Parsis in Pakistan

At one point in history, it was easy to call the Parsi community of Pakistan our own. However, now, friends from our Parsi community are increasingly choosing to leave the country due to the instability faced here, according to a recent report in this newspaper. The group’s fears about its vulnerability as a community, as well as the fears of other minority communities, call for deep introspection by the Pakistani society on what it needs to do to make Parsis and other smaller communities feel safer and at home. This country is their home; the community has dedicated precious resources, particularly in Karachi, to provide schools, colleges, hospitals, and other facilities.

The dwindling population of minority and other communities is a tragedy for a country that was once so diverse, not to mention beautiful, that it attracted droves of tourists. This community whose ancestors have been present in the area for much longer than members of many other communities, is emigrating from the country it once helped build. While there are some old-time families still around, we need to work to make this country, once again, a friendly and welcoming place for all to live. Of course, this sounds like a lofty dream given the current state of intolerance and rampant discrimination in the country, both by citizens and terrorist outfits at different levels. We talk against the culture of families keeping armed guards but fail to critically analyse why some choose to keep them, not realising the grand threat to their safety and well-being, particularly if they belong to a minority group.

Unlike those in authority, the Parsi community has genuinely worked for the people. The name of Ardeshir Cowasjee and his philanthropic efforts and achievements for Karachi come to mind. Today, we search for another voice from a minority community that is brave enough to take a stand against injustice and government oppression, but we understand the vast difficulties and fears faced by minorities in light of widespread terrorism, discrimination and threats to safety.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th,  2015.

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