A Nigerian writer once wrote that in order to change the future of your generation you have to change your story. Storytelling is a cultural tradition and has developed its distinct style and themes in the sub-continent. It is considered the most powerful literacy tool that allows its audience to connect the past with the present to create a new reality. In this simple and pleasurable activity of information sharing, the images have somehow become distorted as only the ugly side of our existence is being communicated that is predominantly linked with a degenerate politico-economic landscape.
There are always two sides to a picture and in this case the other side is certainly not as bleak as the world has come to believe. The Pakistani youth brimming with energy is seen making records in every field. High achievers in academia and sports have played a huge role in glorifying our image and making the nation proud. The charitable and humanitarian dimension of people during the flood destruction speaks volume in comparison to the missing state presence.
Furthermore, the professionals including teachers, professors, doctors, engineers, scientists are certainly need to be lauded and highlighted for their colossal contributions in nation building. Similarly, the success stories of the Pakistan armed forces, as their achievements exceed that of the Nato and allied forces in Afghanistan in the war against terror, is certainly a huge reason to be proud of ourselves and our brave and courageous men and women.
Writers and poets during the Irish national liberation movement changed their stories to idolise their poor but hardworking people. The farmers, drivers, soldiers and the common man became heroes that the entire nation could identify with. Where have these people vanished off to in the Pakistani narratives?
It has been ages since I heard the melodious chants of chaand meri zameen phool mera watan of my childhood anthems that glorified the motherland and its hardworking people. We need to change our stories and narratives by deleting all the gory details of intolerance and discord to once again focus on the common man and highlight their hard and honest work.
PROF KABIL KHAN
Peshawar
