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You aren’t the only one, George
He is not the only one. But his departure will be explained away as a ‘naive gora’ fleeing in panic.
The writer works in the ministry of commerce and holds a master’s in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government
George Fulton bade farewell to Pakistan. He is not the only one. But his departure will be explained away as a ‘naive gora’ fleeing in panic, suffering from the security syndrome endemic in all the foreigners in this country, or a seriously paranoid soul eager to take flight lest he is mistaken for Raymond Davis or confused with someone that might have supported Taseer or Bhatti — when the two were alive, that is. All other reasons are meaningless ravings of a man who never belonged here.
It may be unusual for George to part with a sense of ‘melancholy’, having spent only nine years here, but for many Pakistanis who mull over this route, fearful it might be their final fate after having spent a lifetime here, it is not just melancholic; it is heart-ripping. And more so when a majority of them are educated, liberal, forward-looking and honest Pakistanis. As George leaves now, it may not be surprising that many like him have already left silently or are quietly flexing their tired wings for the final flight.
The rising trend in a growing number of educated and harmless Pakistanis, to acquire foreign nationality, no matter how infinitesimal a percentage they make up of the 170 million, is a glaring sign that the water has reached dangerous levels and, if not checked, will be over the bridge soon. These are perfectly sane people, clear-headed and not led by any self-styled misconceptions. Among many other disadvantages of education is one that it induces rational thinking. And this is where all the arguments for this country run into a mesh of failed indicators; not all economic in nature by the way. While fiscal problems can be fixed no matter how dire, how does one deal with mental deviation, rational absurdity and straw-thin parochial perspectives trapped in diminutive minds simply incapable of harbouring a broader, all-encompassing vision?
As an increasing number of thinking, scared Pakistanis seem to be working on an exit strategy with the same seriousness as they plan their monthly budgets, it is common to observe daily conversations turn invariably to this subject. How a foreign passport can be a backup guarantee — a lifesaver when the going gets tough — is the oft repeated concern of people trying to think and decide rationally. One wonders at all this confusion sprouting from the best of minds having razor sharp views about integrity, honesty and a deep seriousness of purpose. These characteristics may be the precursors of a reasonably good and successful life in any civilised society but not in ours. Or so it appears.
What makes the situation even more alarming is the fact that people who have literally pushed the country to the precipice (as George observes), also have an escape strategy up their sleeve. There are, therefore, two distinct categories looking for a safe exit. Those, who feel intellectually suffocated, emotionally repressed and hounded by the consequences of saying and doing what is right, and those who have so much ill-gotten wealth piled up on their platters that they can conveniently stash away a part of it in foreign and offshore bank accounts, either investing in foreign citizenship or shoring up for a trouble-free life in a safe haven away from the turbulence when the rocking boat finally capsizes. It is even more upsetting to see that a large number of these dual nationality seekers belong to none other than the political and bureaucratic circles, in charge of and under oath of allegiance to the country, planning to abandon ship at the first sign of danger.
So, all the heaviness of heart is for George to bear; nothing to grieve for those who are glad to get rid of anyone and everyone who dares differ with their views and beliefs. As for those awaiting a lifetime of luxury in foreign lands once the heap of gold is big enough, they are least confused about identities. Money, as is said, knows no boundaries, no nationalities. So, don’t take it to heart George. You are not the only one!
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2011.
Reader Comments (36)
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Does it really matter how many passports a person has? The issue here is not that they have several passports, its that they are not invested in the success of the Pakistani state. The colour of their passport is only one aspect of that. Other factors to consider is how their children dont attend state schools so their is no incentive to improve public education, their elderly parents are not treated in public hospitals, so their is no incentive to improve those either, those who can afford it can hire private security, no need or social pressure to improve the police. The same elite dont pay their taxes, so theirs no interest in public participation beyond vocal rants.
As the laws at present dont stop anyone from holding multiple nationalities and holding public offices one cannot say that their is something illegal. The fact that they are not transparent in declaring this fact would obviously question their intentions. As long as these people are perform their civic duties they can have 10 passports if they like, and they shouldn’t be judged poorly for it. If not, then treat them with the force of law, despite their multiple nationalities. No one is stopping the state from acting against them. After all Pakistan is a signatory of various international accords regarding money laundering and ill gotten wealth transfers, the state can go after individuals who leave the country. Go get themRecommend
I wish you well George. I understand the misgivings you may have about security. We are all insecure and I was actually worried about you and your wife. I have read about your departure but nothing about your talented wife. I hope she is with you.Recommend
Don’t kid yourself; because of globalization you are seeing droves of Indians, Chinese and all nationalities leaving for greener pastures. Sure all Muslim nations from Egypt to Bahrain to Pakistan have instability but the reality is that people would be always looking for greener pastures with more money and opportunity.Recommend
As a Muslim one only lives in the Nation of Islam..Pakistan is only an Islamic Nation in name only. The words and deeds prove otherwise…and this is because of the liberaloon, secularoon, type of Rulers and elites who are at the throat of this great country just after our great Quaid left us. He was great because he was madressa educated ( Sind Madressa-tul-Islam Karachi and Anjuman-i-Islam madressa Bombay)…after this basic education no western education or propaganda can harm you…no matter where you live or what passport you hold. As a Muslim you are a citizen and national of Islam…rest are just residences and travel papers.
As the sage Iqbal said:
” Blinded I was not by the glare of the garish western light
For the kohl in my eyes is the dust from Mecca & najaf”Recommend
I heard that in Pakistan these days they don’t say, ‘Pakistan Zindabad’, they say instead, ‘Pakistan Zinda Bhag’!!!Recommend
@echoboom great thoughts brother. i hope every pakistani thinks like youRecommend
Never knew that pak leaders who swore allegiance to another country in getting a passport are running the PAK. Get rid of it.
12 hr work day ? Slave labor.
Citizens should be free to move as they like. But now they need NOC.
Wonder what is going on.Recommend
Why do Pakistani writers flash their college credentials?Recommend
@ echoboom: You don’t seem madrassah educated to me. Do you live in your own echo chamber? And Iqbal was not a pir, maulvi or maulana. So quit inventing a hagiography. I think you are the kind of person who on one hand loathed the western lifestyle of the social circles your family inhabits while benefitting from the disproportionate accumulation of wealth through well plumbed channels. The same class of people who Seema has addressed so eloquently and courageously in her present column. Infact, this is the na-pak nawab cadre which is vested in our army, politics and intelligence. The very group that caused and causes honest hard working Pakistanis to seek life elsewhere. So don’t you bl•••y ‘madrassah’ us. Okay? Because your groupies have brought our nation to this situation. Shameful.Recommend
@ echoboom: You don’t seem madrassah educated to me. Do you live in your own echo chamber? And Iqbal was not a pir, maulvi or maulana. So quit inventing a hagiography. I think you are the kind of person who on one hand loathed the western lifestyle of the social circles your family inhabits while benefitting from the disproportionate accumulation of wealth through well plumbed channels. The same class of people who Seema has addressed so eloquently and courageously in her present column. Infact, this is the na-pak nawab cadre which is vested in our army, politics and intelligence. The very group that caused and causes honest hard working Pakistanis to seek life elsewhere. So don’t you ‘madrassah’ us. Okay? Because your groupies have brought our nation to this situation. Shameful.Recommend
@ Arindom: Why this sudden attack of schadenfreude, my subcontinental sibling? What has the average Pakistani got or done to you to deserve your snarkiness? If Pakistan fails as a state, would that be a progress for India or any of Pakistan’s neighbours? Iran? Afghanistan? China? Oman? Not all Pakistanis hate Indians, most infact. Am sure the same holds for Indians too. In the ‘end’, we will likely turn to you. Will you ‘hate’ us then? Where will you find the bile? Pray reconsider your stand. Thank you.Recommend
@echoboom:
Please define “safe” and try reading Iqbal yet again..there can be more meanings to the very lines you have “quoted”Recommend
Agreed !! Excellent analysis! Maybe the next law they should enforce after the famous “holding-a-degree-for-a-seat-in-the-national-assembly” should say no officers holding multiple nationalities should be allowed to serve in the assembly. This would ensure that the people who are working for this country are working to keep the boat afloat as they belong to it themselves.
In defense of the intellectuals that the author points too, I would say that after putting in the hard work, they would obviously go for greener pastures. In present times, a lot of them have been returning back to the homeland, brining with them innovative ideas and technological edge which will help our society progress.Recommend
The bright boys and girls who had a decent education, went to good colleges and universities; the very kids this country needed, to steer it out of troubled waters, are now on facebook lamenting on all that has gone wrong with this country. The brain drain has cost the nation tremendously. The solution lies in stopping the brain drain; the bright ones need to join the government and politics and build this country. Commenting on facebook and blogging takes you only so far. The best and the brightest have to find their way back into this societyRecommend
The trouble is that the best and brightest of this blessed land think only of themselves and never of the nation and the land. Salvation lies not in fleeing the country a la George (may his tribe become extinct!) but by living here and struggling for a better future for all.Recommend
i like echoboom’s response.
are there pakistanis still like this and writing in english.
Nation of Islam, etc.,
so Nation of Islam how will it be….
would like to know…Recommend
@echoboom:
” nation of ISLAM ” IS A MYTHRecommend
The reality of Pakistan is most of its elite, especially the ruling class (top military & political actors) have very little stake in Pakistan.
They all have one leg out of the Country already, thus it is not uncommon to see Non-Resident Pakistani’s to come in, rule and then take the first flight out when they are out of power!!!
A dog which has no where else to go, will fight to death to safeguard what it thinks is its territory. But, why should Pakistan’s elites do that? They only use Pakistan for skimming its cream by begging with the world – even as they fuel a hatred for India and US etc.Recommend
@Athar Quraishi
Agree that India doesn’t gain in anyway by a Failed Pakistan. But, has India gained anything from a stable Pakistan? Pakistan, over 60yrs, has sought to change the status-quo through proxies and wars again and again. Stable or otherwise. :(
So called ‘moderate’ Pakistani society has all but eliminated the Hindus within Pakistan.
So, is it so difficult to understand Indian skepticism of claims of ‘moderation’ and civility?Recommend
EXCELLENT!!!Recommend
@echoboom – you seem to have more than a few screws loose. Jinnah may have attended the institution called Sind Madressa, but there is no relationship between Sind Madressa of the mid 19th century and the jihadi factory “madressas” of the 21st century. Madressa is the Urdu word for a school. It is not “is-kool.” Hence the name Sind Madressa. What people mean when they refer to “madressa” in the current context, is a school that imparts rote memorization of the Quran, jihadi training videos (if not actual training), and whose kids are going around neighborhoods collecting ‘chanda’ and scratching their balls. Go sit on a flagpole, and rotate yourself.Recommend
@binwakeel:
And why shouldn’t they think for themselves? What do they get by serving this country anyways?Recommend
So you gave up, George!Recommend
@Daood:
for that matter: why does everyone else over here? I’ve never seen a doctor or a lawyer in Canada or Europe flashing their credentials on their business cards or such… Seems to be a general Pakistani thingy…Recommend
@Athar Quraishi: Even though the silent majority in both countries is a bigoted lot, inside we really don’t hate anyone and always hope that peace prevails. Lets all stand together for the sane voices that want to keep religion personal and politics public, in both countries.Recommend
@Athar Quraishi:
Well said. Completely agree with your reply to both the gentlemen.Recommend
The decison to leave the country of your birth is a true test of of a persons loyalty. Im loyal. wish I could say the same for the rest of us. this country shall shall survive and will indeed recover. rest assured it doesnt need traitors such as those who seek to destroy it from within, those who do nothing but criticize and those who desert it in its hour of need. You’re all in the same boat as the TTP as far as im concerned. I was born here, I shall live here and I shall die here.Recommend
@Athar Quraishi
Loved your response to @Arindom. Come to think of it we are in a sink or swim together situation.Hope the realisation someday dawns on some very potent and vociferous organisations in Pakistan.Recommend
@All those invoking Country of Birth/ Patriotism argument.
7 million Pakistanis, app 4% of the total population, live abroad. The largest numbers (2.2 million) are in Europe and a further 0.8 million in Americas. Plus, anyone can verify the long queues at any Embassy/High Commission/ Counsulate to see how many more are trying to leave.
If you also consider that an ex-COAS cum President is also part of the expatriate crowd, you have to concede that it is not about your patriotic duties towards your country, unless you want to accept that a not so patriotic person can rise to become COAS and President.I would also encourage the patriotic types to find out how many of the progeny of the patriotic army officers and maulanas, who have caused George’s departure, also have a foreign passport or at the least a resident visa.Recommend
@echoboom:
Pakistan is the best example of an “islamic nation” you can get perhaps after saudi arabia and somaliaRecommend
Isn’t sad that people who avail all the opportunities given by the country are the ones who run and people who cannot or not in a position to take advantages of such opportunities stay back in their homeland.This happens to be the state of all developing countries India China Russia Brazil or the so called BRIC, this largely due to economic reasons.In case of Pakistan it is a combination of Terror and Economics, Terrorist are spreading terror not only in Neighboring countries (Iran,China, Afghanistan), they are now victimizing the very hand that fed them, their lies the irony.Problem with Pakistani elite is that they reminded silent or sometimes in silent agreement with the radicalization of their society, because it was being appreciated by the West(U.S.A)both in kind and material and it helped them derive some sort of a vain balance of power with India.Now they are speaking up because it is beginning to haunt them,Now nobody seems to believe them not even their own population,since their population believes that foreign hand is controlling these elite elements of society.On the notion of hypnotizing a whole nation to believe in mysterious hand controlling Pakistani state,the elite is found to be guilty as charged. Now tell me why should the common man on the street fight for such corrupt people leadership.So all this criticisms is for nothing people will react to such articles with words not with street demonstrations, not at least not until one can sell the idea of Pakistan to the common man. how can one do that , Simple but age old solution is improve the economic condition of people and be honest and acknowledge failures and fix responsibilities, most of all show patience with the common population, it takes time to unlearn habits BAD or GOOD.Don’t make the common man a punching bag of LEFT and RIGHTRecommend
The curse upon the Pakistani mindset is this:
A person who hates Urdu, hates desi food, hates desi clothes, ..the westoxicated scum…is mistaken as a learned person.
A person who has a beard, knows arabic, and performs rituals is mistaken as pious and God fearing.
Pakistani muslim has imbibed the two worst aspects: The caste system of Hindus and the class system of the Britto Baboons.
The Baba Blacksheep, tota-maina, Monkey donkey, and bagga kavva “education” , the english medium is a curse looming upon Pakistan and perpetuates the the slavish mindset of which the Pakistanis are contagiously afflicted. The self-loathing and self-hatred that a Pakistani has for himself is agreat asset for Pakistani’s enemies. A Pakistani even loves to mortgage himself for this bondage. No wonder the green Passport is a metaphor for the ultimate humilty and zalalat which any any nation has ever suffered in human history. Even India has done away with this O-level ( zero-level?) ignominy. No other nation except the colonized clones conducts its business in a language not its own.
The USA is right when a few years ago said ” They will even sell their mother for less” and Musharraf not even batted an eye , let alone protest.
” Bharosa kar naheen saktay ghulaamoan kee baseerat pur; jisay zeba kahain azaad bunday; hai vohee zebaa”…………………Allama iqbalRecommend
The curse upon the Pakistani mindset is this:
A person who hates Urdu, hates desi food, hates desi clothes, ..the westoxicated scum…is mistaken as a learned person.
A person who has a beard, knows arabic, and performs rituals is mistaken as pious and God fearing.
Pakistani muslim has imbibed the two worst aspects: The caste system of Hindus and the class system of the Britto Baboons.
The Baba Blacksheep, tota-maina, Monkey donkey, and bagga kavva “education” , the english medium is a curse looming upon Pakistan and perpetuates the the slavish mindset of which the Pakistanis are contagiously afflicted. The self-loathing and self-hatred that a Pakistani has for himself is agreat asset for Pakistani’s enemies. A Pakistani even loves to mortgage himself for this bondage. No wonder the green Passport is a metaphor for the ultimate humilty and zalalat which any any nation has ever suffered in human history. Even India has done away with this O-level ( zero-level?) ignominy. No other nation except the colonized clones conducts its business in a language not its own.
The USA is right when a few years ago said ” They will even sell their mother for less” and Musharraf not even batted an eye , let alone protest.
” Bharosa kar naheen saktay ghulaamoan kee baseerat pur; jisay zeba kahain azaad bunday; hai vohee zebaa”…………………Allama iqbalRecommend
@echoboom
A person who has a beard, knows arabic, and performs rituals is mistaken as pious and God fearing.
Thank you for reminding me that such persons are not ‘pious and God fearing’ but only pretending to be so.
Pakistani muslim has imbibed the two worst aspects: The caste system of Hindus and the class system of the Britto Baboons.
Yes, most unfortunate, they should have adopted the ‘egalitarian’ approach of Saudi Arabia instead, who prescribe the license fee of murder as ,
100,000 riyals if the victim is a Muslim man
50,000 riyals if a Muslim woman
50,000 riyals if a Christian or Jewish man
25,000 riyals if a Christian or Jewish woman
6,666 riyals if a Hindu man
3,333 riyals if a Hindu woman.
I am sure for some sects characterised as ‘Murtads’ there will be a reward for killing.
No other nation except the colonized clones conducts its business in a language not its own.
Am I addressing a ‘colonized clone’ or what.Recommend
@Athar Quraishi:
Sorry if I offended you so! Meant to be joke of course. To tell the truth (I swear), a very good Pakistani friend told me this…..And my experience with Pakistanis abroad- whether hotel owners, cricket fans or students have always been very good as opposed to that with some of my own countrymen! ( i swear this is true too!)Recommend
Why are you all making a big deal about an Englishman going back to his country, England. Pakistan was a foreign country for him from the start. He does not have a drop of Pakistani blood in him. Dont worry there are still 185 million people in Pakistan.
PAKISTAN ZINDABAD !!!!!!!!!!Recommend