When I lived abroad I always had this fervour about wanting to come back here and make a “difference” and help this nation . I considered that as my “patriotism”. However after having lived here and watched and experienced events first hand up close and personal my so called “patriotism” has evolved into a cynicism where I’ve realized even if I want to make a difference my hands are tied by the current situation and way of life that exists in Pakistan.
Even today I was startled awake at 4 :30 am by a huge bomb blast nearby which literally had me fall out of bed and the ground shook and window panes splatter. Do I go to work in such a situation considering I have committed to helping poor patients living out of the parameters of main city and do my “patriotic bit” or do I curse the government for bringing these events to being and wish I had never come back to Pakistan. Does that make me un-patriotic ? On a another note does cursing or criticizing your government considered Un-patriotic ???
What exactly do we mean when we label ourselves as “Patriotic” ???
Government is not the one which blasted that bomb , some scum of earth did. Government is doing whatever it can do to fight these pests .
These pissoos are hiding among us , everybody has patriotic duty to identify these pissoos and help eradicate them.
Is government doing enough ? Are they vigilant enough ? We can differ on that.
As to question of if criticizing government is unpatriotic , the answer to it is no. Luckily for Pakistanis , Pakistan is not a police state where you open your mouth against government and you cease to exist. So go ahead speak your mind.
As to what is the solution for issues faced by Pakistan ? I know and you know , but can that be implemented I guess not. Never in next 100 years.
since my inclination towards practicing deen,i have no such feeling,all i know is muslims r one body n i'm not pakistani,i don;t feel 4 pakistan but for ummah!
but being Pakistani “patriot” means being selfish for our own country than individuals or outsiders. Which is opposite to “sarai jahan ka dard hamarai jigr mai”. Sorry no $50,000.00 or or even $5.0 here.
Things are easier said than done. If my windows were shattering and the ground was shaking, I’d be very skeptical to go out and fight. I would rather stay home and protect my family than go out, get killed and leave one more thing for my family to worry about.
I think patriotism is a passion. It means you stand up for your country as needed. However, there is a price you pay for it. Sometimes we may not be in a situation to pay that price.
I don’t think cursing or criticizing your government is being unpatriotic. It’s better to be out of a denial to actually make a difference, or to even plan a strategy. I see a lot of people who will always be in denial about life and it’s events and inside of looking within, try to find faults with others. This happens in every aspect of life, be in socio-economic conditions or family life.
since my inclination towards practicing deen,i have no such feeling,all i know is muslims r one body n i'm not pakistani,i don;t feel 4 pakistan but for ummah!
Lol you and your ummah can go and take a hike.
Arabs think of you like their slaves and treat you like dirt. Is that why Kuwait banned Pakistani visas? Is that why Saudi Arabia and UAE are funding terrorism in Pakistan?
Arabs think of you like their slaves and treat you like dirt. Is that why Kuwait banned Pakistani visas? Is that why Saudi Arabia and UAE are funding terrorism in Pakistan?
i can't jump in well if every one else does..i follow islm and i remember i will be questioned one day.!
Sheyn, by standing your ground, what you are doing is much more than those who seek to flee at the first possible chance. Patriotism is all about being willing to sacrifice everything to uphold the ideals that you want your country to stand for. For many of us abroad, we live a life of predictability... a safe life sequestered from the disruptions and obstacles that would truly test our commitment to our country. While many of us may be committed to various causes in Pakistan, we can only be in awe of the passionate dedication of those who have the courage to provide grassroots support while forbearing the temptation to escape. Speaking for myself, I just hope that one day I can do more than just wave a flag or donate money, and strive to really make a difference.
The thing is it comes at a price........sometimes you have to decide whether that price is worth the sacrifice .
At other times its secondary to circumstances .....like Nomi said , just by living here is proof enough....it becomes a way of life..
^ Good. Please send me $10,000.00, I am in dire need. (aik ummatTi).
uncle ji...Islam meN ai'sh ke liye 'bheek maangnaa" man'a hai...intihaaii zaroorat kii soorat meN sirf zaroorat kii raf'a ke liye bheek maang sakte haiN magar uske liye aapko saaHib-e-Haajat honaa zaroorii hai :) bheek is the LAST RESORT! :)
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