Click the links in bold below for a 3D experience of Pakistan
“Let us trust each other,” roared the Governor-general designate and added; “Let us judge by results, not by theories. With the help of every section –I see that every class is represented in this huge gathering –let us work in double shift if necessary to make the Sovereign State of Pakistan really happy,
really united and really powerful.”
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Speech at a Dinner Party given by the late Mr. Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah at the Karachi Club on 9th August, 1947.
In a span of over two years, based on interviews, heated and tolerant discussions, my own research, speaking and writing about and with Pakistan; I have come to know a nation through the eyes and voices of Pakistanis. I revert to the vision Jinnah had of Pakistan. I understand politically and historically why his idealism never flourished; yet I find insurmountable beauty through landscapes, culture, architecture, history, artists, activists and people of Pakistan.
The world is ablaze. People are born while simultaneously dying. Nations are revolting. I have witnessed and experienced in many nations, grave religious and cultural intolerance, lack of education [although educated on a collegiate level], mass media propaganda, ignorance and apathy. In a world of negative, how many focus on the positive?
Pakistan equals the combined land areas of France and the UK. It is the 36th largest nation by area with a coastline along the Arabian Sea. Land borders include: Afghanistan, China, India and Iran. Pakistan means Land of [the] Pure in Urdu [national language] and Persian.
Ethnic groups consist mainly of: Punjabis, Pashtuns,Sindhis, Muhajirs, and Balochs. Pakistan is home to refugees from Afghanistan, India, Iran and Africa, as well as cultures that reside in Pakistan from other nations causing Pakistan to be a country abundant in diverse faith, language, music, art and literature.
Experience a 3D positive perspective of Pakistan.
Pakistan is the 2nd most populous Muslim majority nation, consisting mainly of Sunni and Shi’a sects of faith, as well as: Sufism, Hinduism, Christianity, Ahmadi, Sikhism, Parsi, and Buddhism. Pakistan is multilingual with more than 60 languages spoken, most prevalent are: Urdu, Pashto, Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, and English.
Pakistan claims some of the tallest mountain peaks in the world. This nation is home to Mughal architecture and archaeological remains in The Indus Valley to the empire of Alexander the Great. Landscapes in Pakistan allow for variety of trees and plants to flourish. The animal life in Pakistan reflects the varied climates of the land.
Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan is not utilized as a building block nor guiding
force by the current government of Pakistan, its leaders nor its foreign affiliates. Jinnah’s idealism is alive in the passion of the youth of Pakistan. I have witnessed youth [ranging from ages 16-28] over extending themselves during emergent and dangerous situations [all current, unsolved and ongoing] such as:
- Amina Masood Janjua and Missing Persons
- Solidarity with Kashmir
- Palestinian Solidarity
- The IDF Mavi Marmara Attack
- The Trial of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui
- U.S. Drone Attacks
- The Margalla Crash
- 2010 Pakistan Floods
- Death of Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti [regarding blasphemy law]
- Unrelenting bombing within Pakistan [specifically Karachi and Peshawar]
- Solidarity with the Arab Uprising
- Justice for The Sialkot Brothers
- PNS Mehran
- Emergency Education
- Solidarity with Physicians
- Death of Osama Bin Laden
- Death of investigative journalist Saleem Shahzad [one of many]
- Death of Sarfaraz Shah in Karachi
Tragedy has become an “expected” part of existence in Pakistan.
My view of the people of Pakistan is one of immense strength, perseverance and tolerance for occurrences that should never be tolerated. My experience is a direct result of speaking to journalists, political activists, social media, youth organizations, and adults who are there to guide youth. As a journalist and a human being, it is incomprehensible to fathom existing in a nation where the wrong rights are utilized and the right rights are ignored.
Pakistan, A New Perspective, cannot be realized without ideological tolerance, proper education, control of foreign powers, and consensual rights and equality for all people. I have immense respect for people who do speak, protest, work, exist and survive in a land I view as culturally diverse, rich in history, agriculture, literature, art, journalism. language, faith and courage.
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Reply to North Western Railway Officers
welcome address, Karachi, 28 December 1947.
welcome address, Karachi, 28 December 1947.
- photos © FurSid Photography
- Video © Pakistan Youth Alliance
- Pakistani Youth
- Gawaahi
2 comments:
I've no words. Thank you Susan!
You are welcome, thank you Schimi for reading!
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