10 lessons all Pakistanis must learn

Guest Post by Hassan Baig


“Mulk khud hi chalta rehay ga” (approximate translation: the country doesn’t need our contribution to thrive) is a sentence many Pakistanis are prone to saying. I confess that till a few years ago, I myself was confident of this misleading notion. Misleading and dangerous – especially in today’s volatile climate. As Pakistanis, it is imperative that we come to terms with the fact that no heavenly Manna will alleviate our country’s plight. The job rests squarely on our own shoulders; with the destiny of a whole nation tethered to our will and to the execution of that will. And so as the clock ticks and the prophets of doom raise a foreboding murmur from East to West, it is high time for us to learn some crucial lessons. Lessons without which our collective slumber will only deepen:


1) Extremism always overcomes moderation. History is fraught with examples of moderate majorities ruled and controlled by extremist minorities. Therefore unless we are extreme in our moderation, our endeavor – any endeavor – is doomed to be highjacked by powers which know more meticulous passion. From the radicalized Islamic cleric who preaches bigotry and hatred to the Neoconservative-backed Christian televangelist who sermonizes the urgency of preparing for an ethnic genocide pithily called Armageddon, we today live in an increasingly polarized world. And since Pakistan exists on the very fault-lines of this burgeoning conflict, our problems are exacerbated. Regardless of what stance we take or which side we pick, our country will remain on the receiving end for the foreseeable future. And regardless of how hastily we disregard conspiracy theories, the extreme forces on all sides will continue to augment their belief systems with hybrid religiopolitical prophecies. Prophecies which have a way of snowballing into self-fulfilment. Therefore it is critical that we take our moderate stance to be more of a proactive doctrine rather than apolitical aloofness. Our very existence depends on it.


2) Microanalysis never gives the complete picture. The details are undoubtedly important when comprehending any system. But often overlooked is the effort to mull over the big-picture such details contribute to – roughly the equivalent of what Sir Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal referred to as tadabbur in his reformist discourse. As denizens of a land increasingly rife with numerous challenges, we simply cannot afford intellectual naiveté. Notwithstanding esoteric themes, we consistently fall short of sensibly determining atleast the more obvious big-picture connections in unfolding narratives. This is utter mediocrity. Whereas some would mistake this for a failure of ability – this is infact predominantly a display of negligent disinterest; of an irresponsible, desensitized populace.

Countless times we have allowed ourselves to fall for the same old tricks. A glaring contemporary example is the myth of Pakistan’s democratically elected government we all seem to have digested without any modicum of reflection. Ostensibly, the country voted out the dictator and brought in a government ‘for the people by the people’. But consider the macro picture: currently the seat of political power is the Office of the President – a position where the current incumbent’s name was never advertised on the ballot on Election Day, a position where the current incumbent affected the people’s voting decision by publicly disavowing any interest in the Presidentship on and before election day, a position which still exercises the uber-powerful, dictatorial Article 58 2(b). In form, we indeed have a democratic set-up in place. But in substance?

Now confessedly this example is a soft and convenient target. Moreover even had most Pakistanis successfully connected the dots, demands for a true democratic set up would be a low priority given more daunting issues the country is currently facing. But it’s one of the more visible examples and is relatively fresh in memory – overall an effective illustrative point. Furthermore it helps emphasize the need for greater intellectual involvement on our part. Unless we start to discern between real enemies and contrived ones, manipulation of us and our coming generations by exploitative elements both internal and external will continue to be a dominant theme in the national narrative. That is no future to look forward to.


3) Moral relativism is a conduit to absolute corruption. Those who start compromising on principles – even in trivial issues – end up going all the way. A textbook example is that of our previous President: By the end of his regime, General Pervez Musharraf was not the man he was when he first usurped the seat of Pakistan’s government. Over time as his political age advanced, he underwent a staged metamorphosis: from an amateur idealist, to a practitioner of temperate Realpolitik, and then finally to an outright Machiavellian Prince. This is the classic lifecycle of corruption; the philosophy that principles are subservient to actions instead of it being the other way around. We must learn once and for all that those who have the proverbial ‘crack in the armor’ inevitably succumb; that their demise is a certainty.

Now realistically speaking it is true that there is no absolute escape from moral relativism, but we atleast need to be skeptical of the more blatant practitioners of this philosophy. We all know who they are. Too many times we have fallen for those who claim that they have been reformed; too many times we have made choices based on the ‘lesser of two evils’. This is folly because it reinforces the longevity of the corrupt by repetitively giving them second chances through the people’s misplaced, gullible trust. Until and unless we explicitly reject this opportunism, our polity will remain enslaved by the puppet-masters.


4) Morality is a myth in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Ethnocentric self-righteousness robs us of our ability to be constructively self-critical and stems societal improvement. Unless we teach our progeny the truth about the decrepit moral standards prevalent in the country and pass on a ‘to-do’ list of sorts; we would have failed in parenting responsible future citizens. We have all witnessed how the various religious movements burn CD shops, dynamite girl schools and dismantle barber boutiques without raising an eyebrow at the greater tyranny of the socio-political system. We have personally seen principled stands getting drowned in derision; the politics of necessity being proclaimed king. We have beheld firsthand justice being abused by megalomania; injustice becoming the law. This is not a lesson to be forgotten or concealed.


5) Don’t believe everything you see in the media (self-explanatory)


6) But don’t become too paranoid either: empathy and objectivity are seminal in asymptotically approaching the truth. Currently as it stands in Pakistan, we seldom ‘think things through’, and instead prefer to latch on to the first and most convenient explanation the social circle around us resonates with. This is futile practice. Futile because herd mentality is seldom rational, is borne of fear and dread, and invariably leads to the sort of exploitable mass-hysteria we have witnessed many times over circa 9/11. Make no mistake about it – by abandoning empathy and objectivity, we give up our very freedom of thought and become marionettes to higher interests. In a world of pervasive fear today, Pakistan can chart the course of its destiny better if the collective remains independently thoughtful.


7) Our destinies are tied to Pakistan, to our ethnicity, and to our religion. In the increasingly divisive world of today, individual allegiances are being outdone by overarching stereotypes. In other words, no matter what shade my skin may be, what dialect or accent I speak in or what my beliefs about God may be, I will always be perceived as a Pakistani Muslim by the world at large. And thus, my fate is inescapable from that of Pakistan. So for example if this country is torn asunder due to civil-war brought on by geopolitical strife, I will invariably be perceived as a refugee in the world. Thereafter I can achieve the American dream, or move in international social circles, or even perfectly synchronize my habits with Western norms – I can do all that and I’ll still be a refugee. Pakistan’s imprint echoes in my very existence; in all of us. We can live our life denying this fact and bury our head in the sand. Or we can accept it, embrace it and let it influence our priorities. How we choose our greater allegiance today will shape our collective, intertwined destiny.


8) The onus for reforming the system is on the middle classes. That is, the onus is on people like you and me. We are the potential agents of change. And thus by implication, we are also blameworthy for allowing the system to remain broken, for not wanting to ‘get our hands dirty’, for being the silent, apathetic onlookers. The moneyed elite are not to blame – they adhere to their characteristic decadence and nonchalance; they do precisely what they’re expected to do. Corrupt politicians are not to blame – a thief knows little more than the art of thievery. Likewise, neither the military’s top brass, and nor the have-nots of Pakistan are culpable. They all play their designated roles in manners they ought to. This leaves the middle and upper-middle classes – essentially people like you and me. Us. We are the true architects of revolutionary change. For we are the only societal segment in this country which is situated at the confluence of a moral code which may be disillusioned but still partly intact, a vision which is alienated but still somewhat patriotic and an agency which is disoriented but still adequately resourceful. In short we are far from perfect, but we are the only messiahs Pakistan can realistically count on. There is absolutely no one else. This lesson is perhaps the most consequential one we have to learn.


9) Incremental change is not a bad option. Activism through small, comfortable increments is not an impractical way of approaching the paradigm of change. That is, even small steps help since at any one time atomic constituents are more solvable than the complex whole. Hence we must not abhor atomizing issues and then indulging in micro-activism – it is ok if how one contributes does not have immediately noticeable repercussions.

I have encountered many Pakistanis who cite their inability to have a substantial, resounding impact as the main driving force behind their evident indifference to the country’s woes. To all those who espouse this view, I say that though I can empathize with your sense of demoralization, I simply cannot condone the rationale for such inaction. For it is undeniable that some progress is better than no progress; that going from 100 to 101 is a better deal than staying put; that the smallest gestures help too. If all of us today – the 140 million plus of us no less – individually contemplate the smallest, tiniest way we can contribute to Pakistan’s socioeconomic betterment and act on it, is there any doubt that the country will not change overnight in one big rush of altruistic activism? Now this is ofcourse an unrealistic, rhetorical example – but it is thematic of the power of incremental change. A change easy to accomplish with the results snowballing as more people buy into the paradigm. In short we must not overlook this option; rather it is sensible to include it as an ally in our portfolio of loftier ambitions.


10) Lastly, Pakistan can shine. No really; this is not just talk. If you don’t know where to start, there’s a lot of help around. And not to mention many examples to take inspiration from. Did you know that Pakistan possesses the technological knowhow to manufacture drones indigenously[i]? Or that one of the most highly regarded applications available in Apple’s iPhone App Store today is of Pakistani[ii] origin? Or that 27 Pakistani scientists[iii] are scheduled to work on CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (the ‘Big Bang’ experiment machine)? Or that a Pakistani Venture Capitalist has been placed in the top 10[iv] in Forbes magazine’s worldwide annual VC ranking?

These are just a few inspirational stories among a plethora of real-world anecdotes and accomplishments with a quintessentially Pakistani stamp on them. For all that is made out to be defective about this country, there are flashes of brilliance just waiting to be given the opportunity to show themselves in their true splendor to the realms; to spread out and envelope the gloom infesting our polity. We just need to get rid of the “Mulk khud hi chalta rehay ga” approach. And fortunately, this is not as hard as it sounds. There are numerous small but meaningful ways in which we can make a personal contribution. Some suggestions are:

  • Make yourself heard. Become involved, for your continued silence is really an endorsement of the status quo. Reject what must be rejected, condemn that what is condemnable, endorse and encourage where merited. And do not be fooled into thinking that this is an ambitious proposition: increasing accessibility to the information superhighway has made it easier for any individual to become part of the public discourse. There are numerous Pakistani internet blogs and forums where you can voice your opinions and contribute in your own way to mold the national spirit for a brighter future. And you do not necessarily have to write articles – blogs traditionally invite one-liner comments as well. It is the same as, if not easier than, writing a text message on your cell phone.
  • Brainstorm in public to seed ideas and to inspire. Many people talk about the way the world should be, but much less understand how to get there. If you do have thought-provoking ideas, then there is nothing more fruitful than exposing your design – through, say, the internet – to the collective intellect for it to dissect it, understand it, polish it if necessary and support it when satisfied. Also remember that your proposed solutions do not have to be comprehensive – for many issues simply cannot be solved bottom-up[v] and the burden has to be placed on the unlikely possibility of a non-elitist, well-educated visionary coming along and dominating our political scene in the future. But your ideas can always ameliorate problems; lessen their severity so to speak. It is imperative that such brainstorming enters our public discourse – the resulting crosspollination is what will slowly and steadily alter the course of our destiny.
  • Become an activist through inaction (can’t get easier than this). Every populace has its own share of idealists and lunatics. Ones who think the impossible is possible, the unrealistic is realistic and that conventional wisdom is unwise. And too often people succumb to the temptation of vociferously chastising such individuals; of telling them how futile their beliefs are; of how the system will crush their hopes. Now during my days at LUMS, a Groucho Marx quotation used to do the rounds quite often: “Blessed are the cracked ones, for they shall let in the light”. Just let the lunatics be no matter how imbecilic[vi] their ideas are. Let them have their shot at change. Next time you meet the idealist, unreasonably optimistic seedling who thinks he or she can change the world, be lazy and do not make the effort go negative on them.

All of the suggestions above are very small starts confessedly. But by no means is such a start inconsequential. Through the build-up of momentum, confidence to tackle bigger beasts can evolve and we can then trailblaze our way to that true destiny envisioned for Pakistan by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This is our moment; let’s seize it. Let’s get going.




[v] Take this simplistically formulated example: India has roughly 8000 universities for its 1 billion people (approximately one university for every 125,000 persons). Pakistan has around 120 for its 140 million (one university for every 1.2 million persons). Assuming this level stays constant (unrealistic assumption), simple math shows we need 1000 more universities to attain parity. That is a massive task. And therefore the kind of fiscal muscle required to pull it off necessitates active government involvement.


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117 responses to “10 lessons all Pakistanis must learn”

  1. Atif Abdul-Rahman Avatar

    Hassan Baig, First time Ive read ur article and u have hit the button, speak up chap, u have talent….

  2. foziaamin Avatar
    foziaamin

    Teeth Maestro I would like to congratulate you for having this guest post on your blog. Hassan baig should be given space more often. i read this blog very often but only now have i been forced to break my silence. What an article!!

  3. faheem Avatar
    faheem

    Ms. Farrah: I’ve noticed you have a very simplistic “let’s-all-get-along-Imran-please-kiss-Altaf” view of the world. I would suggest you do research before getting into such drivel.

  4. S.pz Avatar
    S.pz

    I’ve been reading articles here for a while now, n find myself lucky to stumble upon something so rich in substance, purpose n passion.
    Something I’d like to add is, grow up Pakistan, n give up this tug-of-war of power, I find it amusing how we’ve found ways to divide n divide n divide ourselves.. the exact thing which the others capatilize on to weaken us.. dont we all remeber the strategy “divide and conquer”? Isnt that exactly whats happening to us?
    Do u really think it matters at the end of the day which part of pakistan ur from if there IS no Pakistan?
    Wake up n smell the enemosity surrounding your country… its suffocating u, n u do not even notice, ur too consumed in wondering why ur neighbour doesnt pray in the same mosque as you do.

  5. su Avatar
    su

    with refrence to all the current happeings as well as MISTAKEN Indian incursions in paksitan,

    i am a seriously concerned citizen of Pakistan. I am concerned not only for the safety of my self and my family but for the only place on earth I can call home! Pakistan.

    I see an anarchic state in peril and a whole load of seasoned politicians with out any serious agendas but to pull each others legs over judicial system, local authorities, larger than life egos, power struggles, bigger chunk of resources, government posts and a helpless, defensive, silent government without any direction or goal except perhaps just meeting its full term at best. Amidst this fiasco India might manage a pre-emptive strike

    With the president touring the world, basking in the lime light to introduce him self globally, and a sort of, kind of prime minister who loves to fly frequently to safe distances, BOTH on taxpayers money!!! A large cabinet of good for nothing over weight misnsters who have nothing better to do except pass all the criticism to previous governments! Thank fully not as far as Mr. Jinnah!

    Do we BUT have a choice to jut sit in our homes and pray that the Taliban and Indians might miss us one more time?

    Just what the hell is this government doing but to sit on its backside and eat all taxpayer’s money and borrowed loans to fulfill its lavish needs? Why cant this “heavily mandated” government party standup for its own people before the UN, and Indians like its founder did decades ago?

    Is that We, people and the government, who kill our own people in the name of religion, cannot fight on diplomatic grounds because we have none left?

    Sumera Bilgrami

  6. FariaAltaf Avatar
    FariaAltaf

    Wow what a piece of writing! In the current miasma of demoralisation surrounding Pakistan, Hassan comes as a breath of fresh air. I hope you would write more Hassan, I hope you’d be more expressive of your views in public. Pakistan needs leadership and voices such as yours. God bless.

  7. sameen Avatar
    sameen

    guYasir is talking about freemasons. LOL

    Is this a serious blog? Can we get mature political commentators?

  8. Tayyab Avatar
    Tayyab

    Hellalujah!

  9. readinglord Avatar

    Well-done Hassan!

    Faiz had said “Bol kih lab azaad hein tere”.

    But Bulle Shah had a warning:

    “Sach aakhaan te bhabarh machda”, and above all

    Allama Iqbal had said:

    “Laakh hakeem (moderates of today) sar bajeb ek Kaleem (Suicide bomber today) sar bakaf”

    The fact is the terrorists are ruling the world culture today because they don’t care for the greatest lie which is called life as the Quran says “Wa mal hayyatudunia illa mattaulgharoor” (What is the life of this world but a fraudulent lie). As it is all weapons even of mass destruction are useless against them.

  10. dr.jawwadkhan Avatar
    dr.jawwadkhan

    this is not the war against terrorism.
    this is a war of extremism.both sides are extremist.
    on one side there is jew zionists, christian zionist and their allies like “paki secular fascists”
    on the other side the people believe in revange.

    on one side people feel proud to bombing on their on fellow citizens on the other side people use suicide bombing as their most successful weapon.

  11. Mandokhel Avatar
    Mandokhel

    Brilliant! Masterful! A clarity of thought I’ve rarely seen!! Class balancing act between pragmatism and ideologism. Mr. Baig I salute you and look forward to living in the world envisioned by you. Lead us with your pen, and hopefully down the line with your political leadership. I’ve read both of Obamas books, I even now I’m beginning to draw comparisons. Such an exciting prospect!

    p.s. don’t let it get to your head. The finest minds are spoilt in such ways. Keep on going.

    p.s.s people Hassan needs our support, our approval, our applause. Iss ki himmat bandhao dosto! Iss ko bhool bhullayun mien na janey do! Iss ki himmat barhao!

  12. Samina Avatar
    Samina

    Bravo Hassan! I hear you!

  13. Asad Ali Avatar
    Asad Ali

    @ Hassan Baig’s 10 commandements are certainly not
    the gospel truth, Pakistan’s problem is not religious
    ” extremism ” amplified politically, by internal
    anti-Islam elements and aided by the grand Satan from
    exterior, you have hardly 8% religious co called
    “Mullah extremism tiny minority “labeled” by another
    tiny little liberal/secular minority alcoholics,
    proIndian Roshakhayyals, the battle is between two
    relatively minority, claiming their territories, the
    majority is in the middle trying to listen to both liars
    and intolerants, who is that middle Pakistani ?

    A simple Pakistani who is a
    simple muslim moderate practicing believer,
    believes in Pakistan,
    its freedom,
    its absolute prosperity and
    its culture
    language
    art, civilization,

    but both the minorities want to impose their imaginary
    outfits on others,
    1.One imposing Deobandi/Barelivi, (intolerants)
    prospering among,less/uneducated, weak people.

    2.The other, Lenin/Bollywood/Secularism/Fiscism
    propering among frustrated ” elite class bigots ”
    both of them are sick and liable to be discarded !

    The Great Satans are with No 2. in principle, but is
    manipulating No.1 discretely !e.g. Fazlu JUI F

  14. Umeed Avatar
    Umeed

    @ Asad: In mu humble opinion, our country’s socio-political situation is quite complex and it’ll be wrong to think it’s just a simple one-on-one wrestling match between two oppositions with a “middle Pakistani” as the ref. That’s a storyline right out of the Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment. That’s a cute way to think about it, granted. But not very smart.

    @Dr. Jawwad: Quite right. I agree with you totally. Though I’d like you to reflect on the ‘root’ of the problem. You’re talking about symptoms of the disease. Look deeper.

    @Mandokhel: Agree with you on all accounts

    @Faria: And what about our good neighbors across the border?

    @Hassan Baig: Keep writing. We could really use people like you!!

  15. Tracy Avatar
    Tracy

    Wow what a read! This is by far the best piece on this blog!!! You sure know how to pick your guest posts Teeth Maestro! This one is for keeps

  16. Reality Check Avatar
    Reality Check

    I read the comments on this one before I read the article itself. Most of the commentators were going overboard in praising Hassan Baig’s piece, so I scrolled up thinking the work’s probably over-rated and the audience on this blog isn’t as sophisticated.

    Was I Wrong!!!!!

    I have NEVER thought I’d live to see the light of the day one of my countrymen would talk like a true visionary. A Mohammad Ali Jinnah reincarnate. Such deep intellect, such great writing skill and such clarity of thought. Hassan Baig keep writing – you’re one son Pakistan must not forget, nor forsake.

    p.s. Teeth you should publish an email for Hassan. Many of us (including me) would like to pick his brains about his views – I know I would! Perhaps you can get Hassan to agree to share a public email???

  17. Dr. Abdullah Avatar
    Dr. Abdullah

    Thats a great idea ‘reality check’ I know I would definitely love to have a brainstorming session with Mr. Baig, I would definitely want more people especially our youth to read this article.
    It is so invigorating to know such people exist in our nation, Mr. Baig, I have never been so moved by a piece of writing, I would LOVE to read more articles from you, please keep writing.
    I hope you have given joining politics a thought, because this country needs people like u desperately, you could benefit this country more than any of our previous leaders with that kind of thinking.
    P.S: Please do provide an email address!

  18. Daud Avatar
    Daud

    Mr. Baig,

    It was a pleasure reading this article. You seem like the hope and voice this country needs. I totally support what Dr. Abdullah and ‘reality check’ have said. I think you should definately think about joining politics. You certainly have my vote :).

  19. Kulsoom Avatar
    Kulsoom

    Inspiring!

  20. Farooq Avatar
    Farooq

    Absolutely wonderful post… i have already recommended it to my friends…Gives hope and optimism in today’s difficult times when every body is hell bent on letting ourselves down…

    Keep up the good work

  21. Davey Avatar
    Davey

    Masterpiece! Hassan you’ve hit the nail on the head. Great vision and eloquence!!

  22. vishnu Avatar
    vishnu

    i read your other piece and was impressed. i just finished reading this and….WOW!! do you have your own blog? something for serious intellectuals? here your voice would get drowned by pretenders and charlatans who speak and write before they thinkk.

    would love to read more of your visionary work. people like you strengthen my belief that thinkers of the calibre of our homeland's founding fathers are still here, walking amongst us, planning our futures, waiting to be our messiahs! god bless you mr. baig! i believe in you

  23. imran Avatar
    imran

    please include another lesson that is "dont find conspiracy theory behind every thing"

  24. vishnu Avatar
    vishnu

    @Imran: I think if you read HASSAN'S article closely, he does say that in point number 6 🙂

    Sadly a lot of readers on this website follow exactly the same method! If they'd follow even a single point of hassan's article, our nation coule become better. Alas

  25. zami Avatar
    zami

    brilliance!

  26. zindagi Avatar
    zindagi

    The country needs you Hassan Baig. Especially in the dark days of today. I hear not a single voice of reason like yours. And you were so right about Zardari in point number 2 – TODAY HE HAS BECOME A DICTATOR LIKE MUSHARRAF LIKE YOU PROPHECIZED IN YOUR ARTCILE. I hope we can get out of this alive. I hope we get leaders like you.

  27. Furqan Avatar
    Furqan

    salam to all!!!

    whoever has written this article has wasted his time…I mean this article can be only read & understood by 5-10% of Pakistani's & majority of them hardly are interested ….& the writer wants to change the whole of 140million….either u write ur article in urdu & publish it some urdu newspapers….or come up with a talk show in which you gather youth & start some kind of awareness program in urdu….

    now for the content plz don't make Pakistani's feel inferior because of the anglo-american-indian media…Pakistani Media should retaliate from the psy-ops from the international media…at least show some patriotism…our media is forcing our youth(which are supposed to be leaders of tomorrow) to dance/drink/bitching & indulged in this girl friend/boy friend culture….forget any progress because media takes their 90% of youth power…our political shows don't discuss issues but at the end of the show some member of political party is being hated by masses…this is not helping in unity, but in an intolerant confused frustrated bunch of nations…..

  28. Derelict Avatar
    Derelict

    @Furqan: You go negative on the one voice of reason you see in all this madness. What's next? You'll diss Jinnah for making Pakistan? Being idiotic is one thing, but you're the breed who believe their own shit. Jeez man get a life, or keep your trap shut, or go mouth off at some Indian website, or chant slogans in favor of sub nationalists.

    @Baig: Never read anything more inspiring in a loooooooong time Mr. Baig 🙂 The commentators above are right – we need a leader like you!

  29. Furqan Avatar
    Furqan

    @Derelict

    Dear you are showing urself..?why did I said against u or the writer???or you can't comprehend the fact that writing articles in such language for Pakistani's who can't understand that language is useless….If ur wife is not happy from u then don't open ur _________ on me….get a life dear…if not then go to hell…

    Pakistani Media has to do something for Pakistan….like every other country's media does….sluts like u can't do more then criticize..?

    again "If u want to tell the whole Pakistan then at least say to them not in some language which they can't even understand"

    Media should also highlight the difference between Religious Extremists vs Non-Religious Extremists (secular Extremists)…both are threat to Islam & Pakistan…

  30. Derelict Avatar
    Derelict

    @Furqan: yeh apney gay "dears" apne paas rakho. Dear ho ga tu, tera baap. Akal nahi hai tou dhakkan se tou kaam na lo yar.

  31. dr.jawwadkhan Avatar
    dr.jawwadkhan

    ahhahahhahahahahhahahahahahah

    "yeh apney gay “dears” apne paas rakho. Dear ho ga tu, tera baap"

    i love this kind of language.

    it sounds like a "rand bewa" yelling at neighborhodd kids.

    keep it up derelict.

  32. fareed Avatar
    fareed

    Assalam o alaikum all paki brothers,

    I would like to say atleast on this forum we must show brotherhood, we should not use bad language, but i also request you mr. baig, that it also should be in URDU language so that every one can understand, u wrote very gud but to understand all i use dictionary because my english is not that gud.

    Long live pakistan.

  33. Jehan Avatar
    Jehan

    Obamaesque!

  34. Intense Avatar
    Intense

    Wow an intense piece of writing. Kudos Hassan for making more sense than all of our politicians and blog writers put together. Great vision! Jehan is right – Obamaesque.

  35. Shaista Hussain Avatar

    I found myself nodding my head all the way through the post! through your enlightened thoughts, you are surely being the 'change' you wish to see in the world around you! very well done!

  36. indigO Avatar
    indigO

    What a great thinker! Genius!

  37. DennisVega Avatar

    I usually don’t post on Blogs but ya forced me to, great info.. excellent! … I'll add a backlink and bookmark your site.

  38. Fatalist Avatar
    Fatalist

    I don't know why people like you even bother with this. Its not going to change no matter how many big words and elaborate metaphors you use. This country cannot change, these people will not change. I mean seriously, I care, you care, everyone on this blog cares, but none of us can make a difference. I'm sure some smart a$$ will come along and say "katra katra say darya banta hay" but thats a stupid proverb and it doesn't work like that in Pakistan.

    Whats happening will keep happening until:

    A). Pakistan gets obliterated, by that I mean the separation of provinces from the state, or invasion by some other country.

    B). We get a sincere government that actually gives an eff.

    I'm betting on option 'A', any takers?

    Anyone?

    Thought so.

    Wake up and accept the reality. It was over before it even began.

  39. Fatalist Avatar
    Fatalist

    To elaborate my point further as to why its pointless, please observe a post from a "regular" Pakistani:

    Comment by Furqan on April 7, 2009 @ 9:01 pm

    "whoever has written this article has wasted his time…I mean this article can be only read & understood by 5-10% of Pakistani’s & majority of them hardly are interested ….& the writer wants to change the whole of 140million….either u write ur article in urdu & publish it some urdu newspapers….or come up with a talk show in which you gather youth & start some kind of awareness program in urdu….

    now for the content plz don’t make Pakistani’s feel inferior because of the anglo-american-indian media…Pakistani Media should retaliate from the psy-ops from the international media…at least show some patriotism…our media is forcing our youth(which are supposed to be leaders of tomorrow) to dance/drink/bitching & indulged in this girl friend/boy friend culture….forget any progress because media takes their 90% of youth power…our political shows don’t discuss issues but at the end of the show some member of political party is being hated by masses…this is not helping in unity, but in an intolerant confused frustrated bunch of nations….."

    These imbeciles refuse to accept anything thats wrong with themselves. Sitting on their moral high-ground pointing fingers at the "youth" and the "media" and the "West". I mean seriously, is this guy pissed at the media for showing us youth the western culture or just cuz he aint getting some and feels left out?

    Our problem is not the west, not America, not England, NOT INDIA. IT IS US. IT IS YOU!!!! Open your effing brain and accept the fact that there is a lot more in this world than Islam and our stupid culture. As a matter of fact, Islam promotes harmony with other nations and cultures, but I'm sure you never really tried to understand that. You probably couldnt get ahead of the passage that says "Beard is sunnah". For the love of GOD stop pointing fingers at others. We live in a huge world where there happens to be a WEST and there happen to be other values. Just cuz they are different doesn't mean they are wrong.

    Ignorance at its prime. Fix your F*cking self first.

  40. Zindabad Avatar
    Zindabad

    @Fatalist: Yea fatalist, fix yourself first – stop throwing mud at other commentators under this article 😛 If you can just shut up, perhaps some good can come out of your "inaction" as Hasan said!!

    @Hasan: Kudos to you. I have never read such wisdom coming from a Pakistani. My vote to you if you ever want to lead this tattered nation. Pakistan Zindabad !!!

  41. Furqan Avatar
    Furqan

    @Fatalist

    I am married & Alhamdollillah very Happy…shows ur mentality…..tell me one thing…what have been our issues…I am just saying that don't write such crap in english…its no use when hardly 5% of Pakistanis will read & understand…

    Corruption/bribery/nepotism/illiteracy/injustice/women rights/adultery/fornication is not promoted by Religious extremists but liberal extremists who don't care about anyone anything except themselves….I have criticized this ignorant/arrogant nation the most, both religious & non religious…so plz don't come up with this crap…

    if ur denying this fact that hardly 5% Pakistanis will read this article n understand then I don't know if u even r living in Pakistan or not…huh!!!

  42. Furqan Avatar
    Furqan

    Ohh yes…

    this one is for you.

    Our enemies are not the Jews or Christians but our own Ignorance. Imam Ali a.s

    So plz see whats the reality. Reality is our media & indian media is spoiling our generations. & if someone pin points then ppl like you bark. Reality is that writing in english & then expecting from the whole Nation is stupidity. one should know that we are living in Pakistan & how many can read n understand such article. Reality is we have kicked Religion (Islam) out of our lives & given it to only illiterate Mullahs…result is infront of everyone.

  43. FatalistToo Avatar
    FatalistToo

    @Furqan: Yar itni hi mirchain lagg gayee hain tou iss article ko KHUD tranlate karo. Takleef tumhe hai, yaha ke baaqi parhney waloon ko nahi.

    Abb bhonkna band karo aur shabaash translate karo. Criticism asaan hai, asli kaam karne mie njaan jaati hai. Hai tum mien koi bhi dum? Bara aya falsafa jharney wala.

  44. Furqan Avatar
    Furqan

    @above

    hahahaha see this is ur reality. when u can't answer you ll come to your level. anyways my point conveyed & ur proving it. as for the translation its up to the guy who is giving 10 lessons which are not imp today. he should change the title from "10 lessons all Pakistanis must learn" to "10 lessons all those pakistanis who can understand this" lol….

    anyways bye…kaam ki baat nahi kerna…nobody knows mae hasan sahab ki terhan batain kerta hun ya kaam kerta hun….apni ghalti jab tak tasleem nahi kerain gae tu agay nahi bharain gae…

  45. Tehrim Avatar
    Tehrim

    @above: truly an idiot!

    @FatalistToo: I like your point but please mind your language.

  46. tikkakhan Avatar
    tikkakhan

    @Furqan: you are very much idiot and stupid. Stop idiotic criticism and do something for country. Fatalist is right to call you imbecile!

    @Hassan: Keep up the great writing sir

  47. Furqan Avatar
    Furqan

    hahahaha,…. to all the suckers of Hasan sahab… this is really height of ignorance…ppl are not realizing that such english cannot be understood by majority of the Pakistanis..but by only some westernized Pakistanis….but this author is addressing it to all the Pakistanis….lolz…

    any who tehrim & tikka boti accept reality do something for Pak…

    I will not tell what I m doing….naiki batade jayay tu faida kia….iss waqth Pakistanis ko agar ye msg dena hae tu plz urdu mae likhoo…losers..

  48. tikkakhan Avatar
    tikkakhan

    Furqan you have the IQ of a sheep. And maybe even that is a compliment for you.

    You don't get the point in the first place do you? Haha where does one even begin with such an idiot! You're the sucker here boy 🙂 Keep sucking. It's your destiny.

  49. Tehrim Avatar
    Tehrim

    @Furqan: I know you lack intellect, but at least have decency of talking to ladies. Tumharey ghar mien maa behnien nahi hain? Low life piece of garbage.

  50. Furqan Avatar
    Furqan

    @tikka boti kabab

    lolz…be happy if I have a low IQ…& i can see how narcissists will never accept….lolz…everyone can see who is sucking of the author here…lolz….sucker…

    @Tehrim

    didn'e knew ur a female…its a unisex name..I know a male with Tehrim…& before decency I believe in intellect & common sense. If woman like you lack both then its ur problem…ur some ignorant girl who cannot realize that this language in this article is not understood by majority of the Pakistanis….

    whats wrong in accepting this…????