It is better to actually prove we are patriotic Pakistanis by supporting our local industries
LAHORE: It is necessary for Pakistan’s survival to keep our values and traditions alive. In addition, we must support our own national production. When we buy something, it means we are indirectly supporting the economy of our country. It is a very sad fact that whenever we go shopping, we neglect our local products. We like to buy imported items instead of our domestically-produced ones. Unfortunately, it is the perception of our society that imported products are the best in quality and that we do not have good local quality products. We want to watch another country’s films and support its movie industry instead of appreciating our own film production. Most of us want to adopt Western ways of living and people are crazy about acquiring foreign brands. We forget that we are suffocating our identities and values.
The secret of the Chinese nation is that their citizens prefer locally made items. China allows only a few items to be imported. Pakistan also has the best quality production. Pakistanis earn a lot of foreign exchange by exporting their products to other countries. Other countries are interested in Pakistan’s production and the country is striving to better the economy and its manufacturing. Now, it is our duty as local citizens to appreciate own products and brands.
I agree there is still a need to take some steps for better quality production. Some products are low in quality but with our efforts, they will be better one day. Being a Pakistani, we should promote our Pakistani styles, trends, cultures and products. Some of this can only be possible when being Pakistani, we buy Pakistani products and accept whatever our country has to offer us. It is very easy for one to say, “I love my country” but is better to actually prove we are patriotic Pakistanis by supporting our local industries.
Rumyasha Maqsood
Published in The Express Tribune, January 5th, 2017.
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