What’s Going Right in Pakistan

Posted on June 10, 2011
Filed Under >Adil Najam, Economy & Development, Media Matters, Music, Society



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Adil Najam

spacer There is much – way too much – that is going terribly wrong in Pakistan. But not all is lost. Not just yet.

One must never deny that which is going wrong. Indeed, to accept and acknowledge it is itself the first step towards finding ways to reverse the wrong. But nor should one forget that which may be going right. So, what do you think are things that are going right in Pakistan? (Please, keep your cynicism to yourself – it is neither funny nor useful).

Let me give you a very preliminary and a very arbitrary list of five. These are not in order of priority, nor indeed are they the most important five. They are just five things that came quickly to mind. Trivial as they may sound to some, what is important is that each is a sign of societal strength, not of the state’s weakness. Each, therefore, is a sign of hope.

#1. Music. No, I am not joking. Pakistani music is going through an age of amazing innovation and a passionate embrace of all that is socially meaningful. But that, in fact, is not why I list it here. To me the richness of Pakistan’s music scene – here, here, here, here, here, here and everywhere – signifies that innovation is alive and kicking, in fact, thriving. The innovative spirit embedded in today’s music is what is going so very right in Pakistan, and so very worth celebrating.

#2. Media. We at ATP have bashed the media when it over-steps, over-does and over-reaches as anyone else. We believe that is deserved because there is much to be rightly bashed. But there is much more that deserves to be celebrated. Overall, and despite all that needs to be improved, media independence in Pakistan has been a force for the good. It has also often been a force of courage. The media has not just found its voice, it has given voice to society – the good as well as the bad, but a voice that neither relents nor can be silenced any more.

#3. Youth. That Pakistan is a youthful country is a legitimate demographic concern but also the most powerful potential for societal change in Pakistan. But that is a game of numbers and speculation. What is going right with the youth in Pakistan is not that there are so many of them. It is that so many of them are so very active and engaged in the redefinition of all sorts of social contracts. This is not an unconcerned and unconnected youth. This is a youth that is alive with passion and activism. That passion and activism may sometimes come in flavors we do not like, but this is not an indifferent youth. This is a youth that will make a difference.

#4. Resilience. It is sad that the resilience of this people has been tested as often and in as many ways as it has. At one level, the people of this country have no option but to be resilient. But beyond the resilience for survival is the resilience from an indigenous entrepreneurship. Earthquakes. IDPs. Floods. Pakistanis have lived through these not only with a spirit of philanthropy, but with a spirit of entrepreneurship. It is resilience as an expression of the entrepreneurship of survival that is going right. If only we could find a way to convert entrepreneurship for survival into entrepreneurship for growth.

#5. Responsibility. This is the one I will probably get flak for. But if I am right on this then this may be the most important. The fact that we now hear and read so much about not taking enough responsibility for our own actions instead of forever seeking ‘outside’ hands and conspiracies is itself a sign that times have changed. When the pathology of denial was at its peak, no one would dare talk about that pathology. We have not yet fully turned the corner and there are too many who are too eager to divert, deflect and deny. But the tenor of the national conversation today is not a conversation of denial, but one of taking responsibility. It is an uncomfortable conversation for exactly that reason. And for the very same reason, it is also a much more relevant and important conversation for all of our futures. It is a conversation that is, indeed, going right.

My list is longer. My faith in this society and this people is stronger. Even as there is so much around us that is cause for despair, there is also that which must be a cause for hope. Now, you tell us, please, what you think is going right in Pakistan?

58 Comments on “What’s Going Right in Pakistan”

  1. Hamid says:
    June 11th, 2011 4:42 am

    Adil Bhai, kamal kar diya. What an inspirational post. Thank you for writing this.

  2. Music online says:
    June 11th, 2011 4:44 am

    I think its a good news for Paksitan.

  3. Bushra says:
    June 11th, 2011 4:47 am

    I would say that another thing that is going right is the fact that people have started speaking up for democracy and not trying to hide behind military rule. That is important.

  4. SJH says:
    June 11th, 2011 4:53 am

    I would add “Transparency” to this list – it is simply getting too hard for any particular group to hide. This ties in with the conversation on responsibility but things are now being talked about candidly. There are clear differences but at least the facts are now out in the open.

  5. Meengla says:
    June 11th, 2011 5:01 am

    Politics/Democracy
    Definite improvement. Never before in the history of Pakistan almost all major political parties are/have been sharing power in all five constituent units (Federation + four provinces) for years without too much violence and intolerance.
    Whether we like it or not the ‘Charter of Democracy’ signed up Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif in 2006 is at least partly followed. And hence we have more tolerance than ever before and the near-miracle like the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

    Pakistan’s salvation lies in politics and democracy. Nothing can beat shared responsibilities and involved decision making. Especially with the independent media and the judiciary the warts of the ‘system’ will improve.

    PS. Related note: I wish elections were held in Pakistan every four years.

  6. razia says:
    June 11th, 2011 7:15 am

    hospitality. on my most recent trip trying to reach the victims of flood total strangers in sukkur and shikarpur, housed me, fed me and gave gifts. i did not have much time in nowshera, but i felt the same kind of love and affection there as well.

    i have many and very dear american friends, but the apnyat you feel in pakistan is unique.

  7. wsd says:
    June 11th, 2011 7:33 am

    In my view it is the “Awareness” or in Urdu, “Shaoor” in general public and I will give the credit to electronic media for this……

    I hope this awareness gets translated in a political change……..

  8. noreen aslam urdu tips says:
    June 11th, 2011 7:51 am

    Dear Pakistanis,

    The fifth one the #5. Responsibility is important. Currently we are facing many issues like this that no one is taking responsibility of its own actions.
    In all a wonderful read.

  9. Eidee Man says:
    June 11th, 2011 9:39 am

    One dimension of the ‘Youth’ category Adil mentioned is the current generation’s shift from politics based on ethnicity. Sure, people still are willing to overlook many wrongs done by someone from the same province, speaking the same language, etc; but this is changing fast, and for the better, primarily in the urbanized youth. Among Karachi’s youth, their parents might be unquestioning supporters of MQM or PPP, but they themselves are probing deeper.

    Another extremely important point that others have mentioned is the role of the military. The circumstances are tragic, but it’s amazing how newspaper columnists and TV anchors have moved from subtle, very indirect hints to squarely calling the military and intelligence agencies to account, all within a span of mere months. Our mostly free press goes nuts at times, but it’s moving in the right direction.

  10. Ehtisham says:
    June 11th, 2011 11:36 am

    Thank you for writing this and reminding us that not everything is bleak. I wish your 6th point was self-confidence. We need more of that too.

  11. Imran says:
    June 11th, 2011 12:00 pm

    Human Capital: Exhibit 1. Adil Najam himself. And there are many many like him who are hopeful and optimistic. As long as people believe that we can make a difference we’ll be able to overcome each crisis.

    We’ve got a launching pad for the 21st century. Lets make the most of it!

  12. Azra says:
    June 11th, 2011 12:00 pm

    Great post Prof. Najam. I think you have linked these issues to larger social trends beautifully. Specially like the first point about music. It is actually quite amazing how good and how socially relevant our music has become. As you say it shows an innovation potential. The key I think was that in music we got a really free market of opportunities with the media revolution and that allowed people to just experiment and the best stuff rose to the top. That is the way to reward innovation in every field.

  13. Ali Syed says:
    June 11th, 2011 12:09 pm

    The freedom/power to speak up – I have noticed in the past few months we as a people have become much more critical of the establishment. People have started openly criticising the military where critisicm is due. This was not at all evident in the past.

  14. Monano says:
    June 11th, 2011 12:44 pm

    HAHAHAHA

    “We have not yet fully turned the corner and there are too many who are too eager to divert, deflect and deny. But the tenor of the national conversation today is not a conversation of denial, but one of taking responsibility. It is an uncomfortable conversation for exactly that reason. “

    The words from a person who is a prime example of evading the responsibility of educating the masses just to secure the future for him and his family and work for others much much more than for Pakistan. Outward flight of human capital in the form of people like the writer has left the nation with incapacitated and corrupt leaders in every sphere of social life; be it politics, military, media, bureaucracy, industry, agriculture and even services like health and education. What if every educated person in Pakistan follows the writer and pursue opportunities abroad and avoids local responsibilities? Who will be responsible then?

  15. Wadood says:
    June 11th, 2011 12:45 pm

    Pakistaniat zindabad.
    A very timely post to remind people that depression is not a solution. You, sir, are the voice of the Pakistan we all want.

  16. AsAD says:
    June 11th, 2011 12:47 pm

    The biggest difference is really that of speaking out. Sometimes we speak too much but the fact is that four of your five points are really about speaking up in different ways, in songs in media, by youth and by rejecting denial. THAT is the most positive thing in Pakistan is that people are speaking up. In many ways ATP has set this trend for so many years now by speaking up about things but always in a positive Pakistani spirit.

  17. Junaid says:
    June 11th, 2011 2:51 pm

    @Monano
    From your comment and past ones I assume you are a shameless person. But I assume even someone as shameless would be feeling small and shameless after posting this comment!

  18. Zareen says:
    June 11th, 2011 6:09 pm

    Very powerful and apt post! Adil, your list is certainly valid. Now after announcing your move to Pakistan, you have demonstrated the will to make the difference.
    We are proud of you!!

  19. Idealist says:
    June 11th, 2011 6:18 pm

    Thank you Adil for infusing hope in times like these,Shama jhalay rakna.

  20. Rafay says:
    June 13th, 2011 11:34 am

    Adil: All the things you have highlighted are indeed the characteristics of ‘youth.’

    We should invest our resources on our youth: educating them, building them and give control to them.

    They are the future.

    The older folks should be their for guidance (if capable.)

  21. Toyota Corolla 2011 bumper says:
    June 13th, 2011 7:12 pm

    I think that a lot is good about Pakistan, and if we will not care about our country, then who else will?

  22. Bradistan Calling says:
    June 13th, 2011 8:02 pm

    It needs a few posts,we all know what is wrong with Pakistan i.e extremism,terrorism and religious intolerance.Lets not deny that.

    But there is a lot of Good also happening in Pakistan.

    1. We are not Saudi Arabia or Iran.

    2.Our democracy is somehow still working.

    3.Media is getting free and fearless day by day.

    4.Millions of Christians and Hindus still call Islamic republic of Pakistan HOME and are proud of their heritage and contribution for Pakistan.

    5. Our music,artists and writers are making waves around the world.

    6.Pakistani Diaspora is still visiting Pakistan,sending money and investing in Pakistan.

    7. We are becoming more civilised in accepting debate and argument with tolerance.

    8. Our girls are breaking the barriers of discrimination and sexism.

    9.Our youth is learning English, internet and mobile telephoney for their education and employment.

    10. Pakistanis are going abroad for education,work and business.

    The future is bright and the future is Green and White.

  23. Meengla says:
    June 14th, 2011 12:10 am

    @Bradistan Calling,
    Well said!

  24. ben says:
    June 14th, 2011 8:13 am

    well I think Adil Najam has taken care of the criticism raised by manao

    However, brain drain is not all that bad.
    It is a global arena, and we need to appreciate the contributions of Pakistanis who are living abroad. They are making the presence of pakistan felt in the global arena.

    it makes us proud to hear Adil Najam on NPR or see him as a part of Nobel prize winning team, or read Asma Barlas’ contributions in the dialogue on comparative religion, and see Ahmed Akbar answer difficult social question through his research. People like this show that pakistanis are more than fit for global citizenship.

    Living abroad is not easy. You have to experience it to understand how difficult it is to breathe in an air that you are not used to,

    Being an expatriate is a great sacrifice. Going to another country and trying to learn living in a new society is not a walk in a park. It is hard to make home in an alien culture and the brilliant Pakistanis who earn a name for their competence in these hard circumstances of foreign culture should be admired.

    Non-resident status is not a sign of desertion it is a badge of honorable struggle, commitment and competence.

  25. Bangash says:
    June 14th, 2011 8:32 am

    Nothing is going right in Pakistan. Its a country of weak and corrupt people who prefer conspiracy theory, denial, shortcuts and lies.

    The good are vastly outnumbered by the trash in Pakistan.

  26. HarooN says:
    June 16th, 2011 4:26 pm

    This comment is my way of not letting go of ATP.
    I’ll tell you what is going right for Pakistan… three thing:

    1_Adil Najam
    2_All Things Pakistan and Pakistaniat
    3_LUMS

    Three things, now all wrapped in one.
    Feeling good about Pakistan right now!

  27. ben says:
    June 18th, 2011 6:12 am

    lol @ haroon

    well, at LUMS moulvees have started taking over business school and computer sciences college. so earlier signs of cancer at lums.

    i hope adil najam will be able to find a solution for this.

    there is a faculty memeber in lums business school who takes every opportunity to tell women students that they should stay home. he also told one female student, to whome he was assigned as an advisor, that she should never come to visit his office again. this student had gone to take advice on a matter once she saw he is the advisor for her that quarter. …..molvee soch is a cancer to academic freedom and exchange of ideas.

  28. Syed Awais Hassan Gillani says:
    June 19th, 2011 4:13 am

    I liked the optimistic tone of Prof. Najam. Hazrat Ali (R.A.) said that to worry at the time of worry cause fatal disaster. So my message for ATP is that nothing is wrong in Pakistan. What we have to do simply is to make collective effort for good governance, honest policies and the rule of law at the grass root level. I give you some examples of the treasure that we have.
    1: Comic Poetry and Comic Political Current Affair Shows.
    Can you imagine when people and security forces of Pakistan are shedding the blood on daily basis we are producing best comic poetry and making fun of the situation in Comic/Satirical Political Current Affair Shows. No, please, don’t frown at me; Yes!!! it is a good sign, because being Muslim it is my belief that the night I have to lay in my grave cannot be escaped. So no worries, but the important thing is we are enjoying such poetry/programs when the American and Western media are giving dead lines about the collapse of my motherland – Pakistan. In short, the gravity of the situation is condemnable but the wit and the sense of humor of our people is alive. To me, it is sign a sign of hope.
    2: Natural Resources.
    Is Pakistan a poor country? No, who said this? We are a rich nation. We are No 1 in philanthropy. We have Racodick in Balochistan, Thar coal reservoir, Mines of gold and jewels, Copper Mines, Largest irrigation system in the world, Out of ten Eight thousand meters peaks are in Pakistan, vast fertile lands, best crops, Arabian sea, Makran coast, deserts, Four seasons etc. Pakistan is ri

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