The Way I See It
A tale of conspiracy: Why can't we handle the truth?

A tale of conspiracy: Why can't we handle the truth?

Raymond Davis is not an Israeli agent, the ICC isn't trying to get us - get over conspiracy theories!

Said Chaudhry March 10, 2011

Pakistanis welcome anything that rejects official explanations and prefer to adopt absurd theories.

It’s no secret: we love conspiracy theories. We love hearing about them, we love entertaining them and we love spreading them.

Perhaps it's a third world phenomenon, where we instinctively suspect our surroundings.

Or perhaps, it's just illiteracy and the fact that in our part of the world, people are easily duped into believing anything.

Take any of the following incidents as an example: whether it's piecing together Raymond Davis' actions in Lahore, suspecting entrapment of our oh-so-innocent cricketers, screaming foul when Rahat was arrested in New Delhi, and even accepting wisdom weaned from The Arrivals, our eyes see all that is shrouded with mystery and secrecy.

Raymond Davis: An Israeli spy?

Hot gossip spreads like wildfire in Pakistan. Since Davis' arrest, we have been hearing all sorts of reports. While details of his activities are still murky, our media has played a large role in unraveling all the mysteries. I recall reading a news ticker on a popular news channel claiming Raymond was an Israeli spy.

The gadgets found in Davis' possession left the door wide open for interpretation and everyone had an explanation for what he was up to. The identities of the two victims shot dead by Davis ranged from petty thieves, to ISI agents, to innocent civilians - take your pick.

Conspiracy to malign our cricketers

When Aamir, Asif and Butt were caught for spot fixing most Pakistanis sympathised with the tainted trio but many believed the allegations to be an international anti-Pakistan smear campaign: a ploy to eliminate the threat of two dangerous fast bowlers before the World Cup 2011.

More wild theories emerged. Were India and the English Cricket Board (ECB) for framing the trio? The same ECB which allowed Pakistan to play two tests and T20s against Australia on their grounds was suddenly the villain. There was even talk of ICC wanting to isolate Pakistan cricket!

No one wanted to admit that the tainted trio betrayed us.

Indian cricketers are fixing matches

I recently read an article suspecting foul play in the England vs India World Cup match and challenging the events that led to the draw.

It is astounding to see the response of readers, a fair testament to how much we love hearing and speculating anything that is outlandish. If we are going to scrutinise every cricket match, we might as well believe what former cricketer Sarfraz Nawaz has been saying for ages: every cricket match is fixed.

Poor, innocent Rahat

Mr Rahat Fateh Ali Khan believed he could sing his way past customs officials in India with his gifted vocals.

Firstly, who carries $124,000 in cash and tries to cross the border? This is illegal in just about every country in the world! Anyone who thinks that Khan is innocent and was unaware of these laws needs a reality check.

Khan probably travels to more countries around the world than 99 per cent of Pakistan's population. He knows exactly what he's doing. So he got busted and charged – it was well deserved! Did anyone bother to thank the Indians for letting him off without any jail time?

Why can’t we accept that there is no conspiracy to undermine his fame or talent?

The simple truth

Conspiracy theory documentaries claim secret governments run the world and and we must prepare for an impending battle with Satan, who derives all his energies from city skyscrapers.

Let's get real. Our birth certificates, bank accounts and accountants are not evil!

WRITTEN BY:
Said Chaudhry A doctor and cricket fanatic who blogs at saidcanblog.blogspot.com and tweets @saidation

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

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COMMENTS (24)

Osman | 13 years ago | Reply Its a Muslim problem. The only thing that unites Muslims anywhere in the world is conspiracy theories and hate.

JS | 13 years ago | Reply Conspiracy Theory is a global phenomenon and not just related to Pakistan. Perhaps, the write should have done some background work before writing this piece. Raymond Davis is a CIA operative which has been already proved. No rallies were held in support of the tainted cricketers, neither was legal assistance provided to the cricketers at official level. "Indian crickets are match-fixing" is an exaggerated statement. England was also involved in the match. Cricketers from almost every country have been either penalized, suspended, or banned for mal-practices. So, match-fixing cannot fall under consipracy theory. Its a proven fact. I do not know if anyone even cares about Rahet Fateh Ali Khan's detention. On a final note, I must remind the writer that Wikileaks is not owned by a Pakistani. The writer quoted "The Arrivals", perhaps, he missed "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" hosted by the former Minnesota governor, Jesse Ventura.

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ratee | 13 years ago | Reply Your article itself is based on wishful thinking. Raymond case has shown that what we thought were conspiracy theories and wild theories are in fact 100% true. May I ask you a question is Raymond Davis not a CIA agent? Are the other more than 400 CIA agents not working secretly in Pakistan that has been proven beyond doubt!!! Journalists like you must investigate these things more properly before writing articles sitting in secluded offices without checking the facts your self and making up your mind that all stories are true or untrue based on glib generalizations.

Wasil Arain | 13 years ago | Reply The propensity of we Pakistanis to like outlaws always make me wonder. Just look at their heroes of the past or role models of present most of them are those who do not mind violating prevailing laws and norms. In this regard they are most forgiving to those who are their own and extremely harsh to others. Their heroes of the past are mostly callous robber barons, and that of present are like AQ Khan who dabbled in selling the most dangerous material and the most honoured banker was A.H Abedi the founder of BCCI who made indulging in illegal financial activities a rule instead of an exception.

Alien | 13 years ago | Reply Nope, its not just a third world or Pakistani phenomenon, its a global one where word spread like fire......

Muhammad Tariq | 13 years ago | Reply it is perphaps for Evening talk shows .

ani | 13 years ago | Reply So "why can't we handle the truth?" Why?

Goga | 13 years ago | Reply The author is a CIA agent trying to hallucinate the innocent Pakistani people...and Express Tribune is run by the Illuminati and Elders of the zion...if you dont believe me ask Sir Zaid Hamid

Roflcopter | 13 years ago | Reply The paranoid conspiracy theorists were also the first to say Raymond Davis was a CIA Agent but they were wrong............oh wait.

Said Chaudhry | 13 years ago | Reply Hi. Thanks for your feedback. If only the time we spent pondering conspiracy theories was spent on finding realistic solutions that effect society, we'd surely be making strides towards fixing a lot of the problems plaguing us. Thanks again for the encouragement.

Anwar | 13 years ago | Reply Conspiracy Theories are part of our life. It is never our fault for anything. It is always the Indians, the Jews, the Americans or some other party. We are all saints and never do anything wrong. The reason is illiteracy. If you cannot read, you believe what you hear and there are many speakers spewing hate in Pakistan. That is the sad part.

Nayab | 13 years ago | Reply @Grace: You read my mind, couldn't have agreed More! Not sane, I say Immature-school going-Living in lala land Voices. who see what they want to see and Ignore what they don't really approve.. I'm sorry, but this was Absurd. Kindly Remove the Blindfold.

Rahul Singh | 13 years ago | Reply Thank God sane voices like you are still present in Pakistan who are ready to face the truth rather than behaving like an ostrich. The problem with Pakistani people is that they tend to blame others for all of their problems rather than introspecting their own fault. Blaming India for most of their problems is a national obsession. Detecting the real problem is the most important aspect of treating the disease.

Mariam | 13 years ago | Reply Conspiracy theories give you a good laugh.

Grace | 13 years ago | Reply Don't kid yourself, sometimes there is more than a kernal of truth behind such stories. Agrred much of the nonsense about cricket is just that- nonsense. On the other hand, there is a great deal that remains unknown since foreign agents are active in Pakistan. We all thought Davis was a diplomat about to be robbed. He acted in self defense; right? Then he turned out to be a non declared CIA agent in contact with tens of extremists planning God knows what. Why was he dealing with criminals behind the back of the state's intelligence agencies? Aren't they supposed to be our allies? Aren't we supposed to be working together to defeat the criminal terrorists? What you see isn't always what you get in today's world. In the West it's called spin and subterfuge. You can call it what you wish but don't be so quick to laugh off conspiracy theories when the truth confronts you!

parvez | 13 years ago | Reply Very true but makes me wonder as to why are you being logical and calling it like it is. Whats your angle ? You're trying to be be the good guy and that has got me thinking.

sharpshooter | 13 years ago | Reply Blunt: we don't really need your Indian spin on everything mate. Your obsession for everything Pakistani is not baffling, as u may notice there are several of your brethern who can't help but indulge in our business whether its on blogs or elsewhere. Take a hike. Author: excellent work, I enjoy reading your posts. A healthy break from the usual nonsense

Rahul | 13 years ago | Reply I am Indian and i know we India love Rahat Fateh Ali Khan,Nusrat Fateh Ali,Ghulam Ali.....so on.

Salman | 13 years ago | Reply On the dot!

faraz | 13 years ago | Reply Of all the childish conspiracy theories, the most ridiculous are those which involve Jews. Why are we so obsessed by Jews? Isreal is in the middle east and has good relations with muslim countries which influence that region like Egypt, Jordon and Turkey. What has Isreal to do with Pakistan? Both countries are thousands of miles apart, no Jew lives in Pakistan and we have neglibible influence in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon.

Blunt | 13 years ago | Reply @The Author - Bravo! You do not always see someone talking this sane and guess what? He is someone who writes for a Pakistani newspaper? Can you believe it! However, I would like to point out a few lines where you could have been more apt-

Perhaps it’s(the conspiracy theories) a third world phenomenon, where we instinctively suspect our surroundings.

No! not the third world, its a Pakistani phenomena, which has been seen to have developed a lot after 9/11.

Or perhaps, it’s just illiteracy and the fact that in our part of the world, people are easily duped into believing anything.

Correct, illiteracy plus the false preaching by your mullahs and malavis about Islam. For some reason, I don't understand why you people have to bring Islam & Allah in about almost everything. Be it discussion on cricket, politics, terrorism...etc, I have almost always seen about 90% people who start/end their comments with praises to Allah. Com'on people, leave religion alone for once!

I recall reading a news ticker on a popular news channel claiming Raymond was an Israeli spy.

I bet, had he been some brown guy, he would have become some RAW planted Indian spy!

When Aamir, Asif and Butt were caught for spot fixing most Pakistanis sympathised with the tainted trio but many believed the allegations to be an international anti-Pakistan smear campaign.

In the past even the Indian cricketers were nabbed for match fixing(read Azhar, Jadeja), But then BBCI took a tough stand and banned them for life. Something for PCB to learn? Anyways, its time that you people start doing some rational thinking!

Ahmed Ilyas | 13 years ago | Reply its not true

TightDhoti | 13 years ago | Reply Conspiracy theories are popular because the internet will offer any form of evidence to backup any argument. That we are unable to judge and evaluate sources speaks volumes of our own ability to conspire against our selves. If people want to believe in conspiracy theories thats fine, but then they must accept that there is an equal chance that the obvious is true as well, and therefore cannot be ignored.

Atif | 13 years ago | Reply Great article - identifies issues rather than start bashing the nation ruthlessly like the desi liberals

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