The ‘artist’s perspective is being solicited presumably because it would differ from that of ‘normal’ people? I would therefore rephrase the question and ask ‘What’s RIGHT with Pakistan?’ and ‘How on earth did we manage THAT?’ What’s right with Pakistan is the will of the people to survive. The capacity of its poets, artists, musicians and actors to give solace, through words, colour and sound. To make people believe in themselves, in their right to a life of dignity and the future of their children.

The creative force is alive and in good working order in Pakistan and the rest of the world can see it. But can we? Perhaps this is where we should be focusing our energies, our resources. When was the last time you gave your zakat to a struggling artist, writer, or musician? When did you pay to educate a child who dreams of being a painter, an actor, or a poet?

Faiz once said: ‘Artists found for the hopes and fears of their people, for their dreams and longings, words and music that the people could not find for themselves’. He also said artists, ‘defy what is evil and uphold what is good’.

So perhaps that is what we must do—turn to those amongst us who can heal us with their words and images and music. Those who draw us together and show us the way out of our anguish. Perhaps their magic can right our many wrongs today as it did in the times of our ancestors.