Opinion

Optimism is not passé

Quatrina Hosain May 24, 2010

Cynicism should be the purview of a few select few, whose jobs require them to take everything with a pinch of salt — like traffic policemen, bank loan officers and debt collectors. But when did cynicism become a national characteristic? And why are we so angry all the time? And sadly, it is the younger generation that seems to be the most jaded, angry and cynical of us all.

As a teenager, I took my identity as a Muslim and as a Pakistani for granted. Yet today, almost every young person I meet is looking to define their identity — an identity they feel is under threat and they feel obligated to defend. It all changed on 9/11. A group of 19 hijackers split the world irrevocably into two camps, best exemplified by George Bush’s infamous “either you are with us or against us” speech. Never mind that all 19 hijackers were Arabs. It was Afghanistan that housed Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda.

But today Pakistan is considered to be the most dangerous place in the world and a breeding ground for international terrorists. No wonder we feel resentful and defensive.

Ask someone what makes them happy and you will be greeted with a blank stare. Somewhere down the road, we have lost our ability to smile, laugh and enjoy life despite the challenges it throws us.

Sure we have plenty to be disconsolate about. If I were to make a list of everything wrong with our lives, I would run out of space in this column. And if I were to make a list of everything going right, I would be done with the list in a few words. Or would I? At the heart of the matter is the fact that being perceived as optimistic is passé. It is seriously unfashionable to be naive and idealistic. But without ideals, we are nothing. Without optimism, we cannot grow. And without happiness, we cannot live, we can merely exist.

Without idealism, we will lose the battle. I am still optimistic that the battle has not been lost. We can change the world or our corner of it anyway. Who cares if the world wants to paint us as global terrorists? We know we are not jihad central. We are warm, generous and affectionate people. We care for our elders, we love our children and we look after our own. Let’s recall how we all rose to the occasion in October 2005.

The earthquake killed thousands in Azad Kashmir and northern Pakistan and the country was galvanised into action. We put aside ethnic and sectarian considerations and worked together as Pakistanis. So let’s not allow others to define us. We have to define ourselves.

The first is to take a good long look at ourselves as individuals. I, for one, am sick and tired of the constant moaning and groaning that is becoming our national hobby. I say it’s time to fight back and reclaim our lives. I have started by making a mental list of all the things I have to be grateful for, including even the most mundane things that bring me happiness. You will be surprised at how many things will be on your list. Let’s smile again and spread the word. Happiness is contagious and idealism addictive. Have a great day!

Published in the Express Tribune, May 25th, 2010.

COMMENTS (30)

Niaz Ali | 14 years ago | Reply I am impressed at the level of intelect and passion. Mr. Malick I went to you blog and read your writings elsewhere as well. It is very saddening to note that intellectuals like you have to remain on the margins. ‘Les extremes se touchent,’ goes a well-wrought French phrase. The value of this insight has not escaped a growing number of contemporary critics of what can be called a kind of marriage between postmodernism and religious fundamentalism. Recent writers like Meera Nanda in her book Prophets Facing Backward have explored the relationship between postmodern critiques of science and the rise and proliferation of religious fundamentalisms, arguing that the critique of scientific rationality that postmodern thinkers put forth as a left-wing attack on social domination and power goes hand in hand with right-wing political and cultural projects. Reading both of your comments I am reminded of another book "Fashionable nonesense" by Alan Sokal and Jean Bricmont. Both of these writers have skilfully picked apart the nonsensical approach of postmodern thinkers to science and mathematics, revealing postmodern thought as lacking any understanding of science or scientific rationality and therefore possessing no real ability to make a substantive critique of it. The reason I mention these writers because you seem to share a common concern to defend reason and science from the dismissive approach of postmodern thought (let's all be happy - optimisim will lead us to success). And there is something to be said for this new defence of rationality, the Enlightenment and even science as a means to revive a left political discourse that can reclaim the political project dedicated to political equality, human rights and social justice. I am a student at Stanford University and I also remember watching your YouTube piece when Gen. Musharaff came here to dishonor our nation. Please keep these journalists honests- even if you have to stay at the margin.

Malik Rashid | 14 years ago | Reply A wonderful list we have. A secular, democratic country where civilians rule. I don't know how the poor, unarmed civilians could grab power from those who hold missiles, guns and nukes. The country is Islamic, because they want it to be, and democracy song plays on request of the generals. Helplessness must not overtake us because some distant galaxy cannot be conquered right away. Education is most important for any change that we might encounter. Pakistanis have been corrupted by ignorance and orthodoxy. Only rational thinking people could impact their own future. Perhaps 18th century French had better literacy than we have in Pakistan today. A network of libraries and self-help adult literacy centers could give birth to the first democratic, secular and civil structures we desire. The goal of gender equality must be impressed upon the poor, working folks as they step into these centers. Single-earner family cannot survive and both husband and wife must work while their little ones are cared for. These centers could serve multiple purpose of education for adults, vocational training/advise, child-care and social networking. Instead of seeking high political goals that require lot more power than we have, an hour a day volunteering by educated, middle-class could make big difference if done consistently, devotedly, with modest goals in mind. Respect. Peace.

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Ibrahim Sajid Malick | 14 years ago | Reply “We must reform society before we can reform ourselves,” said George Bernard Shaw. And, Gandhi is famous for saying: "you must be the change you wish to see in the world.” It seems conversation here is oscillating between these two poles. Trust me, this is not a new debate. Quatrina has raised valid questions – can “attitude” change our situation. I firmly believe that "when we change the way we look at things," the things we look at change. I agree that in our inter-personal interactions, our attitude can make all the difference. When you think positively about someone, you will find yourself steering away from quarrels over petty annoyances. And, yes I agree that a life built on gratefulness pays its own rewards. It’s wonderful to be grateful. But can I change “Pakistan” by looking at it differently? Those who are more spiritual than me we would say, “yes.” But I will leave meta-physics aside because we all seem to agree that we need change. And, that’s a good point of departure. We would agree that change comes from “movement,” of some sort. Inertia does not yield change. This leads us to the second logical step in decision tree: “what type of movement?” Should our movement focus on economic concerns, such as the labor movement or should we focus more on less materialistic qualities of life (women’s movement, the ecology movement, and various peace movements). Are we talking about diverse array of collective action that can presumably displace the old “student, labor, peasant” alliance (talba, mazdoor aur kissan). Or can we somehow integrate the growing middle class with “student, labor, peasant” alliance. Is a movement for the emancipation of women not aligned with actions that focus on economic concerns? That brings us to another challenge Quatrina has posed here: make a list ☺ I see some lists emerging and this a good start. Democracy, secularism, civilian rule should absolutely top the list. I see a suggestion that education is fundamental and I would agree with this stipulation as well. We can keep making this list and send it to North Pole but Santa Clause will bring nothing. In my humble opinion we should ask: “how do we get moving?” Cheers, Ibrahim Sajid Malick New York

umair | 14 years ago | Reply Good article as usual. Keep it up.

baloch | 14 years ago | Reply i agree with ibrahim, ghaffar and azhar. army is our problem. journalists are so corrupt that they want to distract us because they serve army's interest. get army out of politics, get islam out of politics. you want my list? ONLY ONE item: Peoples of Republic of Pakistan get rid of Islam from our country's name.

Arshad Alvi | 14 years ago | Reply I am also reproducing the text posted elsewhere for discussion's sake.....:- " If I were Chief of Army Staff, having seen the fate of previous “DICTATORS”, I would act on the request of the Supreme Court if called upon to do so and take following actions rather than imposing another martial law:- Immediately arrest and put behind the bars all 8500 persons required by the NAB. Ensure that they are not released by any one unless tried by the courts of law. I would meanwhile let Prime Minister Gilani to continue as such. Advise Prime minister to take necessary steps to identify and bring all those dignitaries / elites found involved in corruption / fake degrees and bring them to justice and get their cases decided on priority so that all those convicted are debarred from participating in future elections and holding of any ppublic office. Request the Suppereme Court along with Islamic Nazriati Counsil to point out flaws in our constitution specially those articles which are conflicting with the Islamic teashings, such as immunity of President, education level of parliamentarians as Islam lays down a lot of emphasis on education. The first aya was Iqra be-ism-e Rabb-e-kalla-zee….. along with hadiths on the subject. Uneducated assemly carries out lagislature and creates problems for the Supreme court in interpretation and implementation etc etc. If need be, we can have two assemblies, an educated one for legislature and the other for general administration in their respective constituencies Having done all these in a period of six months or so, advise PM to nominate a caretaker government for an interim period of three to four months and hold General Elections in which only those persons are allowed to participate who are havin clean record and are good administrators.

Arshad Alvi | 14 years ago | Reply I am appending below the text I had written somewhere in reply to someone at "apnaface.pk". I thought it appropritate to place it here also as I feel the contents of discussions here are too relevant and written by patriotic and balanced people. " I agree with whatever has been written on the subject above. The major wrong thing is our wrong intentions in interpretation of the things whether they are written in the constitution or in the shariah. We go wrong when we star tinterpreting the things in our persola favour rather than seeing them in their true perspective. Second major aspect is that goverment will never come to our homes and groom our children and ourselves too. There are two major aspects of our life. One is education and the other and the most important is TARBIYAT. Bothe of these start from our homes. Our children do what ever they see arorund them and the first ones to be seen are the parents, so it is most important first of all we must mend our own ways and start acting on Islam. It is only after three or four years that our children start going for academic education in schools but they still spend their major portion of time with their families hence the aspect of TARBIYAT is to be looked after by the parents themselves. Muhammad (SAW) was messenger of Allah right from the day of his birth but what was the reason that he was allowed to declare his prophethood after 40 years?? It was only whn he had proved to the people through his personal AMAAL and personal example that he is the best in deeds and that was the time that people would listen to him and follow him. It is very esssential that we start the things from our homes and within that from MYSELF.......... Government can never be held responsible for TARBIYAT, they may be responsible for providing educational and other basic facilities to all. As far as enforcement of Islam is concerned, way of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is very clearly written in the history, it was never through voilence. It is always from your heart. Clean your hearts first.........

Azhar | 14 years ago | Reply Ms. Quatrina, Here is my list; 1- expose army generals and make sure there is never another martial law 2- expose politicians who steal our resources and never elect them again 3- fire journalists who toe the line of ISI As Mr. Ibrahim has said, " These people are the real terrorists of the land; they deserve to be caught, imprisoned and punished for the way in which they are corroding the economy of Pakistan, and by their ill devised foreign policy diluting our brand in the world." please take note of my list. I dare you to do an expose' of ISI

Ghaffar Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Madam you have asked "Can we start by listing what we want our Pakistan to be?" 1- Secular, democratic country 2- Pakistan should be a country characterized by the emphasis on liberty, equality, fraternity and democracy, highlighted by the chartered democratic principles. 3- The fabric of Pakistani society should be the result of 'unity in diversity' and a belief in 'power vested in the common man.' 4- the power vested by the government in its people and vice versa 5- Army should be subservient to the citizens and obey civilian rule 6- A country with equal opportunities for all 7- religion should be a personal decision and have no place in public sphere These are the seven points for me... what do u think?

zameer | 14 years ago | Reply This is an interesting and naive article. It sounds religious - just be happy and Allah will help :-) that is sheikh chilli thinking. next time when i see a hungry person i will tell "if you are optimistic things will change." bibi if our situation can change by just thinking positive that there will no miseries in this world. listen to what ibrahim is saying: "Look closer at these robbers and you will find them in military uniforms, parliament, senate and cabinets. These corrupt elite of Pakistan are responsible for not only destroying economy but their adventurism has put us in harms way." instead of pontificating about how we should feel if u r really a journalist expose army generals who steal our sugar. expose isi people who fund fundamentalists and also take money from americans.

Ali Imran | 14 years ago | Reply This is the core problem with Pakistan everyone knows about it but no body takes it seriously and now this is not even a "hot" issue to talk about in the media. Ignorance at its best! People young or old will never see a better Pakistan until they fight for it. It goes like this... Pakistan suffers not only from decadent feudalism but also from the primitive tribal system. The landlord, by virtue of his ownership and control of such vast amounts of land and human resources, is powerful enough to influence the distribution of water, fertilisers, tractor permits and agricultural credit and, consequently exercises considerable influence over the revenue, police and judicial administration of the area. The landlord is, thus, lord and master. Such absolute power can easily corrupt, and it is no wonder that the feudal system there is humanly degrading. The system, which some critics say is parasitical at its very root, induces a state of mind which may be called the feudal mentality. This can be defined as an attitude of selfishness and arrogance on the part of the landlords. It is all attitude nurtured by excessive wealth and power, while honesty, justice, love of learning and respect for the law have all but disappeared. Having such a mentality, when members of feudal families obtain responsible positions in civil service, business, industry and politics, their influence is multiplied in all directions. Indeed the worsening moral, social, economic and political crisis facing Pakistan can be attributed mainly to the powerful feudal influences operating. Almost half of Pakistan's Gross National Product and the bulk of its export earnings are derived primarily from the agricultural sector controlled by a few thousand feudal families. Armed with a monopoly of economic power, they easily pre-empted political power. To begin with, the Pakistan Muslim League, the party laying Pakistan's foundation 60 years ago, was almost wholly dominated by feudal lords such as the Zamindars, Jagirdars, Nawabs, Nawabzadas and Sardars, the sole exception being the Jinnahs. Pakistan's major political parties are feudal-oriented, and more than two-thirds of the National Assembly (Lower House) is composed of this class. Besides, most of the key executive posts in the provinces are held by them. Through the 50s and the 60s the feudal families retained control over national affairs through the bureaucracy and the armed forces. Later on in 1972, they assumed direct power and retained it until the military regained power recently. Thus, any political observer can see that this oligarchy, albeit led by and composed of different men at different times, has been in power since Pakistan's inception. This feudal elite has migrated into politics, where it exerts huge influence. And just as the heartlessness of feudal and capitalist barons in the 19th century created space for Communists, so in Pakistan this same lack of compassion for ordinary people seems to create space for Islamic extremists. ‘’This feudal system has made the people of Pakistan pathetic.’’

Shams Hamid | 14 years ago | Reply This is an interesting debate of "how to transform pessimism of Pakistani youth into a healthy optimism". We all know that army, bureaucracy and politician have failed the nation, and they killed the idea that south Asian Muslims constitute a nation, and they led to its division into Pakistan for majority Muslim, and Bangladesh for another majority Muslim population. Despite the failure of Pakistani establishment in developing the nation, they have succeeded in accumulating power for themselves and instilled a deep fear in the masses. Masses feel helpless in fighting the establishment hence they feel pessimism. Apparently there are no political grass-root movement. Therefore, I believe, like millions of others, that knowledge is the only solution to all the challenges of Pakistan. Syed wrote about "will to power" and how Iqbal has tried to broadcast that to the south Asian Muslim community who were suffering from deep pessimism due to British colonial rule to liberate them from their pessimism. Iqbal picked up this idea from Nietzsche who had been living through the similar social environment marked by bigotry, corruption and deep helplessness. Schopenhaur's surrender to the pessimism of that age resulted in his dictum "will to live". He found the universal will so strong and oppressive for the individual that he saw no hope at all except to barely survive (because of life instinct) without any other aim. Nietzsche shared Schopenhaur's sentiments for a while, however, he overcame that with the realization that despite the fact that social/political/religious/cultural/economic institutions are much stronger than individual's will, yet individual’s will is also ever-present. Remember, Satan, in paradise lost, tells God that I know You are most powerful and I am nothing before You, yet I have my will, and even You cannot take that away from me as long as I exist. The individual's realization of choice empowers her, and it helps her transcend the pessimism. The realization of choice also leads to acceptance of the responsibility for the choice. Ibrahim and Syed both pointed out that Iqbal has the solution to overcome our pessimism and I agree with them both. I believe we need to work on providing healthy education in Pakistan. Open more schools and either close or transform madarsas.

Dr. Mairaj | 14 years ago | Reply Xanax may work in reducing our anxiety but not depression. I am thinking a boat load of Prozac. To be honest, why don't we legalize hashish. That will help reduce tension and make us very very happy. Mr. Rashid I like your comment about Bangladesh. I think you have located our problem to it's root. We need to go back to 1971 and look at all the arocities we did against poor Bengalis and apologize to them. We should after that help our army get off the pedastal and go back to the barracks. Mr. Ibrahim is right we need to remember ayub-yahya-zia-mush quad and never let these tyrants ever rule us again. peace

Zahid Sheikh | 14 years ago | Reply I fully agree with Quatrina Hosain. Let’s stop blaming and complaining and try to take some small steps towards the change. Let’s become the change we want to see. We should practice what we preach around. Change is a law of nature and that is truth in action. Plant a tree, help the poor, add some happy dimension to your life and spread it across the world. Ever heard this anecdote? “Walking down the lane Jim saw a manhole, and said to Ted walking by his side that there was nothing commendable that the government was doing. They discussed it for over two hours stopping only when they saw a child fall in the manhole. It set Jim wondering if his doing something could have spared the child this hurt. But all he had done was criticizing the government!” Our basic tendency is reflected in this incident. After all the bureaucracy, army and politicians have not landed from Mars, they are from amongst us, Pakistanis.

rehan | 14 years ago | Reply Talking of TV hosts.None of our GIANTS could pin down Hillary Clinton.And Qatrina to be very straight,the interview you did with Commando Mush(PTV I think)as President was probably the easiest of his life!

rehan | 14 years ago | Reply Next time our PM goes to Hunza lake ,Qatrina please hand him over this Xanax.The River Hunza flows into Indus,and Indus through the whole Pakistan.It will be a good "relieVE" package.

Quatrina | 14 years ago | Reply I am indeed glad we have this debate going. But to Feroz -- a wry smile! I wish anti-depressants were the answer! Then all we have to do is add Xanax to the water supply! But there is plenty to be optimistic about. Pakistan is an incredibly resilient country. Mr Malik Rashid mentions 1971 when our nation was torn apart. We survived, albeit limpingly though our pride was indeed crushed. But I am still not hearing solutions. We can continue to blame the army, the politicians and the bureaucracy (and TV hosts myself included!). But let's look for solutions. Can we start talking about a grassroots movement identifying what we want? Can we start by listing what we want our Pakistan to be? I promise you I will continue to read your comments and take the debate to television to reach more of us. Keep thinking and writing. And thanks for reading!

rehan | 14 years ago | Reply Qatrina,I was actively involved in the 2005 relief/rescue work in Balakot sector.I witnessed US troops being very impressed by the relief effort being undertaken by one of the 'banned'religious outfits.On inquiring about the group ,they were told its name.They didn't say anything.The point I'm trying to make is linked with Feroz Ahmed's.Atleast for the time being and many years to come,the OPTIMISTIC kitty of Pakistan is empty,otherwise many such gestures (and there is no dearth even today..look at Edhi,a Guiness record holder,Pakistani)could have done us good long time ago."FAISAL SHAHZAD AND HIS LIKE, SELL".

Feroz Ahmad | 14 years ago | Reply Quatrina Your anti depressent must be working. Otherwise u cannot be optimist. There is nothing in pakistanto make me optimist.

Naseem | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Mr. Huda, what do you mean: "They are mostly not interviewing the guests but investigating them." I don't think pakistani media does any investigating at all. please explain. there is very little in pakistan to appreciate.

Huda | 14 years ago | Reply Ms.Quatrina Hosain, representing the youth of Pakistan I thank you unequivocally for addressing an issue that should be of principal importance, but fatefully it is never been confabulated. We certainly need to encompass optimistic approach in all aspects of our lives. I agree to Mr. Ibrahim Sajid Malick that these bureaucrats, politicians and other influential office holders have been corroding not only our economy but also the soul of our nation. Our media has also played an important role in this decadent process. Hosts now seem to have their own perception on everything, which is being imposed throughout the show. They are mostly not interviewing the guests but investigating them. Worst fact is that our media has shown us as a backward, aggressive and frustrated nation. Undoubtedly we accept that our media has also been creating awareness among the public but we truly need to start appreciating small good that is been done around us. Appreciation, encouragement and acknowledgement can bring our confidence and contentment back. Regards

Malik Rashid | 14 years ago | Reply "Happiness is desirable in itself and never for the sake of something else. Honor, pleasure, reason, and every virtue we choose indeed for themselves, but we choose them also for the sake of happiness, judging that by means of them we shall be happy. Happiness, on the other hand, no one chooses for the sake of these, nor, in general, for anything other than itself. Happiness, then, is something final and self-sufficient."-Aristotle Ms.Hosain, I remember somebody telling me that happiness is a perfume you can't pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself. I am in full agreement that one could be happy despite all challenges. Ibrahim Sajid Malick presents a vivid picture of the miserable mindset of anger, anxiety and want of honor because we find the state and society in a profound crisis. For someone who lived as long as I have, the crisis began before 9/11. Just to put another date for reference 16/12, 1971 crushed pride of many. Religious extremism in Pakistan has grown to such proportion that recent outburst against Facebook was an exclusively Pakistani affair. It is not the airports only where Pakistanis stand alone. Lessons learned over six decades are quite valuable and forces that perpetuated thievery and brutality are desperately perturbed. Journey from wilderness to society takes time. Vigor expressed on this board cheers me up. Thanks.

Syed Mohammad Saleem | 14 years ago | Reply I totally agree with Mr. Ibrahim that our youth lack self-esteem. He correctly invoked Iqbal as Iqbal spent all his life trying to inspire muslims of south asia to learn the will to power in order to break away from their years of pessimism due to subjugation by britishers. I am sad that Iqbal's project failed to complete despit independence from britishers because that did not led Pakistan to break the shackles of colonialism completely, instead soon the army establishment reighned in the liberated soul of Pakistanis. We need many leaders like Mr. Ibrahim who understand Iqbal's message to lead us through our independence from the colonial rule of our new kala angraiz in uniform.

Saalik Siddikki | 14 years ago | Reply Thank you very much Ms Quatrina Hosain for reverting with more insight. I fully agree that 'first we have to INDIVIDUALLY fight our own depression at the state of affairs instead of just complaining about it. At least that's what I have been doing personally for some time and preaching it as well. But I expect your grace also to agree that only individual positive thinking can not change the 'system' even in the next two hundred years. There has to be a collective struggle to dislodge the arrogant, pitiless, shameless and inhuman pharaohs from their strongholds. The only question of 60 million dollars is how to achieve this? In my humble opinion, this debate must continue in the print and electronic media without being emotional or biased. We need thinkers, not mere speakers, and analysts to accomplish this task. Our case is quite different from that of America and Europe. They opted to transform their societies from upper level to downward and they achieved what their elders had perceived. We are different in that we have not been fortunate enough to have a substitute of Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Rahmat-Allah-alaih). Our so called (pseudo)leaders shamelessly expect and demand us to offer sacrifices while they themselves are devouring the roots of Pakistan's economy and resources. Here I would like to quote Bilawal Zardari's historical statement that 'democracy is the best revenge.' Yes, he was right they are determined to take revenge from masses of Pakistan including their own voters and supporters through the nicotine-pills of democracy. Hell with such democracy. We need change, both at individual and national levels, that could ensure all the privileges for each and every Shoka, Billoo, Peeno and Chhotta! Thank you Mr. Majeed Shaikh for your invigorating comment that has elevated my spirits.

Nusrat Ali | 14 years ago | Reply Allah said that pessimism is a sin. Ummah today is not pessimist we are realist. Because of the onslaught of kafeerun we have to be on guard. That looks to some as pessimism. No one can be more optimistic than a Momin... who knows that Allah (SWT) has nothing but heaven for us.

Majeed Shaikh | 14 years ago | Reply I really, really like this debate. I like the article and both of the comments very much. THIS IS WHAT WE CALL REAL JOURNALISM. I say bye bye DAWN and Hello- Tribune! Please keep up this great thread. And, yes Mr. Siddikki and Malick both deserve full length columns here as well. Mr. Siddikki I read your blogs and you are a great thinker. Ms. Hosein, please continue what you have started.

Quatrina | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Mr Siddikki Thanks for your comments. I agree that its is the army, bureaucracy and politicians who are pushing young people and others into a state of national depression. I see that as a self-evident truth, which is why I didn't reiterate this. We all know what the problem is. The burning question is what we want to do about it. Of course we need an action agenda. But first we have to INDIVIDUALLY fight our own depression at the state of affairs instead of just complaining about it. We need to be optimistic that things will change and then make that change happen. What should the agenda be? What do you think it should be? Let's get some concrete suggestions from everyone. Let's start talking about HOW we can make things improve. But don't forget the list of things that make us happy. I practice what I preach. Otherwise I would sink into a morass of apathy and self-pity. Let's get the discussion going on this thread. And to Ibrahim Malick, great comments.

Saalik Siddikki | 14 years ago | Reply Further expressing my heartfelt appreciation of Ms. Quatrina's initiative in starting a dialogue on one of the most volatile issues, I owe a word of gratitude to Mr. Ibrahim Sajid Malick for voicing the silent shouts of millions of Pakistanis who are sacrificing their basic rights at the altar of the interests, benefits, advantages, perks, luxuries and survival of the oppressors. Mr. Malick's comments are actually a full length article that must find a space in The Express Tribune separately. His insight and analysis of the real problem deserve further discussions. I am sanguine Ms. Quatrina Hosain would honour her readers with detailed and analytical articles in the future.

Ibrahim Sajid Malick | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Ms. Hosein, You have asked pertinent questions and many of us have also wondered why is it that Pakistanis have become so overly sensitive? Why are we so easily offended? Why do we get provoked so quickly? Why do we become angry and defensive? Where is all the angst and anxiety coming from? Allama Iqbal told us: “Khudi ko kar boland itna” but the stewards of Pakistan (Ayub-Yahya-Zia-Musharaff) led us to a ditch where we find our youth with inadequate self-esteem. We find ourselves in a state of profound crisis. It is a complex, multi-dimensional crisis whose facets touch every aspect of our lives ---- our health and livelihood, the quality of our environment and our social relationships, our ideology (faith, beliefs, religion), our economy, technology, and politics. It is a crisis of intellectual, moral, and spiritual dimensions. You are absolutely right that 9/11 has changed many things. In the past ten years Pakistanis have been erroneously stigmatized as terrorists. Many of us have personally felt the wrath of suspicion. Without going into details, it is an understatement to say “9/11 changed our lives.” There is no denying that ‘special’ treatment are afforded at the airports and elsewhere are due to our name and country of origin. It is very tempting and easy to view the conflict in Muslim-Christian/Jewish framework. And, that is what Pakistani millenials do. But they are wrong. Why is it that Muslims from Qatar or Oman: Muslims from India, Bangladesh, Malaysia or Indonesia are not under scrutiny? Why is it that a Pakistani has to go through “enhanced” security measures at American and European airports while Muslims of many other countries walk with their heads high? If we are judged by the company we keep ask yourself why we are in the company of Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria, Libya and Syria? I wonder what is common among these nations? In my opinion these countries are defined by the absence of mature governance model and corrupt, uneducated, greedy leadership. Why is that we don’t have highly educated Pakistanis in parliament and cabinets? I would agree with Mr. Siddikki that we need to be cognizant of the sins of "bureaucracy, army and politicians." I believe in past six decades we have nourished a culture that protects and respects illiterate thieves- not only in politics but also business. A handful of privileged and filthy rich Pakistanis collude to artificially raise prices of important commodities like sugar and cotton. I always wonder how a nation in the throes of one war and a half on two fronts, an undernourished, calamity stricken nation like Pakistan condones such behavior on the part of a few rich, self-interested people. These people are the real terrorists of the land; they deserve to be caught, imprisoned and punished for the way in which they are corroding the economy of Pakistan, and by their ill devised foreign policy diluting our brand in the world. Look closer at these robbers and you will find them in military uniforms, parliament, senate and cabinets. These corrupt elite of Pakistan are responsible for not only destroying economy but their adventurism has put us in harms way. No wonder our youth is unhappy, bitter and blue. Hopelessness and pessimism are pathologies that are contracted from surroundings. Watch your news channels (of course not your show) and you quickly realize that these famous anchors read poisonous narratives written on their teleprompts. These narratives are framed by those with vested interests as Mr. Siddiqkki said: "bureaucracy, army and politicians." But I am glad you had the courage to start this thread. Cheers, Ibrahim Sajid Malick New York

Saalik Siddikki | 14 years ago | Reply I hold the writer in high regards and appreciate her point of view on the subject that is, indeed, one of the burning issues particularly for today's Pakistani youth. Being a big-mouth advocate of positive thinking I agree with her that 'it's time to fight back and reclaim our lives.' However, she skipped, perhaps erroneously, suggesting any applicable solution of the problem. Simply making a mental list of things we have to be grateful for is definitely a positive thought, not an agenda to reform the bureaucratic and political sins being committed by power-holders to keep the masses deprived and backward. She is a bold and blunt lady, but, to my chagrin, she has expressed a myopic view of the identity problem of today's youth. I don't understand why she has evaded the truth that the bureaucracy, army and politicians are responsible for this crisis that is pushing our young men and women to the edge of mental collapse. Anyway, writing on this subject is itself a positive step that needs to be appreciated. I look forward to reading a series of more in-depth articles by her.

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Colin Jost delivers inappropriate jokes about wife Scarlett Johansson on SNL while she watches

Updated 8 hours ago

Colin Jost reads Michael Che’s inappropriate jokes about Scarlett Johansson on SNL, sparking backstage reactions.
Blake Lively’s lawsuit reveals 5 biggest allegations against Justin Baldoni

Updated 8 hours ago

Blake Lively accuses Justin Baldoni of harassment, retaliation, and smear tactics in five detailed allegations.
Mark Zuckerberg clarifies rumors about underground bunker in Hawaii

Updated 9 hours ago

Mark Zuckerberg addresses rumors about his Hawaii bunker, emphasizing sustainable ranching.
Colleen Hoover, author of It Ends With Us, supports Blake Lively in lawsuit against Justin Baldoni

Updated 10 hours ago

Colleen Hoover praises Blake Lively’s honesty and kindness after she files lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.