My next comments are going to get me in trouble, I know it…but sadly they represent my true thoughts.
Should I go back to Pakistan ? No, not now, and not in forseeable future. Could I be helpful? Could I make a positive impact?..Yes, but not at the expense of personal safety, peace of mind and a hassle free life.
My father and uncles returned to make a difference, as did the parents of thousands of others. They were among the generation that had a burning desire to go back and fix things, and for the most part, they were unable to do it due to the situations present.
I personally do not feel an obligation to go back and fix things, I was not among the people who caused it, I am not among the people who are causing it to this day. Simply put, its not my problem and I am not going to miss out on my life fixing up other people’s mess. The responsibility rests with the Pakistani society, the responsibility rests with the people who were there and who are there. What should I go back for, what should anyone go back for?
At the expense of giving away my background on this forum, I have to share some history, which is probably similar for for many of you. Many families lost everything during the independence. My parents’ families were in that group. These people decided to take their destiny in their own hands, and make the best of things. My father worked, gave private tuitions from a highschool age, literally studied under street lamps because the house was too cramped to get quiet study area. My uncles did the same, and not only did they pay for their own education, they took care of the house and made sure that their sisters got a good education too. These were kids who were living a worry free and prosperous life and were suddenly thrust into these circumstances. They made the best of things by hard work, dedication and tenacity that I can not even come close to.
These guys left for better education and a better life abroad, studying at top universities funded not by some trust funds like my generation but by scholarships, fellowships and insane work scheules. Once established they started pulling their friends and cousins out so they can improve their own family’s situations as well. These are the people who made an impact and by God, if everyone would have worked hard for one’s own success and then helped someone else reach their potential, our country would have been in a very different situation.. The expatriates gave back to the country allright. They gave foriegn currency accounts, they started improving lives of many in their families starting a chain reaction. What did they see when they returned to Pakistan? Others however, lacked the work ethic and mental abilities, as well as self restraint and sound judgement. These are the people who tried to take any shortcut that came their way, without regards to whether it was legal or ethical.
Its not that I dont respect Pakistan. I am troubled by the fact that people fail to take personal responsibility for their situations and actions. The violence the hatred, the materialistic nature of our society.
Sorry folks, I had to voice this unpopular viewpoint. As unpopular as it may be, it is realistic, logical and but I feel that I can better serve Pakistan by being successful here. Helping some family members get better education opportunities and consequently a better life, thus continuing the chain reaction that was started due to the efforts of people like my parents and the parents of so many other Foriegn Born Pakistanis.
I am a firm believer that everything can change in a few generations, provided the people take responsibility for a small share. No one can be out to save the world. There are far too many people that shout and scream about change but if shouting and screaming changed things everyone would have bought megaphones. The real change is caused by an evolution, and not a revolution as most people in Pakistan are hoping for and demanding. Further thoughts on this could be found on the culture and society forum under the heading evolution of society = eradicator of political problems.