LATELY, there have been some incidents in the country that have painted a rather gloomy picture of our society, as if there is nothing positive to cheer about or to be proud of anywhere in the country.

Indeed, there have been some incidents that deserve condemnation, but there are positive things, too, in Pakistan which do not get highlighted the way they deserve.

American travel blogger Alex Reynolds has often talked about the hospitality she encountered while she was on a tour to Pakistan. It captivated her so much that she has been here five times since 2016. Now she has partnered with a friend to start women-only travel tours across the stunning country.

Another famous American travel blogger Jordan Taylor and Canadian solo bike rider Rosie Gabrielle have also been impressed by what they experienced in Pakistan. Local travel bloggers have positive experiences across the country.

Let us scrutinise why such incidents of rape and crime are not reported or discussed elsewhere. Rape is the fourth most common crime against women in India. According to the 2019 annual report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 32,033 cases of sexual assault were registered in India at an average of 88 cases per day; slightly lower than 2018 when 91 cases were registered daily.

The United States also has a high prevalence rate. In many other countries, such incidents are grossly underreported. In the US, due to victim-shaming, fear of reprisal, fear that family will know, cases not being taken seriously by law enforcement, and possible lack of prosecution, only nine per cent cases get prosecuted, and only 3pc of the accused spend a day in prison, while 97pc of them walk free.

Those who jump to conclusions would do well to have a feel of the world at large. It is good to be realistic and there are reasons to feel happy about being a Pakistani.

Tasneem Allibhoy Tharia
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2021