Do we even know what revival means? The deteriorating state
of Pakistan is not recent news; we have just grown accustomed to the demise. For
years we kept waiting on someone to start a revolution, to bring much needed
change in the country. Our debates were limited to our drawing rooms; did we
ever personally do something?
Quite a few of us now think Imran Khan is our savior. We
have entitled him with the responsibility to bring change; well what part do we
play? As much as we like to deny it, our patriotism is limited. It was
considered a colossal achievement when countless students were seen waving PTI
flags and shouting out promising slogans at the PTI Jalsa on 30th
October. Unfortunately, change cannot be brought by flailing arms and loud
voices alone.
We lack the individual integrity required to be considered a
respectable nation. Disregarding everything else, we the students are not free
of corruption and vice. I have personally witnessed class discussions on ethics
where students openly admit to using unethical means where convenient. There
has been a recent case in LUMS of corruption in the finances for YLES. The new
generation does not bring with it fresh beliefs. It is all set to carry on in
the footsteps of its predecessors; the ones it once condemned openly.
Sara Asif
As quoted by Gandhi: "We must become the change we want to see." The very roots of revival of any natino resides within the heart of its people. No political leader, Philanthropist or patriot can bring about change unless the community supports them.
ReplyDeleteIf we desire a revolution which will lead our great nation unto the road to success, the entire nation MUST be united.
i agree to u sara, but the very first thing we need is a Leader who could re-unite us and make us a nation. Today, we r nothing but a group of people killing each other. Leader doesn't follow nation, nations follow a leader and when v'll start following Imran Khan, u'll c our position in the global world.
ReplyDeletei totally agree on the part you said where that our patriotism is limited and we a youth of the nation need to play a major role in bringing about a change in the way this nation think and operate . our role a the future of this nation is not just limited to the selecting the right leader for this nation but also to develop new leaders in every field that would support the cause of a corruption free Pakistan
ReplyDeleteI agree with you a 100%. We're too caught up in our own little orbitals where life is all fun and games and though we may be for instance, wearing those green and white jerseys to shout out patriotism during cricket matches our attempts at being TEAM PAKISTAN are inadequate. For starters, like you pointed out how many of us are actually rooting for PAKistan? Banana Republic has worked out just fine for the elite. The thought of change dissociated from punch-lines does, on a deeper level does make most uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteThis article presents a good snapshot of the current conditions and brings forth some good questions to ponder on. Timely and effective; good job!
Unfortunately, I agree with you. It's unfortunate because for every 1 person willing to show integrity and remain true to his/her principles or die trying are 10 people making sure he/she dies trying. If only more and more people would follow the example of that one honest person instead of the countless corrupt ones we would be one step closer to being a better nation. I also agree that putting the responsibility on one man's shoulders isn't right. Talk is cheap. Your actions define you. Hence, you should focus on making sure you are doing everything in your power to make yourself a better person. If everyone would do just that the honest would outnumber the corrupt eventually, inspriring others to follow in their lead.
ReplyDeletei think your statement 'Change cannot be brought by flailing arms and loud voices alone' pretty much sums up the entire discussion. I believe this has been the greatest weakness of this nation since decades. They are too naive to stand up or make a change. The youth of Pakistan has always been like a mob. you win the mob... and you get the nation in return! Unfortunately, winning the mob is no longer a challenging possibility. All u need is a little bait.. and they will come right in for the treat.
ReplyDeleteI would offer that a large reason why there is no national ethics or integrity is because people don't really feel like they belong to a nation. The state has failed to provide any social contract that would bind the citizenry to itself in good faith.
ReplyDeleteDo the Baloch feel like they belong to a nation-state that protects their fundamental rights to life, liberty and property? Do the Pashtun? Do the Kalash? The Shi'a? The Ahmedis? The Christians, Hindus? Does anyone?
In the absence of these basic indemnities, ethics is the first thing that goes out of the window, personal survival by any means taking it's place.
A very honest article, the next generation that everyone's looking forward to, will always need guidance and direction, but unfortunately this is not very evident. We seem to be satisfied by looking and listening to people chanting slogans of change, but we donot witness this change in anyone's practical life. We all must look within ourselves and aspire o bring that 'change' in our own lives, and that, should lead to the ultimate change that we seek.
ReplyDeleteto some extent, you're right. we are biased within, but then that is because this is the mentality we grew up with. Yes, we need change, but one just can't see one side of a coin, there are people who are honest, maybe a teaspoon of them, nevertheless they exist. There is a voluntary teaching campaign "Teach for Pakistan" which is turning up pretty good.
ReplyDeletejust wanted to show another picture, however, the change is crucial.
i completely agree with you! these days Pakistan is in a state where everyone has to step up and play their part to get rid of corruption. people are annoyed and frustrated by the current conditions of Pakistan. Their frustration has reached to the point where they cant take it anymore and crying for change however, they are not doing anything. The biggest problem of Pakistan is that they are not united, every person is busy in finding ways that benefits them!even at the cost of their fellow brothers and sister. once people are united and value humanity than change is inevitable.
ReplyDeleteWell to be really honest just to change ourselves and hope for change is pretty much an uncertain project though the point of the topic rests well on those who dwell on Martin Luther, Malcom X and Gandhi's approach to revolution it is still very much questionable how a change is still required on Masses. What in my opinion would be the better approach is combine the powers of all those who wish to.change and bring about a change and work for a cause and show the people how combining their inner desire of good and even our nation is bucking such people up by azm e al shaan awards and other such platforms!
ReplyDeleteIndeeed it is very thoughtful..and the harsh reality that all of us know but no one is ready to accept. We all are good as long as it is speaking i front of someone, showing how much we are filled with patriotism but when it comes to doing something..naah..i'd rather stay home!
ReplyDeleteOur community is deteriorating only because there is a difference in what we say and what we do..if we actually work on it ourself..we might be actually able to bring a change..
actually it is exactly the way i used to think.. we have to change ourselves individually to bring a bigger change on a national or even global level..
ReplyDeleteall i know is that we need a jump start of some sort or a kick in the back to get us going..
Imran Khan might turn out to be the savior but he is targeting to change the system which for ones having an influential background is convenient.
let's hope the push Imran is struggling to give works for us.
I totally agree with you on this, Sara. You have been honest about how the system works in our country. Yes, our debates definitely limited to our drawing rooms. We are all talk and no action. We are waiting for someone to come out and do something about it. But i believe, Imran Khan will bring a great change. But then again, we can be the change too. We should start encouraging everyone to stand up and fight for their rights. Respect is very important too - one must learn to respect and accept others as they are to become a tolerant country.
ReplyDeleteSo rightly true that you're challenging the "New" revolution bought by Imran Khan and his PTI that it could be a fiscade and we need to change ourselves. This is a real basic problem with Pakistani youth that they can conveniently switch off ethics depending on a situation.
ReplyDelete