Jewels in the Crown

From the dark ages to the present illuminated era, we have traveled a long way. Almost everyone understands this fact, yet there are many who don’t. Pakistan is one such country where there is hardly any recognition of reality. We are fed with fabricated stories and also a staple diet of conspiracy theories. Any person who looks at things through a rational prism starts feeling isolated in such an environment. A recent example may depict the mindset prevailing in the land of the pure – a segment of society that had to face a backlash for supporting a child; a 17 year old girl named Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban in Swat valley, Pakistan.

There was a hue and cry when this unfortunate incident took place. While a group of people were against the attack and condemned it, a significant anti Malala campaign was in the offing. The initial narrative that people believed in was that this attack was planned by the establishment to “malign” the TTP. Later as her treatment took place and she went abroad for medical attention, the world media started giving her coverage; she became the star of Pakistan. From across the globe she was embraced her with love and affection. However in her own motherland, she was bashed left, right and center. The so called “ghairat brigade” (moral brigade) who kept claiming that she was a puppet of the West and was playing in their hands. They screamed that if she was a sincere Pakistani, she should return to Pakistan. All sorts of fabricated stories started floating against her; andthe last nail in the coffin was hammered when her book “Iam Malala” was released. The irony was that her book proved her a “traitor” and a puppet of the west beyond doubt the detractors many of whom had not read her book. Today Malala Yousafzai, a girl from the valley of Swat, Pakistan, has been awarded with a Nobel Peace Prize, the youngest girl to get one. But we are ungrateful wretches, as we had been in the case of Dr Abdus Salam.

Midst of all the emotions and hate sentiments, what people forgot was that Malala had done nothing to defame the country? Rather many other things were bringing a bad name to Pakistan. There is a long list of things that have maligned Pakistan and its position. One wonders how long the people of Pakistan will keep hiding their heads in sand like an ostrich and put all the blame on others; be it at the international or domestic level? Let’s start by looking at the mirror and face our faithlessness also; maybe then we will realize who is to be blamed for the jewels in the crown.

Pakistan is known as the hub of militants which cannot be denied. For almost 30 years, we have harbored this trash in our house. Religion has become a tool to measure not only one’s faith but also the time one has to live if one doesn't belong to that same school of thought. The countries are stopping us entering in their lands. Our “green” passport is kept aside at immigration desks; we are strip searched for security reasons. Pakistan is famous for human trafficking and people are trafficked to the Arab states for various purposes. Even kids are used for camel and horse races. Apart from these honorable deeds, we are also involved in illegal migration to various parts of the world and seeking refuge.

Many Pakistani’s considered as a minority have had to flee the state to save their lives and take asylum in foreign countries. As if this was not enough we have a long list of leaders who are known for their corruptions and illdeeds. Pakistanis are known for even getting bribed easily and that has been stated by our “friends.” As if all these things were not enough we stand in the top ranks of polio stricken countries also. Our neighboring country doesn't have any case of polio but the world is closing doors for us only due to this disease and our incompetence for not tackling it properly.

There was a time before 9/11 when people use to ask where Pakistan is. We were such an unknown country in many ways. But soon after the tragedy of twin towers, Pakistan’s name spread globally like wildfire. Today we are known and also presumed to be one of the worst people on earth. Other states think twice before they have to invest in our country, and when help is needed during any calamity, donors have a hard time deciding if they should help Pakistan or not, only because the money is not utilized properly. There is an unending list but the point that needs to be made is that instead of putting the entire burden on one gem. It’s time to polish the crown and if needed readjust the jewels in it too. These jewels look ugly. Don’t they?