonged crisis in the region. Iran is also a neighboring country and has
friendly relations with Pakistan, several peace and cooperation agreement have
been done between Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. There is however some
economical and industrial collaborative agreement which consist of Iran
Pakistan Gas Pipeline, the project is still delayed due to the interference of
international stakeholders like America; however Russia offered to help in
completion of the project, the old superpower game.
Pakistan
has good relations with China since Pakistan came into being however China
remains careful in supporting Pakistan in international affairs. China
supported Pakistan in various technological advancements, the most recent
development are the agreement of development of bullet train system. In 2001 an
agreement has been done between Pakistan and Chine for 175 passenger coaches, however
mixed opinion received about their performance, it’s made in China not to
expect more.
Pakistani
government has moderated relations with the Indian government, many ups and
downs have been observed during the past years but government is still trying
to neutralize the relations and keep peace. Government has scheduled to give the
title of Most Favored Nation and announce the intention however people’s disowning
made it undecided. Pakistanis like Indian dramas and movies but their real
rivalry with this enemy can be seen in the cricket matches.
The
best subject to talk in social gathering is cricket and politics, people like
to talk and discuss about politics but there are very few who are practically
involved in it, as due to the Islamic civilization many are still under
confusion on the democratic system of governance. The last elections have
around 44% turnover ratio while in the recent elections in 2013 the voter
turnover ratio increased to about 55.02% a massive increase, it is expected
that this ratio will further increase in the coming elections as with the
passage of time more and more people are getting educated as well as awareness
towards political system is increasing every day. Pakistan is being ruled one
by one by Pakistan Muslim League (N) which is headed by Mian Nawaz Shareef and
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) headed by Bilawal Bhutto (inactive) and
Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari (acting chairperson). While in recent elections
a third name Imran Khan (from Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf, PTI) former cricketer
rise as the third biggest party. As far as religious parties are concerned
Jamaat E Islami Pakistan headed by Syed Munawar Hasan and Jamiat Ulema e Islam
(F) headed by Maulana Fazlur Rehman are notable parties and personalities.
The
notable welfare organizations are Edhi trust, Al Khidmat and Al Rehmat trust,
Edhi trust was founded by Abdul Sattar Edhi who was also nominated for Nobel
peace prize, Al Khidmat is a project of Jamat Islami Pakistan and involved in
education and patience welfare along with many other fields of life, Al Rehmat
trust is performing good in the field of education.
More
than 65 years passed since independence, Pakistan has achieved various milestone
in this era while many more to go, no country is perfect but for people it’s
their homeland and they are struggling hard to accomplish the impossible. Welcome
to Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
I wrote this article for an Indian Student Journal, don't know if its published yet or not :) I hope you have enjoyed reading this light-heatedly written article about Pakistan and Pakistanis. Comment, criticism and suggestions are most welcome. Owais Mukhtar.
