The need of the hour is that every person must have equal access to all the opportunities
ISLAMABAD: Parochialism is indeed inherently wrong and unethical, but it continues in our society. It is also gaining grounds in different public sector organisations, but those who are in authority do not realise the insidious nature of racism, ethnocentrism and parochialism.
Like many others, I take every opportunity to speak out when others are denied equal access and treatment on one pretext or another.
Ideally, we should all stand up against prejudice and discrimination of any kind, but many people may not be motivated to change their belief systems until they realise its negative impacts on their own lives. Racism, ethnocentrism and parochialism inadvertently hurt everyone, for several different reasons.
Prejudices of religion, sect, race, ethnicity, region or province destroy the foundation of humanity and national integration. All the divisions in this country are caused by these prejudices, but who cares. People in authority have never learnt how best to work for the good of humanity and national integration which is why their prejudice may never be abolished. The seeds of love, human harmony, brotherhood and national integration should be sown in the hearts of men and women in this land.
In order to fully realise our capacity and potential as human beings and Pakistanis, the need of the hour is that every person must have equal access to all the opportunities.
Hashim Abro
Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2019.
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