An open letter to Humans of New York’s Brandon

Dear Brandon,

As I’m sure you are aware by now, Pakistan is a complex country. It is a diverse nation which hosts an array of individuals who come from varied backgrounds. However, despite having a heterogeneous population of approximately 190 million people, the story of Pakistan has been defined by the like-minded few.

These minority persons, who have unfortunately acted as brand ambassadors of the country since at least the past decade, are those who believe and propagate their very own version of faith. And in the name of their distorted version of an otherwise peaceful religion, they have maimed, killed and bombed innocent people. Their actions sparked a severe backlash from all quarters. While this criticism may not be entirely undeserving, the disheartening reality is that no matter what the rest of Pakistan accomplishes, its identity continues to be blemished because of the heinous deeds of a few fanatics.

And it is in times like these when you, my dear, compassionate fellow human being, made an entrance in to the saga that is Pakistan. One can be a reductionist and say that all you do is take pictures. However, those who throw oversimplified statements like that fail to grasp the manner in which your pictures and the stories they encapsulate, change perceptions.

Brandon, you are a Godsend. I’m not sure even you understand the enormity of what you have accomplished through your visit to Pakistan. For the past 15 years or so, my country has received nothing but bad press. And I’m not one to deny that everything aired on television or the internet is wrong in its entirety. However, all I am saying is that is not the whole truth, not by far.

Brandon, it is true that my country, like any other country in the world, is filled with horrible people who do dreadful things. My state has been known to make stupid decisions too. However, there is so much good here as well. There are such good souls here; people who restore one’s faith in humanity. There is always another side to things, and you my friend, are showing the world that side. You are doing us (Pakistanis) such a huge service. You cannot possibly know how much your arrival and the resultant pictures mean to us. My country is beautiful, Brandon. A million thanks to you for showing the world our other side.

Forever in your debt — this comes straight from the heart.

A Pakistani

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2015.