If Pakistan had never been...

Some thought provoking arguments come to mind when I see the state of our beloved country today and it all lands on; what if Pakistan had never come into being?

All the Indo-Pak history tells us that those were difficult times and that there was a need for a separate nation for the Muslims of the subcontinent. I however wonder - was there really? I mean look at India today, they are well established, higher literacy rate, successful, patriotic and there are Indian Muslims in high ranking positions not just in the private or entertainment sector but in the government and legislature today.
Of course this argument is now a moot point because Pakistan does exist and is sadly being run down into the ground by its own people.

Taking a look at our political and economical history I would say Pakistan started off really well. Pakistanis had a dream and everyone pitched in and did their part to get the country up and running. May it have been the militant rule or a democratic government, Pakistan was a production of its people. And today the people can make a difference again.

I think about how I can contribute in little ways and here are some things that come to mind;

• Promote Pakistani products

This is easy. Here I start with myself. No matter all the Maybaline(s), Clinique(s) and Mac(s) of the world, when it comes to my eyes, I trust only the "Hashmi Surma". I buy it and I know the majority of our female population buys it. When it comes to fizzy drinks, my preference is always "Pakola". If it comes to juices, why go for Nestle when Engro Food's "Olfrute" is just as awesome? Small things we can make a difference with, buy local products to improve the economy.

• Market our local industries internationally

Pakistan being an agricultural country has an amazing opportunity in the textile sector. Why don't we market our Gul Ahmed, Al-Karam and likes of it internationally? If we can have international designer outlets here in Pakistan, why can't our local brands have outlets abroad? Same goes for our crafts. We sell our own local crafts such as khusas, hand embroidered materials in various forms, ajraks and other cultural delicacies so expensive here, why can't we have a streamlined export of our cultural products worldwide?

• Market local talent internationally

Now Coke Studio has really taken our musical artists forward and it is great to have a world renowned top brand such as Coke back up our artists. However, our media (radio and music channels) can play a big role here by not only airing known artists but maybe taking one step forward and playing our national songs on a regular basis instead of just on 14th August. Our artists can do covers of these songs! So much can be done in this department...!
Same goes for our designers and designer brands. The leading names in our industry such as HSY, Rizwan Beg, Sana Safinas, Deepak Perwani, Amir Adnan, Nilofer Shahid, Bunto... and the list goes on... Instead of buying Armani or Gucci, spend the same amount buying from them! Gulabo, our very own truck art - then why bring back tuk tuk models from Thailand?


One can go on and on with ideas but the first and foremost idea is to take ownership. It is our country people - lets take it back! For whatever reason the partition happened, now it is done, lets make the best of it. Lets not get disheartened which leads our next generations to completely lose faith in our country. Sportsmen, politicians, actors and the likes come and go. Lets not let their mistakes become our identity. Lets not only come together during catastrophes like earthquakes and floods, lets be a nation all the time.  Lets be hopeful again... its a good feeling... :)