Launching The PakNationalists Movement

A school of thought has taken shape in Pakistan during the past three years. There was a time when the mere mention of 'Pakistan' and 'nationalists' together invited bland looks. Today Pakistani nationalists are asserting themselves like never before. The ideology has taken shape. It needs to be translated into a force for political change. A debate has begun. The following is one small sign of it. This is from a Dr. whose name I do not know. What is important is the idea that he is sharing. Multiply this by one thousand and you can get a glimpse into the giant lurking beneath the political mess in Pakistan today. The failed political elite does not represent the energetic people vying for change.

Mr. Quraishi,



I've been an avid fan of yours since you started on PTV. Kudos to you for your profound sense of perception and point of view. It not only is reflective of the truth but demands answers and explanations, which is so rare among the majority of journalists heading these mammoth political talk shows. They lack substance and meaning. However, your program on Aag and your views in general are truly a breath of fresh air....and usually my family and I can be heard saying "thank god...someone is finally speaking up!"

I share some similarities with your background. Spent my early childhood in the Middle East---Riyadh. Was there during the Gulf War (of course didn't ''cover'' it like you did!). I share a similar point of view as yours on the present political situation our country is faced with these days. However, my profession is quite different---I'm a medical doctor. However, through my profession I've been able to experience some of life's bitter truths that people here are faced with. And it has been an immense eye-opener.

Coming to the point. I just saw your facebook post on your aq-lounge blog about whether this is the time to launch and be a bit more proactive. You raise an interesting question that I wanted to answer through this email. Your question about what it should do initially? What should be discussed first? I think addressing our responsibilities should be discussed. This will inadvertently bring us to discussing about politics. My point is, first we need to discuss what our duties are to society. That's where it all starts from. We constantly raise the rhetoric that our politicians are doing this to us. But I think it's high time we start addressing ''Then how come we aren't doing anything to stop them?" I think through numerous talk shows and discussions and dinner party get-togethers we've managed to clarify that the ineptness of our politicians has gotten us into this mess. So I think we've covered that part well. Now, what needs to be addressed and taken action on is what WE need to be doing. Because it's becoming apparent that no one is willing to step up to the plate to set this all straight. So if we are able to, then why aren't we doing something? And even if it is on a small scale, then at least, let's do it! It could begin within your own neighborhood. It takes 1 person to start it. We need to be the change we want to see. The ills that face us are innumerable. They range from being pressured into giving safarish to get things done to even something as mundane as the milkman cheating us on the quality of milk. If we just keep taking it, then it will continue being dished to us.

Of course nothing will happen over night. But it will be a start. We can get to the politics part later. First we need to ensure we're worthy of bringing about this ''change''. Are our morals and values in line with what the Quaid expected from us? In essence, he was merely repeating what our religion instructs us to be doing. We need to teach, lead, and change by example.

Just my 2 cents. Would appreciate your feedback.

Regards,


dare2dv8 (http://dare2deviate.blogspot.com)