Very interesting article and read. DNA, genetics are an important field in science and have opened up many new avenues as well as helped us better understand human beings. I sincerely hope that Pakistan itself, invests into this important field as we have much to learn as well as gain from it.
I am also interested in getting myself and my families Genetic tests done and I think it will prove fascinating to learn about ones genetic make-up and origins.
The human genome project and the genetic markers of peoples have also helped confirm as well as dispel many previously held believes.
With these studies, the commonality of genes found along the Indus river (Pakistan region) have been able to stand up. Also, the genetic similarities, additions and frequencies of various markers have allowed us to better put together which peoples have left their impressions on various peoples, which especially in the case of Pakistan with its history of successive migrations and invasions will prove to be very fascinating.
In saying all this, it is important to look on all of this from an intellectual and scientific point of view, and its always good to know your history and origins. Something that is healthy for you. Pakistani's and infact the whole world has much to gain from learning about their genetic origins. One must also be careful to not use such information to exploit others either. I too have never been a fan of those that generalize and group all people into one. We must learn to appreciate and respect our differences(those of our own and those of others), and to do so, makes for a wonderful world. The flip side, to wrongfully label certain people as being the ''same'' are no different is also incorrect and quite discriminatory as well. The Middle East, Asia, Central Asia and South Asia is a very diverse region, even within specific regions such as South Asia there are distinct groups that dont overlap. The common tendancy to group people as being all the same if incorrect and denies people of their inherent history and identity. Pakistani's in particular, have been very adamant about their unique identity. Other people in a similar predicament as Pakistan include the Egyptians and even the Lebanese, who while Arabized, due share some unique and distinct origins as well. People erroneously use politics, communal tactics, religion and even social status to bias their decision in such topics. Fortunately, science and factual information can often squash such irrelevant biasis.
I had a colleague of mine in school, who claimed to be Syed and had his genetic testing done, the results further reinforced his families oral traditions which had been passed down, with the genetic testing, had now been verified to some extent. I found this application of the test truly fascinating.
Pakistan has many interesting ethnic groups with perhaps the Panjabi's and the Sindhi's being some of the more heterogenous ones due to their history, their results in particular should prove interesting. also those of the Pashtuns, and from the northern areas will prove fascinating as well. Futhermore, the Mohajir community of Karachi, some segments of whom claim to be of mixed decent, genetic testing would help in this endeavour. The possibilities are endless.
Anyhow, a truly interesting and refreshing thread, it would be nice if more Pakistani's could post their Genetic results here or in some other forum.
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