An unposted letter to PM Singh
Dear Mr Singh,
I have never before addressed a person of your stature so do forgive me for my casual style of speech. Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to you and your government for considering over 900 Pakistani Hindu citizens eligible for Indian nationality. It is a great gesture indeed for the Hindus who once lived in Pakistan, however, you must also realise that Christians, and even Muslims are not exactly ‘at peace’ in this country either.
I understand that Hindus remain your government’s first priority because many in your government identify with them; however, I still want to direct your attention towards the hundreds of Hazaras who are executed every day in broad daylight on the streets of Pakistan. I wanted to ask if you could lend a helping hand to the countless Christians who live in fear of being arrested or murdered for committing blasphemy in the country. The scores of civilian dying in the north-western side of Pakistan because of militancy and drone strikes could also avail your assistance, that is, if you plan to offer any.
You and a few representatives of the Indian government must also have a rendezvous with Ahmadis to understand how they face religious persecution in every aspect of their lives. I insist you meet with Pakistanis who are desperate to bring about a positive change in the society and see how they are threatened and harassed in ways that are unfathomable by many.
I am sure you would know all the details about political asylum but will reiterate that it is not easy for all Pakistanis to seek asylum in countries such as United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia as many of them do not have the resources to do the same. India remains the only hope for many people who can reach the country via Attari with minimum resources.
The level of desperation felt by some Pakistanis can evidently be gauged by the fact that some of them are even ready to migrate to Afghanistan — a country whose many inhabitants migrated to Pakistan in search of ‘refuge’ after the US invaded their country.
Mr Singh, we all do appreciate your humanitarian policies and would urge you to expedite the citizenship process of Pakistani Hindus, however, I find it my duty to inform you that people who profess other religions in Pakistan are equally deprived of peace and should be given an opportunity to seek asylum in India. Why is this move focused towards Hindus? Don’t you think that the Indian government, while at it, should chalk out a strategic plan to cater to Pakistanis — irrespective of caste and religion — whose lives are threatened within the boundaries of Pakistan?
Various members of the Indian government are corresponding with you on the status of Hindus who migrated to India to seek shelter. One of them is Laxmikanta Chawla who, amongst many other points, stated that, “Since the Pakistani government has failed to protect its minorities from frequent atrocities so the Indian government needs to look after them.”
Going by what Chawla said I must request you to not be so harsh on our government which is currently embroiled in a conflict with the superior judiciary and has other important tasks at hand rather than safeguarding the interest of the very people for which it was elected. It is important that you understand that the government of Pakistan is not only unable to look after its minorities but is also incapable of catering to the heavy majority and ensuring their safety.
Mr Singh, many Pakistanis will refuse to openly admit this but most of us would like to be considered eligible for Indian nationality. The reason behind our desire to move is extremely simple. It is because India since 1947 has grown as a nation, an economy and a country. Despite of the poverty and other related issues, we all see India as a progressive society and in a very positive light. We all want to live in a country which is ruled by secular politicians where fascist elements are given minimum representation in the parliament; a country where people can coexist or at least consider this ideology a welcoming thought.
You caught your Kasab but what about the numerous Kasabs who are ready to wipe out the entire population of Pakistan by flagging them as infidels, anti-Islam, pro-India, US puppets and just plain secular? What about us who continue to strive for a change, however, feel helpless at the hands of the radical elements freely roaming around in Pakistan? Is there any solace for us?
Mr Singh, this might not be news to you but every life which is snubbed out in a militant or violent attack in Pakistan pushes the progress made by the handful of Pakistanis who believe in mutual respect for peace, life and religious diversity, a hundred steps back.
It is indeed with a heavy heart that I leave Pakistan today in search of a safer country — a place where I can express myself freely without being threatened and flagged as a heretic.
En route to a strange country, crossing the all too familiar roads of Karachi, I saw a poster featuring Jinnah with a small line stating “Pakistan needs you”. Mr Singh, never before did I feel such fierce emotion. The words struck me and for the first time in my life, made me realise that we all have failed Jinnah and the Pakistan he envisioned.
Like many others before and after me, I am running for safer pastures where my life will be valued and respected, leaving my fellow countrymen behind to fight with the demons that dictate the order of the day in Pakistan, my home.
I don’t know what would I have done if was given an option to move to India. Perhaps, I would have moved but this is a question that will remain unanswered unless your government starts treating dejected Pakistanis on equal footing as Hindus.
Sincerely,
One amongst many Pakistanis striving for a progressive change.
The writer is a Reporter at Dawn.com
Do us a favor Ms. Mirza. Keep your looser and pessimistic mentality to your self and dont write such negative articles. and by the wayyou dont speak for all pakistanis, you wont be able to find more than a few pakistanies who despite all of the difficulties and hardships here at home will be willing to call india there “new home”. shame on you!!
The Indians are not considering other religions for citizenship except the Hindus simply because of the fact that the other religions have not asked for it the writer should be one of the first ones from a non Hindu group to apply for Indian citizenship as she seems to be impressed by India and not go anywhere else except to India where communal riots are quite common.She should also try to meet Bal Thackray who may even help her settle down well in India.
Communal riots are not common and Dawn carried stories of a minister being jailed in India for the Gujarat riots of 2002.
Dear Faiza Mirza,
My honest advise to you and people interested in migrating to India. Do not wait for something to happen as a policy of country, which might take long time to conceive and enforce.
But for immediate need, just apply for visit visa to India and after landing let the officials know that you intend to stay and sure things will adjust as per your desire (though it may take time to obtain citizenship). India is a secular country and can not deny right to livelihood to anyone based on religion, which is against Indian constitution.
Vijay : Thanks, that is what rest of us would like to suggest. Ms. Mirza get a visa, go to India & claim political asylum & live in that enchanted land .A dream come true for you.Leave your troubles behind for us – Most of us love Pakistan, no matter how difficult life is, we will endure.
How do you call yourself a person who ‘strives’ for a progressive Pakistan when you choose to flee from it.
Dear Rajeev Nidumolu – India does not have dual citizenship regime. Please get your facts straight. . Honestly, Pakistan can keep its intelligentsia. We have nothing to prove to Pakistan regarding our secular credentials. They are brainwashed to believe that Muslims are targeted and discriminated against the way they target their own. This might be true, but it is not the metanarrative.
Indian does not owe Pakistan anything. It is about time Pakistan stopped looking at its neighbours and tried to control its own destiny and fulfil its lost, yet infinite potential.
It is not only Pakistani Hindus who would avail the opportunity to get Indian citizenship but also majority of Pakistanis whether they are Sunni or Shia Muslims, Ahmedis, Sikh or Chirstians. Majority of Pakistanis are tired of few vocal and violent extremist who are committing heinous acts all in the name of Islam but in essence these extremist are enemies of Islam. Our government and all powerful military have failed to eliminate these extremist so we ask the government of India to help Pakistanis to eliminate these extremist.
Couple of years back there was a research by PEW poll………. the findings were……… 65% of Pakistanis want to leave it permanently while 30% of the remaining wanted to venture out of Pakistan at least once to escape the turbulent conditions at home. Google PEW poll and kindly find the research article.
raghu.mumbai
Deliberatley provocative, and a point well made. India went on to be what Pakistan should have been; while we turned into what we thought India would be.
Very insightful
Anyone who criticises this fantastic article by Faiza should ask themselve if any part of this article is untrue. Just a single part of it. How many times has the Indian army taken over?? Zero. Do they have four American military bases and drone attacks for the last 7 years?? Exactly. Well done Faiza.
thanks for your sensible comment Faisal, I see hope now… I see hope, signs of an emerging new Pakistan… brave and tolerant Pakistan able to see beyond machoism and religious fanaticism
In a country where people like you and the Faiza lives will never have bad future.
@faisal
You are brave and truly patriotic. People like you, will change the course Pakistan has taken since Zia Idealogy.
May god bless you with long life and health. And god bless Pakistan with more and more people like you.
Just to remind you Faisal that Turkey has been under military rule for several decades in the past and is also home to US / NATO forces. Is India even close to Turkey in human development and quality of life? As for the drone attacks, the average Pakistani is not the intended target of these and has nothing to fear from them. So your arguments are a bit thin.
Superb article
”Mr Singh, many Pakistanis will refuse to openly admit this but most of us would like to be considered eligible for Indian nationality.”
Like seriously? “Most of us”? I think it is better to consult a dictionary in case you are unsure on how to complete a sentence. This is a blatant and absolute exaggeration. An exaggeration that hurts the sentiments of, in your words, “most of us”.
Where did you get the idea from anyway? Even if we go by your argument that all minorities living in Pakistan are always under threat, and every single one of them would want to migrate, it still makes it a “minority”, and certainly not “most of us”. Appalling article. Despicable.
I strongly agree with you. While I agree with everything said in the article, and also stating that i am not at all anti-India.. this doesn’t mean I would want to be considered for Indian nationality. I would like my country to improve itself. and MOST of us? I highly doubt it. We should follow in India’s footsteps. There’s a difference between going in India’s footsteps and going to India. Very honest opinion: I do not want to be considered for Indian nationality.
kudos Mr Siddique for this reason only we Indians always say that partition was a blunder and motivated by self interest of that time so called pseudo leaders, any indian could’ve never bothered about who is PM after independence it could have been even Mr Jinnah but that was not acceptable to some, please motivate your govt to merge back with India & all problems of India & Pakistan will be resolved for ever and together we will be able to handle these problem creators, please send your response to rakes@twitter.com, every pakistani & Afgani is welcomed back in India.
Mr. Siddique Humayun, i don’t understand why are you getting so offended by the truth !! If you live in Pakistan , look around, talk to people about this fact . Randomly go talk to 100 people about the same issue. I bet you 70% will say, it is way better at this time and age to be called an indian than a pakistani! Yes it is heart breaking and even writing it down i have a lump in my throat because i am a Pakistani myself BUT the truth is i am not too proud of my nation ! i would rather be an Indian national when travelling outside of the country than a Pakistani. This is the truth and accept it. Name one thing that you can be proud of being a Pakistani? Sorry but I can give you a 100 about India.
zoya – thats a sensible and well thought out argument and i am pleased to see a common pakistani gal standing tall amongst all the other pakistanis around… i know what you talking about, when i’ve seen how pakistanis/bangladeshis have to hide their identities or rather call themselves indians.. opening indian restos.. for obvious reasons… its a hard fact to digest being a pakistani and takes lots of guts to admit…
dear, i can feel the pain and love for your country and can surely tell you one thing, for people like you and faiza, i still see hope for pakistan… i see new horizons and new beginnings for your beloved country… if you have the courage to accept the wrongs and fight for the truth, there is no way you can be defeated….i pray to almighty with all my heart for you and your country…. stay put and keep fighting.
TRUTH HURTS
WoW – After three wars and several attacks later you wish to move to India. You must hate Pakistan very much.
We will hate to admit that you are are right. If you go anywhere in the world you are safe and you come back to your homeland and you are murdered, what good is that country to you.
WoW – After two sentence and a word, you still sound absurd
great job mirza.
we should send similar letters to the pm of malaysia, turkey, iran, heck even sri lanka would be better than the silly state of pakistan….jinnnahs’ pakistan was hijacked long time ago, unless untill us marines start shooting at mullahs on the street of pakistan and the next ‘generation’ of people separate religion and state, there will be no peace and security for anyone in pakistan.
b
no you have not failed Jinnah. You have continued his legacy. He would be very proud of the divided state of affairs of Pakistan. After all he was the one who divided the sub-continent
And a great job he did. Can you imagine coexisting with such a society ? I have lot for respect for Jinnah’s foresight than any of our great Gandhi/Nehru who totally lacked practicality. Yes Hindu and Muslims are two nations and they should maintain arms length distsance if not more.
Division is the fate of th Sub-continent my Friend. You saw it with Pakistan being carved out in 47. We saw it in 71 courtesy you guys making good use of the opportunity and the geographical dis-connect. So historically it’s your turn again. Look inwards and you would know what I mean. Putting a secular blanket cannot subside the religious tint, now more visible in Indian rhetoric then ever. We have learnt our lesson the hard way. Your turn. Well done to the writer by the way. Do send a copy to
the Paki PM as well
Faisal, that guy Shankar’s opinion doesnt represent all of India’s opinion. I am an indian and I disagree with him – he is frustrated. We value the culture and language and legacy shared commonly between India and Pakistan. If we change our attitude, everything will change. India and Pakistan can be friends, we can open boundaries and share our lands and its security – scary for some… difficult step… but not impossible. It has happened in the past and it can happen in future. We were one for thousands of years, we have been divided for only a few decades… Religion is meant to be in tune with God… not for discriminating or hating mankind.
Yes , you are indeed right Faisal. Looking inwards is telling us that there is now time for Sindhudesh and Baluchistan republic. Punjab and NWFP can still exist as one country if we wish to
Faisal, Keep dreaming….learning one lesson did not make Pak wise enough to treat Baluchi’s with respect. May be time for lesson number 2……
Is there a PM in pakistan?
Mr. Faisal !What is your (India’s) turn? It isn’t 7th century?Fanatics are going to be crushed once and for all sooner rather than later.
Jinnah was not responsible for division of India. It was Nehru and Patel. And no matter how bad Pakistan is, I for one would never like to migrate to India which is only a little better than us.
Superb response Rahul! Well said! He was the one who started this mess!
Even Living in UK for long-time and having abundance of opportunities to settle in UK I decided to go back to Pakistan because that my country I wont deny that we have problems but they can only be fixed from inside and I want to become the first drop of rain in this revolution and I strongly believe that my fellow country man have the same passion from their country …. For those who admire the writer ideology I will only say love it or leave it .. lots of love for Pakistan …. Pakistan Zindabad
Nah you came back because you were called a Paki
I guess even after living in UK for a long time you still didnt learn how to write English
). No wonder you came back ;o)
Not fair, lot of English natives also write far worse English. One should appreciate the patriotic zeal in Furrukh.
Faiza, I dont know what kind of world you live in, but nobody leaves one country because it is facing trouble.You madam are a coward at heart who now openly admits it and to support it, also fallaciously rope in the entire population!…if your own house caught a bug phenemenon would you leave your house and start living in your worst neighbours house for life…shameful article coming from a woman!.
What does it have to do with “…from a woman”? BTW, immigration doesn’t mean breaking all the ties.
Fact that she wants to”start living in your worst neighbours house for life” just demonstrates the state of her own house which she is desperate to leave due to no other choice.Besides the writer has written sarcastically to make a point to those who who live in denial.
I think its time to rethink the word two nations theory and consider one Hindustan again. Let the divide be done and over with unite the two part and become one Great Hindustan like before..any one care
Mirza sahib, have you ever met the East Germans after 1989? I live in Germany that’s why I say. They are same people with same religion, race and culture but all these years of partition has developed two different mind set of Germans. Now united as one country they say that wall is fallen but there is still a huge wall between two nations. Yes they use word nations for each other. Moreover, please check the German articles which may also tell you the harsh truth that East Germans with same qualification have been hired with less pay than a West Germans. Discrimination is quite obvious and you will hear many times when West Germans call them Ossie. And you talk about PK-India as a single country. These two nations are not civilized like Germany and I tell you they will end up killing each other by creating a new era of civil war. I rather wish and pray that they will sincerely respect each other as a good neighbor and stop creating propaganda and unrest against each other.
Let us open our boundaries and share the lands freely between us – let us be responsible for its security and care. Let there be no discrimination towards anyone’s religion. Let the law of the lands be fair and unbiased. We share common history, cultures, languages, tradition, names and surnames – why then do we hate each other?
It has become a habit thats why !!!
If we see ourselves as ONE, then the two countries can be there defined on geographical map as India and Pakistan – who cares!!!
Let us share our hearts… not just land!
(response from Indian brother)
Dear Mirza, There is no Hindustan; it is India or Bharat. By constitution, we are secular, and most Indians want it that way–India belongs to all of its citizens.
Great Sentimental ideal and I would be all for it. But you have not seriously considered the inclusion of over 100 Million+ hard core religious fanatics who would bring the poison of hatred with them. And what about th ehate preaching illiterate Mullahas?
India has it’s own haters, Thank God too few to tear the fabric of the Republic but troublesome none the less. Why would you take a chance.
More over, you can NEVER turn back the clock of History.
Great idea Mirza, but who in their right mind would want to re-unite with Pakistan? who would want to bring in the worst mess in the world to their home? who would want to cope with such extreme religiosity and closed minds!
Your above article will evoke very strong criticism.Countries pass through some distressing moments, but hope should not be lost as there should be light at the end of dark tunnel by almightys grace.
I read this article twice just to make sure I understood what the writer was trying or meaning to say all I can say this is written by someone that may be from Pakistan but with a foreign heart , educated but misinformed , sincere but scandalous. Now a days everyone is a victim in Pakistan Hindu, Christian, Shia, Balochi,Farmer,doctors,students….. apparently everyone that gets face time on TV, not saying that they are not, but they are persecuted groups around the world in developed and non developed countries alike the only difference the media and that they stay and fight for their rights. Blacks in the US had been victims from 100s of years you never saw them running abroad they stood their ground and today they have a black president.We have Hindu and Christian parliamentarians who only bring minority problems to light when it is vote bankable why not ask them????
Terrorism and bad governance do not see religion or nationality .
Question to all my Indian friends please explain Gujrat ?? please expalin Babri masjid??? anti sikh riots???violnce against christians in the north east ???? explain the mass graves of kashmiris . Always help your neighbor because if his house is on fire it is only a matter of time it spreads to your.
No I think its all about getting fame and I tell you that she got quite successful to get her goal done. Now we should wait when India will start pouring the blessings on her.
very difficult choice between veena & faiza.
Ham se aya na gaya, unse bulaya na gaya
LOL … nice comparison of Veena and Faiza
let me rephrase your words…..Terrorism and bad governance DO see religion and nationality… and We are sorry for injustice being done to the fellow Indians on whatever basis.
Dear Ghost, It does not help to malign India. Yes, it is far from perfect; but how many Muslims or Christians or Sikhs have asked for an asylum? Our PM is a Sikh, Defense Minister is a Christian, and not long ago, our President was Dr. APJ Kalam. We are a proud SECULAR nation.
do you have any minorities left in pakistan, that we could tell what backlash would have been their had 58 sunni muslims set on fire by hindus.
before we explain anything, it is you who must explain, why muslims could not retain the minorities in their country?
Thats the problem with us Pakis. We are a shameless lot – in a country that has no water, no electricity,
no law and order, people still urinating, defecating, spitting publicly, men-folk supposedly purifying themselves
with stones in plain view of women and children, who after 60+ years of being provided a nation, half of which they lost by murdering men and raping the women of the other brotherly half, now slaughter 6 year old children, where there’s more show of worship than humility and love – still preach about sincerety to the nation. I think we should stop wearing clothes to cover our bodies – we already have become one with the animal kingdom.
You sirs who love this country so much, I bet would bend over backwards if given visas to another country,
stay in Pakistan. You desrver each other.
Islam is not in the Pakistan only, You can live it by making it a part of heart and soul anywhere in this world.
My hats of to Ms. Mirza, you are the kind of honest people a nation needs. Unluckil, the idiots who jumped
out of their skin to berate you are the same cowards who have destroyed a beutiful country.
Honesty is Islam, Truth is Islam, Bravery is Islam
You are all of that my dear… My best wishes to you and respect for the above qualities of a true muslim
An Indian brother
Thats the problem with us Pakis. We are a shameless lot – in a country that has no water, no electricity, (your quote above)
Very interesting, now you relegate us to ‘Pakis’, I thought we were called Pakistanis.Where did you pick up this slang ? I guess Green backs or Pound Sterling speaking here. Being ex-citizen, you consider yourself ‘Brown Sahib’ or simple ‘Brownie” ‘ ?
Whatever he still has a point by the way what is yours?
Ab Pakistani ko Paki nahi bolna hua to kya bolna hey. Why ‘Paki’ is considered a slang ? Pakistan means land of pure and paki means pure. What is slang in it. When people love someone too much they call him by his shortened name. Why you feel offensive in it ? Can you explain me ? Just imagine, whole world loves so much to you Pakistanis that they have started calling you by shortened name. Being an Indian, I am feeling jealous.
WOW!!!! You are one clear eyed, brave man.
Bravo ex-citizen!
“Why is this move focused towards Hindus?” why don’t you read international law a little before writing such article and raising such questions.According to international law India can not throw out any person who does not want to go back to original country because of any kind of prosecution and on the basis or current citizen ship law any one refugee or tourist can apply for Indian citizenship if he full fill all the condition required this is not a new policy it there since the time of Independence (under this act only after Sonia Gandhi was given Indian citizenship ) India does not have only Pakistani Hindus as refugee but thew are lakhs of Buddhist refugee from Tibet, Tamilien (Hindu ,non Hindu) from SriLanka, We has 10 million Pakistani Muslim refugee from east Pakistan (Most of them returned but many stayed back and later acquired Indian citizenship). A
This is not a some kind of new policy adopted by Manmohan sigh government it is in place since independence , For any Muslim Refugee from Pakistan the policy will not change (in fact many Muslims from Pakistan have already got citizen ship of India before and after 1971 war) All the Muslim refugees are welcome from Pakistan , But is a lot of people from Pakistan start poring into India , according to International law India gets right to attack Pakistan to bring situation under control (remember 1971 war)
Accusing Manmohan Singh of supporting Hindus and maligning Pakistan i the proces sis simply ridiculous.Had india any intention of doing sny such thing India would have given this citizen ship immediately on their arrival not waited 7 year and listed only 900 hurndred when there are 8000 hindus in the waiting line.
dont get mad. Try to understand motive of this article……..
asking indian PM for asylum, what a sarcastic joke !
” India is the most dangerous country for minorities ” (UNO)
progressive change ? marxist revolution, progressive secular stalinian massacres ? or a new messiah ?
anti-Pakistan, anti-Pakistani ideology, anti-Pakistani constitution,
she ought to be put on trial for treason.
raqibwyne, you will write good satire….
suneel ji
zarrah nawazi he aapki !
Ask the Muslims of Gujrat, Indian. This lady is utter disgrace.
Read about Gujarat, and how Gujarat muslims support its CM for giving it peace and prosperity. You may find it ironical, but it is true.
Speak the Truth and face it also.
Gujrat is in Pakistan and what did you guys do to muslims in Gujrat?
Gujarat is in india and Gujraat is in Pakistan, both are gojjars, but only one had
Samjhota express, guess which one ?
Habib, Muslim community is visionless, egoistic, non smart, brainless, & getting fucked up itself due to american strategy. It will soon perish because of its fundamentalism only.
Yes Gujrat is a shame which will live in infamy. But the courts are sentencing the perpetrators without FEAR or FAVOR. Look at how LONG it took that poor christian girl to get bail on th echarge of burning the Quran, even when it was found out that the local mullah had done this.
I sincerely believe time has come for India to give Indian citizenship to Pakistani intelligentsia , scientists ,qualified professionals, persecuted minorities like Shia and Ahmedis. They should affirm their belief in secularism in polity prior to granting Indian citizenship. India already has provision for dual citizenship.