Combatting xenophobia

We need to develop open-mindedness and inculcate rational and sustained thought processes.

The writer is a former ambassador of Pakistan to Senegal, Greece and Yemen

A wave of xenophobia has been sweeping Pakistan for the last several years. Compounded by religious fanaticism and militancy, this xenophobia has created a toxic mix. The negativity generated is not conducive to forming a healthy society. There prevails a widespread tendency to condemn and denigrate foreigners. It is true that several Western countries have pursued selfish goals, sometimes to our considerable detriment. Yet, this should not lead us to overlook the many positive virtues of the West. We need to distinguish between the narrow pursuit by Western countries of their foreign policies and contrast it to their desirable values of integrity, hard work, law-abidance and tolerance that generally predominate there. Even within their narrow foreign policy goals, they sometimes display a considerable degree of generosity and altruism.

Societies and cultures progress through a fermentation and cross-fertilisation of ideas and aesthetics. In today’s world, a society cannot afford to become reclusive. Contacts with foreign cultures would result in the amelioration of defects marring our own society. In my opinion, the alteration of Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is the most salutary example in modern times of induced change for the better.

Mankind is moving towards the actualisation of universal values and ideals. Foremost amongst these is commitment to truth. Just look dispassionately and see whether or not such a commitment prevails amongst our masses. The answer would be in the negative. Despite the odium of colonialism, British rule in the subcontinent had a number of positive aspects. It bequeathed to us the immensely important legacy of the rule of law, modern jurisprudence, valuable legal concepts, a strong administrative structure, constitutionalism, sound management and business practices, an extensive railways and canals network, modern medicine and an effective air force, navy and army. In the long sweep of history, the balance between the advantages and the drawbacks of colonial rule would be hard to evaluate.

In its basic fundamentals, Western civilisation rests upon sustained, logic-based reasoning and thought. Its underlying strength is bolstered by its great institutions of learning . These have attained immense strides in furthering knowledge, critical thought and path-breaking discoveries. The West has reached outer space, as well as plunged the depths of subatomic particles and matter.


Many of us, who have been fortunate enough to study in their citadels of learning, are in a good position to utilise the knowledge and skills thus gained in bettering our own country. The benefits of this learning and the impact it has on our progress cannot be quantified. It would not be too far-fetched to say that without this exposure to Western knowledge, our functioning as a state and economy would not be possible. Although few in relative numbers, the men and women educated on elite Western lines keep industry, banking and other vital national institutions functioning. No monetary price can be put on such national gains.

It is essential that we build a modern, progressive and tolerant country. We need to develop open-mindedness and inculcate rational and sustained thought processes over and above our traditional predilection for poetry and aphorism. Rigid and dogmatic minds cannot lead to salutary progress and development. We must shun xenophobia.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27th, 2013.

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