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My first piece for Dawn was an overwhelming experience for me. I still see myself as an artist, not a writer, so I am delighted that my words have an impact too. The post was about media perceptions from both inside and outside Pakistan. Within a very short space of time my inbox overflowed with thoughts and encouragement, but only a handful really responded to my request for newsworthy stories that demonstrate resilience rather than disaster.
A few glimmers of ideas are forming – and I promise to follow up each and every one of them. Sport, India/Pakistan cooperation, health, science, are all areas I have been asked to look into, and I have already started some research. I have argued that there is no such thing as an “ultimate truth”, but a level of accuracy has to be attained before I commit words and offer you at least a layer of truth.
But some readers missed the point and slid quickly into a negative rhetoric, picking up only on the fact that I was slamming Pakistan’s media. I had messages from people who launched further written attacks and embarked on yet more verbal Pakistan bashing. The usual stuff; no sense of unity; all hope is lost; and many let me know that the tribal areas in Pakistan are particularly nasty. Sigh. If a friend of mine hadn’t already done it, I would have jumped on a plane there and then and pointed my camera straight at the Tora Bora. There be humans there too.
Others missed the point that felt I was about to reveal “the truth” about Pakistan. I’m really not. I’m not a doctor diagnosing an illness – I’m a holistic healer trying to encourage a whole body solution. It’s not about a single truth, it’s about lots of truths, it’s about another face – one of a great many.
We have been staring at the face of terrorism and corruption for so long, it’s become distorted, and we have become myopic. If I could compare my writing to that of an art movement, it would be cubism – which, in no way attempts to present a reality or “truth”, it simply looks at life from more than one view point in order to represent the subject in greater context.
A dangerous business
Others, very offered some very valuable thoughts on investigative journalism and it’s role in uncovering corruption in Pakistan. Perhaps, because I live in Britain where the media is prone to taking on the role of an unelected opposition and embark on ruthless attacks on anything at all that our politicians or our government (and the last government) do, I appear to have undervalued the role the Pakistani journalist plays in exposing the country’s ills.
It is a shame there are not more independent organisations in place in Pakistan to address these ills and that it is left to the media to take on this highly dangerous mission. So, yes, I take my hat off to every journalist in Pakistan who is committed to a better Pakistan. Your business is a dangerous one, a crucial one, but it is essentially about balance, and good journalism sees things from more than one perspective.
The problem with Pakistan is….
This week I attended a short seminar entitled, “The Future of Pakistan”. London is home to many such events. Pakistan is high on the UK government’s agenda – a country of geopolitical strategic interest, nuclear armed, and poised to become Britain’s biggest aid recipient. Experts flock to share ideas. Consultants congregate to see if there is any money to be made. The event sometimes includes someone promoting a book they have written about Pakistan (this time it was Anatol Lieven’s turn); and a panel of speakers each giving their diagnosis of “what the problem with Pakistan is…”
Conversation continues as various notable commentators – usually with an ex-Ambassador thrown in for good measure – pick apart the nation. They talk politics, military, relations with Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, religion, gender-issues. Sorry intakes of breath as the thoughts on the devastating floods are uttered. Heads move slowly from side to side, when someone mentions the dreaded letters “ISI”. The word “revolution” is used more than once, and not in a positive way – there is no real talk of potential for positive change. An audience of like-minded people will nod and thank the panel before making similar verbal offerings.
The event this week, surpassed all others as the panel in question tried to “out-do” each other with negativity. But it was a British peer who took this week’s prize for being the most ruthlessly negative about the country of her birth. “My view of Pakistan, I’m not ashamed to say is quite bleak” quipped Baroness Kishwer Falkner. Anatol retorted – “but my book is pretty bleak in places too!” I quietly got up and left the room.
Failed
It’s not that I don’t want to understand Pakistan’s problems, it’s just that I refuse to approach the country as if it is a hopeless, “failed state”. I’m not sure even how useful it is to rank failed states. It feels uncomfortable that a “Fund for Peace” should issue such a list. Pakistan ranks at number 12, since you asked.
It’s considered more failed than Yemen. But then maybe if Germany had been assessed after the Second World War it would have been pretty high up on the failed state list. Its economy was destroyed, cities were flattened by hefty bomb damage, and over six million Germans were dead including their radical and violently extreme leader found in a ditch with a bullet in his brain. But it only took a relatively short time before Germany was back on its feet; doing business with former enemies, raising its economy, and having global influence once more.
So I would challenge anyone, whether they are Pakistani or not, who assess Pakistan as “bleak” or “failed”. In my attempts to squeeze dramatic engaging news stories from a nation of 180 million, I’m not really looking for a post-Bin Laden Marshall Plan, but simply an exploration of potential, opportunity and stories of a resilience nation that I know exists. Keep the messages coming. More of them.
Caroline Jaine is a UK based writer, artist and film-maker with a background in media strategy, training and diplomacy. She writes regularly for Muslim Voices and the World Bank blog, and a book about her time in Iraq is being launched in October 2011. More about Caroline’s work and her contact details can be found on http://jaine.info/default.aspx
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
hi….nice to read ur article…..its was quite encouraging to see a non pakistani to b positive and encouraging abt pakistan may b there r many but we cant see them but most of westren media is v negative about us….pakistani media is more critical than negative may b at times it becomes negative too….the problem pak has is lack of education n those who r well educated have either left the country r they got education from either foreigner schools n colleges here in pakistan r foriegn influenced than thee r those from low standard govt schools who teach alphabets n letters but dont encourage anlytical skills n than madrasas n than vast majority cant make it to any school in their life time…..so in such a society noise of change is their but its hard to change to a single voice…….n among them evrybody is looking for thier own kind of leader as they have been nurtured…..so it becomes a crowed starving for change but cant b a united force to make a change……in such an environment the word REVOLUTION is heard alot but vision n path for that become eluded…..it was nice to read u anyways and GOD bless pakistan……
We have ourselves created these Frankestines and now when their hands started to reach our neck we started to cry for help. But is this foreign aid and military help a Trojan Horse is a mistry for me.
You given the example of Germany, and yes I agree with you that the Germans got birth from their ashes. But the problem with Pakistan is different. What I feel that an average Pakistan is not mentally so mature to differentiate between real religion and its political misuse at the hands of those, who are wrongly portraying Islam for either their own ulterior motives or of their masters.
Unless the general masses of Pakistan do not understand this reality , and not stopping their emotional sympathies for violent extremists.
a positive approach to a difficult situation. I feel the aids should be used to improve the foundations of Pak, like education(mostly), communication, health. rather than ARMY / WAR and POCKETS of RICH.
Its always nice to hear encouraging words from foreigners.
PREACH ON! The youth will stand up and take the country forward iA.
I like her article because it encourages Pakistanis to stand up and be counted. If everyone takes the destiny in his / her hands , this nation can surmount all challenges. Don't wait for the ruling elite , do it yourself. How about each one of you clean the rubbish in your areas before work / school. Shame the lazy officials and corrupt leaders at all levels. God Bless Pakistan.
As Andy in 'shawshank redemption' said, "hope is good thing and good thing never dies"
The simple solution is to get religion out of politics.
This is feel good article and nothing else. It's optimistic but without taking into account the dogmatic approach of fanatics in the name of religion, repression of women and absolutly no vision on the part of ruling elites. India holds a bigger hope for Pakistan than China; as India has shared past, language and people of Indian born still very much around. I strongly advocate that Pak should do its best to improve the relation with India and half of its problems would automatically solve by diverting the resources to developmental projects instead of purchase of military hardware. We the Indians need a strong and stable neighbour, of course not a failed state.
Better would be to solve Kashmir and then China, Pakistan and India join hands for betterment of humanity.
No one can predict the future . No one could forsee the collapse of russia , the rise of China , the financial mess of US . We understand all this only in hindsight. In 80s western experts had written off a diverse country like India & expected it to be breakdown into smaller independent states. Today they are going gaga over our growth rate. Both are equally oversimplification of complex truth.
That doesn't mean I am optimistic about Pakistan . Its just that its too hard to predict all this…
a positive feel good story..no way connects the reality and struggles of people,how can author feel good,when the country is actually sinking, fundamentalism physically eliminating the liberal voices..one by one,,,the ruling military is trying to keep its power at the cost of development and welfare,corrupt politicians compromised with religious bigots to keep their eternal..its time for people to revolt a jasmine revolution is necessary for civilized and liberal Pakistan
I do not conisder Pakistan a failed State or wish it were. My opinion has nothing to do with what dangers its failure as State would create in its immediate region and perhaps in the world. The common man and woman in t street, or an office worker or hospital care giver are all trying to keep it together and also aspire to succeed while making a living. Why should they fail? The governments have dug a hole for themselves and the people. The tug of war between civilian authority and military establishment for everything from national budget allocations to controlling foreign policy of the countryhas victimized the man and woman on the street. In its present situation there is a third player joining the already bad tug of war and that is the militant/terrorist element. A three way tug of war??? imagine the results. But the man and woman on the street will eventually find their voice and power to break–up this tug of war. I have full hope in humanity of Pakistan.
Pakistan does not HAVE to be a failed state. However, to progress, it does not have to merely try harder… it has to change directions. Trying harder at what is not working is not going to help. It will only not work MORE.
Regds.
i can see lot of pakistanis feeling happy about the article………… this is exactly the purpose of such articles…
this is called political journalism …..
just look at her profile—————–
"Caroline Jaine is a UK based writer, artist and film-maker with a background in media strategy, training and diplomacy. She writes regularly for Muslim Voices and the World Bank blog, and a book about her time in Iraq is being launched in October 2011. "
u can see she is a "strategist" "diplomat" who spends time in Muslim countries …. and of course writes a book about those stays…. what else is expected of her…
Thank you for your kind words. Making people happy is one thing. Bringing about positive change is where my heart is. The message here is really about the small contributions one can make to make a difference. Put them all together and you get change.
Very nice optimistic article. But the difference between Pakistan and Germany was in case of the later there were the absence of religious extremism, Army not overshadowing the elected Government, higher literacy, good protection of fundamental rights of people and the most important thing was having a non-corrupt, effective and visionary Govt. and bureaucracy. If Pakistan wants to prove the authors aspirations then it shall have to develop all these attributes….May God bless this country to achieve it.
The german situation was quite different than what pakistan is into. We people from the south asian countries have a bogus leader selection syndrome. none of the political leaders in both india and pakistan are really into a big change mood. each one has fixed his eyes on the throne to b able to mend money and power regardless of duties. Off course pakistan will change but first you need the leader who has fire within to do so. Who understands the values of human life. Who is able to wash the radical teachings given to masses with the lower economic back ground. But then its a loop. such leaders r not found and if found not elected and if elected not supported. u as people have to rise and let the winds of the arab spring bring in the wave of change. Surely India will follow. I wish all the very best for pakistan.
Very well said. Hope every thing settles down. But the example of Germany given, see that the people of Germany want to be number One in every aspect. The mindset is very different. To be on path of development, it is important that there be a mindset for that. Try giving a thousand chances to a dog. It can't sit on a throne.
Dear Caroline, this reminds me of my granny. I was a bully as a kid. Many kids were roughed up by me. But my granny was my strength. She always stood in to defend my actions. Your article reminds me of my child-hood.
DEAR READRES AND RESPECTED WRITER
All nations have inbuilt qualities and problems, so do we. Its not the country that has something wrong with it, its the people living in it who are a little off the track. now look at Pakistan from the picture that appears below.
1. We did not have anything, virtually nothing at the time of our birth, but now we are progressing very well.
2. Our industry has a solid base due to the fact that we are capable of producing raw material (of all types) due to our varied terrain/weather and can also produce finished products.
3. We have one of the best and most loyal Army in the world, which may have certain limitations due to technological issues but not courage, ability, unity, loyalty.
4. Last but not the least we have the best people available here with excellent hearts and traditions, who want peace and want to follow their own lifestyle ( like any other respectable nation). these people have excellent IQ, a thirst for excellence and a will to progress certainly there are problems but these will be overcome with time.
I thank the writer for seeing that hope in Pakistan and in Pakistanis.
Thumbs up, kashif
we must see things in the correct perspective. Apart from the current mess, we have lots of potential which must not be ignored.
There's no "Stuff" in this article. It is simply a "you can do better….I see potential in you" kind of approach. I'm sure such approaches do not go wrong – ever. But what's the solution ? Will Pakistanis swallow the bitter medicene pill ?
Well! Caroline… I really appreciate your valuable thoughts, No doubt there is the HOPE that one day will come when again the Pakistan gets back her zealous enjoyment. God Bless You. Take Care
I think the solution to the problem is to break up the country into smaller countries. People of Sindh are peaceful and don't care about the Terrorists from FATA. Smaller countries will be easier to manage. Bangladesh doesnt have as much problems as we have.
By countries you mean Federations, states or Provinces
Pakistan is far from a failed state. A muslim is never hopeless in difficulties. A vibrant people full of talent and resilience cannot be broken. The people of this nation are engineers, scientists, doctors, businessmen, and common citizens strengthening economies and nations abroad. With a foundation as pure as islam the people of pakistan have a beautiful future, only if they follow and practice this beautiful way of life. Change never comes to a people unless they first change themselves, and we all have hope that one day this will come in a beautiful form.
The problem is one : Religion. And blind faith in the religion.
The Problem is not the Religion, the problem is the know how of religion and implementation, one can be a good doctor, engineer, scientists or a sport person and at the same time a good religious person, but it all depends how one put his life style into it…
I think you have just touched the nub. There is a whole lot more that is not seen. For you to delve in that direction will take a deeper insight of how the global issues evolve or are manipulated by that now single super power in its throes of self-destruction. Take it out of the picture and the world will be a much safer place. Ever heard of Rome and the barbarians of Gaul and Celtica?
very well written and very mature. There is always light at the end of the tunnel and things could always be worse.
Thanks Caroline! for this wonderful well written article. You have analysed the problems of Pakistan better than a Pakistani. You are a real well wisher of Pakistan. The piece brightened my heart with hope and encouragement. it will have a meaningful impact on people's heart too. The time demands good positive change, and the key to 'change' is unity. God bless you!
Thanks Caroline! for this wonderful, well written article. You have analysed the problems of Pakistan better than a Pakistani. You are a real well wisher of Pakistan. The piece brightened my heart with hope and encouragement. It will enlighten the dying feelings of positivity in people's heart. Time demands good positive change and the key to "change" is unity. God bless you!
Thank you Caroline, for an excellent article. It is refreshing to see such encouragement and moral support from someone in the West who seems to understand our problems. Pakistanis who love bashing Pakistan should learn a lesson from you. Constantly listing the problems and berating the country will not help solve problems – we all know the problems, are we ready to act on the solutions?
Very well written . I know one day things will get better
I always regret myself by realizing this truth more often while reading the everyday news paper that our security forces are doing much less then the journalists are doing on the same ground.
It's a strange feeling that someone sitting outside the country is judging our system the way it is ( A failed System).
I feel that the best way to deal with Pakistan is to leave it alone and let its people, govt and military decide the best courses open for them since the world's topmost leaders, defence and political analysts despite their best efforts failed to put this country on the right track.
A very well written article. My only contention is that the designation of "failed" for a state does not mean the state cannot become successful in the future, given the right changes. With this in mind, it's perhaps better to accept Pakistan as a failed state in its current shape and face reality. It's only by accepting the present that we can shape the future and lift Pakistan up.
When nations fall into darkness and no hope is left than true leaders are born. We will rise- as a nation, and will develop. Changes are occuring on a daily basis. Pakistan is not a failed state. It takes many years for nations to develop. Pakistan is still young. She has vibrant and intellegent people. Pakistan is full of resources- all we need is direction coming from an honest, true Pakistani. Time is not far when a true leader will emerge Inshallah.
Nice article and keep the hope alive.
Every moment of Pakistani events have to be reconciled with truth and every pakistani should make an effort
to separate truth from bunch of lies. Fallow truth , pakistanis will succeed.
Great thinking.
A country of 18 million can never be a failed state. I am sure, economy, education, health care, infrastructure will take a rapid speed in pakistan. Ofourse, people and only people can make it happen.
Better than millions on inferiority complexed Pakistanis.
Are you Kidding! Comparing Post-war Germany and present Pakistan is way off the mark. Germany could be quickly exorcised of the Nazi demon, But Pakistan coming out of the spell of Islamic fundamentalism is a different ball game.
"What goes around comes around"
Be nice to others (irrespective of religion, caste, gender) and nature will return same to you.
The issue is not that it is a failed state. The issue is that the theory on which it was founded does not hold water!
Great to see another Brit supporting Pakistan and finding inspiration in this vibrant and complex culture and beautiful language. We need to hear more of this. Hurrah for Pakistan!
Caroline- Your analogy of Germany is a bit of a stretch. Germany was not in the grip of religious dogma and self denial. They knew where they stood after the war besides Hitler had massively invested and encouraged Science & Technology which stood them in good stead. Germany has the least ethnic diversity compared to pakistan
Great article, best of luck for people who want to make Pakistan a peaceful and prosperous nation. Comparision with Germany is relevant. Past foes can become friends and move forward and so can Pak and India
One does not have to geographically as far, and historically too, to the aftermath of World War II, to Germany. As recent as 1971, closer to home, Bangladesh came into existence, and despite having its founding father assassinated and a host of problems that followed – economically and politically – seems to be getting its act together as a functionally successful State. South Asian countries could probably draw lessons from those within their region with greater felicity.
Caroline Jaine your article is spot on and i cannot agree more. The message you had given here is like the voice of many Pakistanis .Resilience is something that most of the people cannot comprehend but those who can will take Pakistan out of this quagmire. Here comes the individual responsibility and I am doing every effort as an Individual to make this statemet come true that Rise and rise again until Lambs become Lions and if every Pakistani atleast understand its individual responsibility then things can change.The Example of Germany you quote is really an excellent example in this regard.
well you seem to be very optimistic . but i think pakistan is heading towards the path of somalia.
i can see, if a major terrorist attack on england, america or australia happens, then pakisttan will become a pariah state.
the future of pakistan is very dark in my opinion.
it may sound bitter but the condition of pakistan today is worse than any other period.
CJ u are a good soul,Allah Bless you for + hopes for us although it is difficult in Pak muddy waters.I agree miracles can occur so we live in hope.Ur article is like gust of fresh breeze.God bless
We'll make it.
Something people don't ever understand, we ain't dead yet, and this is the only place we got.
And if we do die, it won't be our problem anymore but till then, we are very much alive.
Thank you for your kind perspective, it felt nice reading it!
A very different approach with a positive outlook is really like smell of rain in hot humid weather. Thanks for this change.
If you are living with the beast in a jungle and you know one day you might be its victim; you're always hoping that it might not come after you … thats how resilient our people are.
In your words, I see that hope … God Bless You!
Thats not resilience, you just dont have a choice instead of hoping that it might not come after you better find ways to put an end to it.
Good work Caroline. Keep it up. Every problem has a solution, this is not a geomatrical theorem or a complex equation thats hard to comprehend. Pakistanis must realise that the solutions to their problems are in their hands. Change is not difficult to bring if the people have the desire and the will to bring it.We can see the changes happening right now in front of our eyes in this very world. But remarkably the thing that needs to be noted is, its the people that hold the key that unlocks the door of change. So if the people of Pakistan want change and i bet that do, they must understand that "where there is a will there is always a way".Thanks Caroline for this article and please keep writing.We need people like you who see things differently.All the best.
"Pakistanis must realise that the solutions to their problems are in their hands."
Agree, but that is not that easy when too many cheff's (inside-out/outside-inside) stirring the Broth!
I think that is what is Caroline is trying to say!?
I really acknowledge what she has written. Its very encouraging that a foregner holds such positive notes about our country but our very own people declare it as a failed state. What we need to do is make ourselves better, the nation itself will be successful in no time.
Optimism vs Reality.
I am also an optimist and wishful thinker but harsh realities depict a very bleak picture. How can we come out of this slump in near or distant future is not visible; political scenario is going back to 90s, security is non existent, economy is doomed and people are listless. Thus indicators are all favored toward increase in this ranking toward single digit.
But we should cling to 'Hope against Hope' and collectively do something positive by starting at individual level. I am pledging to this and request others to do the same.
Very well written and very impressive! May God give sense and awareness to the people of Pakistan, so that they can come out of the spell of corrupt leaders and demand for a change!!
Its good to hear from people who still have hopes high for Pakistan. God bless you!