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To leave or not to leave Pakistan

To leave or not to leave Pakistan

As a kid, I had made up my mind to not leave Pakistan, but today I hardly recognise my country.

Bilal Ahmad May 09, 2011

As a kid, I had made up my mind to not leave this country even if it was falling apart. But then again, the biggest worry at that time was whether it was safe to stay out late at night.

Things have changed now and that, too, rapidly and drastically. Now the situation is such that there’s no guarantee that even when you go to pray, you’ll come back alive.

The past few days put things in better perspective. On Monday, while everyone only sang OBL tunes, Karachi was set ablaze. Vehicles were torched as if they were for free, people killed like animals and business came to a standstill. Everyone rushed to the safety of their four walls and breathed a sigh of relief.

The government, which spends billions on defence every single year, had put its hands up and left the city in chaos.

And this happened in Karachi – the metropolitan city, the biggest commercial centre of the country and the provincial capital. The shocking bit is that although the destruction was expected, it was for some reason allowed to happen.

Call me cynical, but whenever the government sets its mind on doing something, it gets the job done – like reopening a 32-year-old case.

Anyway, the city had barely got back on its feet when the Oil Tankers’ Association called a strike.

It was like a carnival by midnight with vehicles hoarding to petrol pumps, but to no avail. I even saw parents manually pushing their cars while their children took over the wheel, in hopes that they would reach the front of the queue and manage to buy some fuel.

Going to the hospital for medical emergencies was a problem. I’m not asking for free health care, which the government does not provide, but spare a thought: recently a patient passed away in the ambulance when, for the prime minister’s safety, roads were cordoned off.

I was once proud, but today I hardly recognise my country. Yet I won’t leave for one simple reason –there were great sacrifices made to bring us to existence and there might still be hope.

WRITTEN BY:
Bilal Ahmad Designation: Sub-Editor English Paper Department: Business

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 (72)

Maroof Moulvi | 13 years ago | Reply An exceptionally well written article! Maroof Moulvi London School of Economics

Tuk Tuk | 13 years ago | Reply @Maria: Perhaps that is the exact reason why tons of Pakistanis from all walks of life come to India to learn a living.

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Saad | 13 years ago | Reply Guys, thats all your faith in Pakistan? all you got? supporting your country and patriotism isn't needed when the country is right, its needed when its not right, at times like these is when your country needs you, where you need to put yourself before your country, where you have to fight the evil within it, not to back up and run away, remember the dawn is just before the darkest night :) To stay is the answer, to fight back is the task, to be at the top is the goal.

uzma jawad | 13 years ago | Reply shahbash jeetay rahee and i hope all those you do not agree with you just read the last lines, close their eyes and THINK. We are and will always be Pakistanis no matter where we live, those who try to be others are never successful.Going aboard or living there for personal reasons is another matter but it does not mean to let go off your identity,strong roots make strong nations.And for everyone belonging to young generation "firm Belief and Faith in Allah " is going to be our solution to the problems we all our facing as nation

rk singh | 13 years ago | Reply @ nobody, I cant help if somebody doubts India's secular credentials. India took care of muslims since the dark ages of partition. Close to 200 Million muslims(20 crores) call India their home. In fact I stay as a tenant in a house owned by a Muslim. My door contains ISLAMIC INSCRIPTIONS which i never removed, or asked my land-lord to remove them. I dont take offence. Even though our family are practicing hindus, we never felt need to remove them. I have many people working under me who are Muslims (also muslim girls). What you cant say about these muslims are- they look normal, like any of my other Hindu/christian workmen. You need to ask their names to know they are muslims. This is a very secular trait. My feling is all muslims shoud have these kind of secular attitudes when they go to west. You go to USA and Europe in visible Islamic costumes (more like some halloween costumes). People there have started identifying these costumes with radical Islam. So u get more closer scruitny. Of course, it was none of my business to ask anybody what to wear and look like. People shoud be comfertable in what they wear and like. But will anybody be ok in these type of costumes in Liberal europe? Why make fools of yourselves. Wearing them will not make you any more pious or greater than the muslim workmen who work for me. That is the point. Coming to other religions, i doubt if you make out between hindus and western guys, except for skin colour. Sikhs of course through their dedication and sincere work culture has earnes lots of respect in UK nd Canada. So their turbans are mostly over looked (it is more common to see shaved sikhs these days). My take is, it becomes easier for you guys if you take care of these small aspects, post-OBL world.

Nobody | 13 years ago | Reply @rk singh: You contradict your own "secularism" with your statements. While not as common in the states, I too occasionally see very overt religious clothing/symbols by people of all religions, muslims included. It's never "nauseating" to me because I'm a product of a secular society so I don't care what people wear or how they express/follow their religion, as long as they don't bother me. If those same people are coming after you telling you to be the same, then you'd be right to be nauseated, but why otherwise? While I respect India for its acheivements, people like you lead me to believe otherwise and remind me that a secular stance (or constitution) alone does NOT a tolerant and secular (in the truest sense of the word) functioning society make. Same way terrorist elements do NOT a nation of hateful & ignorant extremists make. Cheers.

Ali Umair Khan | 13 years ago | Reply @Usman: Pakistan was made to create a place of own where no one got upper hand on muslim, yes conditions are tough , but nations have passed through more more complex situation then this , you can only get better once you got the abilities to thrash the hurdles in your way, life is hell out here , but we have to fight. it is total failure to condemn the land then to actually do some thing .

EJ | 13 years ago | Reply Your last sentence was the anti-climax! Dear, how about thinking outside the square and more realistically. All those sacrifices made were perhaps have gone in the vain. If we want to move forward, we need to let go of the past and accept the mistakes even if it crushes the national false pride or ego (whatever is left of it).

jabil | 13 years ago | Reply The question is not to leave or not to leave Pakistan, the question is, being a pakistani after the OBL fiasco, which country in their right mind will let you in?

khalid | 13 years ago | Reply This is our land, This is our Mother, we love it and we own it. It is we, who have to change the destiny and bring peace and love. Long Live Pakistan.

rk singh | 13 years ago | Reply

Dear Bilal, Leave now and Run like mad.

the grinch | 13 years ago | Reply i liked this blog a lot! good work!!

Khalid | 13 years ago | Reply I see we all have lost hope for Pakistan. We are being played in many internal and external hands.I guess it's too late for us to repair Pakistan from here. Lets get invade from US and let the next couple of generation go through slavary because anyway we are presently slave to landlords and generals. It's better to become slave of gora they will at least give some rights to the poorest. Sadly , we are a Nation left with no heroes. Let us give this country to someone else, let them crush our generation. I am sure leaders and heroes will rise from there. Long live Pakistan!!!!!

Pakvestor | 13 years ago | Reply I was brought up in the Middle East. I completed my graduate education there and then migrated to Pakistan. I got a job, saved and then went to complete my post graduate from Lahore (LUMS). The day I landed in Pakistan, I adopted it as my home country. My reason for accepting Pakistan the way it is, was mainly due to the double standards I often faced in the middle eastern countries and for being treated as a second class citizen. However, recent event have caused me to rethink my position. As an individual, I can only consider being a citizen of a nation which has adopted certain values that I can subscribe to. However, recent events have caused me to think whether the values of Pakistan as aligned to my own values. Let me provide a chronological order of my thinking. The Salman Taseer episode - whilst I am no fan of Salman Taseer, I felt it was unjustified for him to be killed the way it was. His sin was that he questioned a specific law which was being abused. Last I checked the religious books, it is no crime to question (yes, there is a law which restricts muslims from outright insult of the prophet - but that cannot be equated to simply QUESTIONING a man made law, which is not even aligned to the Islamic law itself). The OBL episode - From whichever angle I look at it, its a dismal scene. 1. If Pakistan was actually hiding him - how could the people at the helm of affairs sleep at night, knowing that the person responsible for the large scale suicide attacks was being protected by them. Was Pakistan trying to play a global game of chess. Why do we have to act like the protectors of religion on behalf of the global Ummah. And if you do wish to play this game of chess, please play it properly and do not hide him in your own backyard. 2. If Pakistan did not hide him - is our military actually so inept to actually be sleeping the whole while when he was residing in a house not more than 100 yards from the academy. Was out military actually so inept to be sleeping while 2 helicopters infiltrate 195km into our country (half way down to India) carry out a mission for over 40 minutes, leave and we only get to hear of it in the next morning news. Is that how $6.4 billion collected from our taxes are actually being spent. On useless technology and sleeping watchboys. I now think, what are the values of Pakistan that it would like its citizens to accept. What re the values of each and every citizen of Pakistan. Hard work - I am afraid not when I compare the work ethics of our citizenry against that of other countries. Honesty - lets not even go down that route. Liberalism - clearly not the case with our religious lot (which is not that small a lot). Conservatism - clearly not the case with our liberal lot - who would rather subscribe to our free media with glaring westernized ads, saree and tika enameled drama actresses, Veena Maliks, fashion shows, etc. The way I see it, and the reason I have become disenchanted with the entire concept of Pakistan is that I see Pakistan being torn apart between 2 extremist views. The ultra conservative religious lot and the ultra liberals. What happened to the Pakistan of yesteryears when people were predominantly centralist in their views. Why can we not practice our own version of Islam whilst also respecting the values held by other persons. Will Pakistan ever achieve that frame of mind again. To the author of the article, your statement "there were great sacrifices made to bring us to existence" made me think you consider it your responsibility to bring what was sowed by our forefather to fruition. Whilst I agree with your, I also feel one has a responsibility to our future generations to "keep them in existence". And the current form of existence being demanded from the citizens of Pakistan is not something I would be proud of if my children ask why we continued to stay in Pakistan. Please do not get me wrong, I love my country (or at least used to - today I just like it). But the question I am bound to ask myself (and maybe I am asking the same from the readers), is Pakistan really my country? A great man once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country?" That is precisely the question I am asking, can I really do what my country is asking from me, which in my opinion is to lay the life of my children on the line and try to make Pakistan into a state which was vaguely envision by our Quaid. A vision which may not necessarily be subscribed to my a significant portion (whether majority or minority) of our populace. Whilst I appreciate the efforts of the Pakistani diaspora abroad in bringing their hard earned incomes to our country, I do have my qualms with them as well. You see, the laws of economics suggest that a person is only able to earn when he is able to contribute to a system in a manner which is larger than his rent. I earn my salary because my company is able to extract services from my employment which it considers to be more valuable than my salary. Therefore, just by sitting in a foreign country and sending back your disposable income, you are not helping Pakistan 100%. The real challenge would be to come back to your own country (if you still consider it your own country), and contribute to the GDP of the country and not just the Foreign Exchange reserves. I attach myself to the same concept, the day I decide to leave Pakistan (if ever), will probably be the last day I consider myself as a Pakistani. Any monies I then send back is purely on account of my selfish reason to sustain my own family (parents, siblings, etc) in my country and not for any feelings of obligations I would have for my own country. After the entire series of arguments, the question remains, "To Leave or not to Leave Pakistan?" This question is too wide and too personal to be a topic of any article.

dude | 13 years ago | Reply @donnie "Do you know Pakistan is the only among muslim countries which has the most educated professionals all around the world" Are you Joking..

Adnan Khan | 13 years ago | Reply @SaadH Pakistanis who left the country for economic reasons, have nothing to feel guilty about. Those who find their job prospects severely limited at home, have an obligation to try their luck abroad. But there is a price to pay. . My beef is with that middle-class/elite who makes full use of the highly subsidized educational system of Pakistan (courtesy of the Pakistani tax-payer), in specialized fields like medicine, engineering, etc; and who then turns around and leaves Pakistan for good. By Govt estimates, over 25% of doctors emigrate after receiving their professional degrees. . In my book, these guys are defrauding the state and all of it's citizens. Receiving benefits under false pretenses. He is denying the opportunity to that citizen of the state of Pakistan, who would have stayed, contributed and made a difference. He is a thief. . I would never cast aspersions on the patriotism of expat Pakistanis abroad. Especially those, who are second generation. It is indeed heart-warming and precious, to see love of country transcending distance and time. Adnan Khan

Cherish Raj | 13 years ago | Reply @Saad H: This is world wide web. If we wanna comment, we will.

Saba | 13 years ago | Reply I never wanted to leave - I grew up a patriot as well. I used to get into fights with people defending our country and what we can do for it. Now I have a two-year old. Things started getting really bad when I was about to have him. Schools: unsafe. Mosques: unsafe. School buses/vans: unsafe. Playgrounds: unsafe. Malls/shopping areas: unsafe. A switch inside me flipped. I had to run. I had to run for my son. And I did. And I do not regret it for a second. I left for the better future of my son, for his life. Anyone who has an "option" would do the same. I am on visit here these days. I came for 2.5 months. I came back to visit within a year. It's sad here. I really wish we can find a strong, honest, leader who has integrity to run this country. No reason not to come back.

Zee | 13 years ago | Reply Problem: Political Parties Solution : Land Reform

Saad H | 13 years ago | Reply Also, to all those indians here who have some sort of severe obsession with pakistan and its internal affairs, we don't want to know your ugly thoughts about our country!

Saad H | 13 years ago | Reply I would like to add something, if you do decide to leave Pakistan where would you go? England? The employment situation here isn't much worse than it is in Pakistan, people with masters degrees are sitting here doing nothing simply because the are no jobs! Sure, it's a safer environment, but what use is a safe environment if you have no job? Also, being born and bred outside of Pakistan to expat parents, it hurts me so much when our so called fellow country men call us traitors and bhagora and what not! Sure, my parents saw a better opportunity abroad and took it, but as people have mentioned above, expats are the main reason the pakistani economy still exists! And we are just as patriotic as any other pakistani, if not more!

Waqas | 13 years ago | Reply @Adnan Khan: I think you are out of your mind. You think people working at Gulf countries send 10 billion to Pak! :O I think you need to do reasreach before saying anything on this topic. Working ppl in Middle East do contribute a lot but most of the money comes from US, UK and other mojor countries as their cureencies are far valuable than those in Middle East. "When the middle-class and elite, who made use of the best of the scarce Pakistan’s resources (education, domicile, health) go abroad, they take whatever $$ they have here, with them. So it’s a net loss for the nation. They contribute next to nothing." They do, unless they are leaving Pakistan with their complete family... that means settling in another country. this doesnt happen these days due to strict immigration rules... so most of the people leave Pak do contribute!

Donnie | 13 years ago | Reply @Adnan Khan: From where you got this result that its only labor class who sends the money back to Pakistan????!!!! may be you can just do simple maths... by multiplying the maximum salary of labor with the number of labors outside Pakistan.... I have big doubt with what you say

Adnan Khan | 13 years ago | Reply @show-off: Ex-pats who contribute nearly $10 Billion to Pakistan's exchequer are primarily from the labor class, who send money back to Pakistan. . When the middle-class and elite, who made use of the best of the scarce Pakistan's resources (education, domicile, health) go abroad, they take whatever $$ they have here, with them. So it's a net loss for the nation. They contribute next to nothing. . So hat's off to the working Pakistani, who got the worst end of the deal in Pakistan, yet who is braving 50C temperatures in the Gulf, working in inhumane conditions, all to support his family, back in Pakistan. He is not a phatoo. He is not a bhagora. He is a hero, of Pakistan. . Adnan Khan

Bilal Memon | 13 years ago | Reply Greatly appreciate your input and comments. I dont reply to my own post but this is an exception. To those who think im well-paid, have a good luxurious life and i dont need to leave this country because im set here. Heres my response. True. You are damn right in saying that. But i take this as an opportunity to work for the betterment of society. I have been blessed. But I have been blessed for a purpose. Its upto me to thank God and spread whatever is in my hands to the under privileged. Again, thank you for all the valuable comments.

GodBlessUSA | 13 years ago | Reply @Donnie "Do you know Pakistan is the only among muslim countries which has the most educated professionals all around the world… I dont see chaos made by Pakistanis anywhere, I travel alot."

Donnie | 13 years ago | Reply ABOUT THE TOPIC: Well I really appreciate this writing and all who agrees... But I want to mention here that it will be great great if you use this motivation to do something for the Country... something productive... I have noticed that out young generation dont takes a risk... its the time.. when you can develop your own companies with new ideas... its a huge population, means huge success.... Its one of my dream to have a Pakistani based company among top 10s. Allah bless Pakistan and Pakistanis and all Humans who have good intentions

Donnie | 13 years ago | Reply @rk singh: Mr. rk singh, Will you please tell me what you are referring with "violent urges", you should be careful with what you say. Its only that we dont point out that what anybody else is doing... we never say to any English or Indian that how to live in Europe. I will never do that. They can do whatever they are happy with. And having beard, I can show you as many sikhs having traditional looks, as many jews with beards, as many christians... the only thing is you are obssessed with the media and you feel easy to point fingers on Muslims and specifically on Pakistan for any wrong... its simple way to keep your people calm and follow the big games... Do you know Pakistan is the only among muslim countries which has the most educated professionals all around the world... I dont see chaos made by Pakistanis anywhere, I travel alot. You should correct your information.

Arslan | 13 years ago | Reply Don't loose hope: do you think that if all peoples from what is now one of the major economy in the world, South Korea, didn't 'want to for for the progress' of their country would have mad what it is today ? Obviously not. The Algerian Civil War literally saw the death of 1% of it's population, what were their feelings a the time ? We just have to modify our establishment: this country has the human and natural resources to become a great, achieving, respectable country; as I mentioned South Korea, just know that South Korea economy policy got inspired by Ayub Khan's Pakistan... we just need another great leader guys!

mANI | 13 years ago | Reply @Ad.: very good AD is ghar ki khatir to jaan bhi qurban hai. Long Live Pakistan

Raazi | 13 years ago | Reply So True...Thats the last/ultimate hope of paki citizens if they decided not to leave.

Analyzer | 13 years ago | Reply Bravo! This is how the silent majority feels, but has not been able to do anything to reclaim the land from the self-imposed elite. But there's still hope.

Ad. | 13 years ago | Reply Urdu: "Ghar ki Khatir So Dukh Jheelay, Ghar to akhir apna hai"

Waqas Rasool | 13 years ago | Reply Times will change, Inshallah, but right now, we are just too lazy/afraid to come out of our homes and protest. We deserve this until we change our attitude. Dont complain about leadership, Imran Khan is there, are we there to support him?

rk singh | 13 years ago | Reply

To leave or not to leave Pakistan is not the question. You should leave when the time comes to leave. But where ever you go, be good. Assimilate, patricipate. In a nutshell, be Romans in Rome. Dont be part of "Pakistan-overdone" syndrome.

The visible symbols of Islam are nauseating. The long robes, burqas, beards, skull caps etc are not done thing. If you cannot live without these, Pakistan is the best place for you. I see these kind of signs in India also, mostly recently, which begs the question, are muslims becoming more and more religious nuts? Should religion (whatever may be its greatness) control people so thouroughly that they become nuisence in places like London and Spain where, second generation muslims bring death and destruction on local populace? If muslims cannot control their violent urges they should stay at home where these kind of situations are common. No need of travelling 10,000 miles to wreck havoc there. There are millions of Hindus ans Sikhs in London. Do you find any trouble from them? Ever introspected why????

Maha | 13 years ago | Reply Well said, I am a student I also decided to go aboard for studies but then again I change my mind, love and care from relatives and this country never let me to do so. But yes it true things are so change now it is hard to face so many difficulties everyday. This is for sure that the country is only under Allah Protection. We can only Pray Allah Almighty blesses us all. And still I love Pakistan.

Faisal | 13 years ago | Reply @Hedingen: A political turf war is going on in Karachi. Workers of three parties are currently involved and all the three parties are in power, thus protecting their party members involved in these incidents. Common people are suffering. The leaders of the these parties want to hold on to the coalition for their vested interests. Thus the killings are allowed to happen as only pawns are getting killed and "greater" interests of the party leaders remain intact.

Hedingen | 13 years ago | Reply I have been reading for quite sometime that Karachi is a very volatile city and there is always something or some sort of violence going. As a non Pakistani can someone explain to me as to why? If possible.

Cakeboy | 13 years ago | Reply Wah! patriotism! It feels great, doesn't it? When you have the money to afford the good life. Sub editor on the sports desk. I assume you get paid a good enough salaray. To leave or not to leave Pakistan? I would like to know what your answer would be if you weren't employed like millions in this country. you weren't able to afford the most basic food necessities like wheat, rice or daal, once again like millions in this country. you were living in an area constantly under fire not from terrorists but from target killers and other criminals. you didn't have a home, like millions in thsi country. your relatives were killed in drone strikes, when Osama was comfortably lodging in Abbottabad. This list can go on. It's easy to be patriotic when your belly is full.

shoeb | 13 years ago | Reply am too depressed to comment!!.. all this ranting is useless.....

Nobody | 13 years ago | Reply Very well written and I respect everything you said! As the US born daughter of expats, I still associate myself very strongly with my roots and try to keep up with the goings on in Pakistan. I've been there quite a few times, and I always have an amazing time when I'm there, but over the course of even the last decade the situation has continuously gone from bad to worse, and while I am in no position to tell those who live there to stay there, as I don't go through what they go through day in and day out, I would never encourage the educated and/or hopeful population left to leave and go elsewhere. Too many fellow Pakistani's here push their families in Pak to come to the states and settle here. It's disappointing to see Pakistani's discouraging others who can be contributing members of society to leave there. If ever asked, I'd encourage the opposite, because the future of Pakistan lies more or less with those who haven't given up on it yet, and I plan to hold onto the hope that people like you won't let Pakistan continue the descent into this black abyss of hopelessness and anarchy. I wish you (and the like) the very best! Mad props for staying back man. If ever I can contribute positively to Pakistan and its people (my people!), I'd love to be there, but just haven't quite been able to find a starting point yet. :-\ Here's to hoping I can, cheers!

show-off | 13 years ago | Reply thanks a lot,it was greatness on your part,to not leave this country.indebted nation will never be able to pay you back for the highest sacrifice which you have made by turning down this opportunity.one more privileged fella who is here to show-off...dont forget biggest source of income for Pakistan today are their ex pats,and you seem to compare their case with rats leaving the drowning ship.people who have left the nation have contributed far better than those who have chosen(i doubt),or were forced to stay back.

closedstreet | 13 years ago | Reply Leave and run like hell

deedee | 13 years ago | Reply "Yet I won't leave".....nice to know how much love and faith you have for this country. But tell me one thing...have you ever thought about the future of your family? I mean your wife and kids? Do you want to bring your children up in such a dangerous environment? This is just the reason why people leave in the first place! Its easy for you to say these things about your city and country but not when things change and all you want for your children is a safe environment to live in.

Salman | 13 years ago | Reply I've lived all my life outside of Pakistan and was even born abroad. Yet patriotism was strong and Pakistan was a strong identity for myself. Over the last 6 months I've had a chance to stay in Karachi on and off. I had even been contemplating moving here to give back to my country. But sadly I've let go of the idea. I can't bear to see what is going on. And I feel helpless. I'm sad to say that the people here worry me. The attitude and mentality of people here are both absymal in large. I'd always strongly defended Pakistan abroad but feel like after the Osama incident I have no fight left. Instead of an outcry of why that guy was in our country we have a survey showing 60-70% ppl here believe Osama to be alive. Personally too, I've been let down so much by the government administrations/ offices and people in general that I do not want to come back. I feel sorry for anyone living here who is not of the elite class. The differences are sickening and we are happy keeping the social order ... in that order.

DR MAK | 13 years ago | Reply Ya thats all true and every thing else that is not mentioned in this blog but the fact of the matter is that i am in love with this country and you dont leave some one or some thing when they really need you or in times of despair , i agree there were many sacrifices made to get this country on the world map but there are many more sacrifices required to get this country among the developed nations of this world and if v are not willing to make those sacrifices then no one else would come here and make them for us , ill not leave this country till my last breath cause i dont run away from trouble i stay there and fight , ya that is what i do

Maria | 13 years ago | Reply @M Ali Khan: You Indians really have a problem with obsession. Why don't you just worry about your own future in India and stop posting your nonsense on Pakistani sites. I would still prefer to be in my Pakistan than your India any day. We will overcome all of our challenges and all your gloating will amount to nothing. Pakistan Zindabad.

Krishna | 13 years ago | Reply Instead of being 'Not India' model Pakistan as 'Better India'. Respect diversity, give more autonomy to provinces. Once you the foundation is fixed, rest will take care of itself.

mukesh | 13 years ago | Reply i completly agree with the writer. At least there must be some reason to leave pakistan. If there is some tension in the Khi, then it is in every big city of the world. We have got identity of being pakistani. that's a great feeling. Pakistan Zindabad.

Sajid | 13 years ago | Reply Wrong conclusion.

parvez | 13 years ago | Reply Its all about having an option available to you. What about those who don't have this option ? One of the main reasons we are in the mess we are in, is because our ruling elite have the luxury of an option of a second passport available to them, an exit door always open for them. Their commitment to this country is transitory and therein lies the problem.

Grace | 13 years ago | Reply @Usman: If you believe that, you should also say there is no point in any Muslim coutnry existing. Why not tell that to every Muslim country out there. They all in a bad state. Maybe they should dismantle Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iran , Iraq , Yemen , Bahrain, Kirgizstan as well as Pakistan. Call back the Europeans to take care of the Muslims who can't rule themselves. Sure that's the answer! Get a grip man. Thaty's what the enemies of all Muslim countries want you to think. Muslims can't govern themselves. Work for positive change and work for a better future. Running away isn't the answer. Pray for a better tomorrow but better still work for that change to spite the enemies of Pakistan who are celebrating the turmoil.. We together can show them the real future of Pakistan. The young people of Pakistan will work for change. Wait and see. Pakistan Zindabad.

Phatty | 13 years ago | Reply @Usman: Wake up. Pessimism will lead you nowhere. Instead of nagging about what's going wrong, stand up and do something right. This country has given you an identity. Live up to it.

Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Good one.

M Ali Khan | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistan Zindabad ya Pakistan sey Zinda Bhaag?!

ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply what a hypocrite article.

Saad | 13 years ago | Reply spot on brother.. i am facing the same query except reverse... To return or not to return to Pakistan....

Nurmomad | 13 years ago | Reply Leave, you seem to have the money. Don't discourage those of us who are going to live (and die) here, come what may!! Good bye

worried | 13 years ago | Reply God bless Pakistan

Insaan | 13 years ago | Reply Kick MQM out of the city and then see how peaceful it becomes to live in this city of lights (karachi).

MAD | 13 years ago | Reply I wont leave. I wont be traitor. Me leaving would be extreme disrespect to my grand parents and great grandparents who came here in hopes of living in a country meant for them. I will not dishonor their sacrifice. I was born here and I shall die here.

Speed Akhtar | 13 years ago | Reply You saved yourself from Me by writing "I won’t leave" . :D :D

Munib Rehman Alam | 13 years ago | Reply Nice Article....u should have pointed out the reasons not to leave Pakistan as well...would have elaborated your title!

Paki Expat | 13 years ago | Reply A very famous saying goes "A nation only gets the sort of leaders that it deserves". Hence, our leaders are but a reflection of our own inner self. How ironic that on one hand we had terrible floods in our country but on the other our erstwhile President was conducting a foreign tour. How ironic that a man branded as the world's leading terrorist was found in our country, supposedly without the Government's knowledge. And how ironic that the same Government not only denied any and all knowledge of his existence but now says that it will "warn the US over the Osama raid". If these are the sort of people whom we have elected to office, then we definitely deserve much worse than what we are getting. Amer is absolutely right when he says "May Allah protect Pakistanis not from anyone else but from the same people that rule Pakistan today!" Pakistan Zindabad

Usman | 13 years ago | Reply I was a stupid patriot when I was a kid. But growing up I have slowly realized that there is no point of Pakistan. Every country in the world has some ideals it tries to achieve. Unfortunately for Pakistan, it sometimes has had too many conflicting ideals most of which dont make any sense and sometimes it has none. The country has divided ethnic people all over the region. Balochs, Pathans, Punjabis, Kashmiris on both sides of the border. No wonder the country is a terrible mess. It was built on the basis of dividing people and that is its end. Infact Pakistan was just a fad which is overstaying its welcome. On one hand you have a 50 year old theory dividing people all over the region but held together with the ironfist and brainwashing by the army, and on the other you have the inner desire of a lot of people wanting to be together with their own blood. So many people were tricked into being part of this fantasy but everyone with a bit of sense can see that this is a relationship thats going nowhere. There is going to be a messy divorce. Rant over.

Waqas | 13 years ago | Reply V well written! I'm sitting in office which is at the centre of UK's financial hub (London) and after reading this... you brought tears in my eyes. Although I'm thousands of miles away but I constantly keep an eye on the situation Pak is going through. All my fam is back in Khi and I'm so worried about their safety. I just hope some miracle happens and things get back to normal. :(

piggy | 13 years ago | Reply This is really well-edited

Amer | 13 years ago | Reply Your blog almost brought tears to my eyes! Its so true these days. The youth is really confused since they can't even find the passion to stay in Pakistan, let alone work for it's progress etc. We can't do much as individuals but if we unite for a cause then no one can stop us. Its high time that the youth in Pakistan take things into their own hands just like the youth in Tunisia and Egypt did. There were no leaders in Egypt, there were only martyr & sacrifices that the youth gave, the rest of the nation just joined them. Lasty, I dua everyday, may Allah protect Pakistanis not from anyone else but from the same people that rule Pakistan today!

Maryam | 13 years ago | Reply u know what there was a time not long back when i used to shout n yell on the situation of my country, fake promises by government and bla bla bla but now this is depressing...........now i m sick of all this....i wish and pray to Allah that a bomber kills all of these high level government officials once and for all and then blesses us with someone who actually wants to run the country not their bank accounts. frankly speaking the little self respect we had once is no one........but ofcourse like u i wont leave this country nor will i ever lose hope. we are here to stay and will work together and one day will be proud of ourselves again :)

Fahad Raza | 13 years ago | Reply @Bilal Memon thats the point Man.!! *there were great sacrifices made to bring us to existence and there might still be hope... * and I agree once mind is set to do something by the top executive they do it. Its not only for our government, look at the American President restarting the "Osama hunt" when it was shut down in 2006 by Bush, ended up achieving what he set out to do. We need more people talking about it like you...who don't like to give up.

faizan hanif | 13 years ago | Reply "I was once proud, but today I hardly recognise my country. Yet I won’t leave for one simple reason –there were great sacrifices made to bring us to existence and there might still be hope." I would appreciate if u could also write an article on the last word of your article...... :D

precious | 13 years ago | Reply very well written although i think u might need a hug

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