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Rekindling the identity of Pakistan

A.Rafay

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‘Shabash Pakistan’ — a nationwide well-documented campaign aimed at reawakening the sense of patriotism and nationalism — started on September 30, 2012 under the auspices of the School of Leadership at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). It should be welcomed by all Pakistanis, particularly those who have been the victim of ‘Identity Crisis’ in the wake of weakening national institutions. During the heart-moving inaugural ceremony, a group of 250 spirited students pledged for saving their motherland by becoming ambassadors of peace and unity.

‘Shabash Pakistan’ is a series of three one-day sessions in four universities, which will be spread over three months. The high value of self-esteem coupled with the spirit of nationalism is programmed to be inculcated through role-playing regimes, like interactive and participation activities. The main objective is making the Pakistani youngster more loyal to feel proud as “Pakistanis.”

The question arises here, why the need of reawakening patriotism in the Pakistani youth has emerged? Unfortunately, the present day Pakistan is facing a very challenging situation in which extremism, terrorism, sectarian divide, corruption, exploitation, target killing and extortion seem to be the overriding factor that undermines the very objective of Pakistani social order as envisaged by the founding father Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. In this backdrop, Pakistan is facing its worst ‘identity crisis’. It is very depressing that we have not only forgotten the Islamic values and traditions, Jinnah’s philosophy has also been relegated to mere talking points on certain occasions, such as Pakistan Day, Independence Day or his birth or death anniversaries.

With the ongoing US-led war on terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s involvement being its neighbour, the nature of identity crisis has become more complex and pervasive. We have divided and subdivided ourselves into so many classes and categories ranging from religious, economic, geographic and linguistic lines that it is now nearly impossible for us to get out of this ‘crisis’.

On the religious part, the extremist group has developed misconceptions about the religion by unravelling the hard face of Islam. The agenda of political parties is purely based on geographical boundaries and ethnocentrism. Everyone is trying to maintain their individual identity rather doing something for the whole nation. We call ourselves a proud nation built on Islamic values but we have ruined the foundations of Pakistan.

Increasing unemployment, inflation, and poverty, etc., are not only contributing to social imbalances but because of these factors, a common man is not able to find the basis of his identity. It is an established fact that illiteracy, poverty and despair crop up due to long unresolved political disputes, which breed extremist and terrorist tendencies. Socially and culturally, we have dearth of our unique identity. A common layman of our country does not know at all about his true identity. There are gaps between what is taught at home/mosque/school and

what is actually expected

in the world. The onslaught

of an environment of corruption has swiftly eroded the Islamic values of honesty and integrity.

The above-mentioned factors, leading to the identity crisis of a nation, have come into play due to lack of concerted efforts to train the youth for the participation in national affairs because they are the people who have to run the country in the future.

In this regard, the most important step is identity education. The identity education should be provided at educational institutions as well as

in seminars (seminars should be accessible for general public). Basically “Shabash Pakistan” is an effort to help youngsters harness their strength in creating a positive image of Pakistan in the international arena.

Rekindling the identity of Pakistan - thenews.com.pk
 
As long as it doesnt become hijacked by jamati pan-islamist trolls or Muhammed Bin Qassim lovers. Nothing wrong with Muhammed bin Qasim as a person, he was a very capable man. But his conquest is part of the wider regional history rather than Pakistani history revolving around him. We also need to highlight other sucessfull personalities of the region.
 

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