As we celebrate 66 years of Independence we must also mourn the separation of two nations. Necessary as it may have been for political reasons, the result caused unquantifiable loss of life, property and peace. Not only did it leave a bitter after taste but it also led us to believe that our neighbouring nation where many of our families once resided is our evil half. The partition is known to be the largest exodus of people ever, at a staggering 10 million. Loss of life is measured close to 1 million. The fact that India is home to an equal if not larger number of Muslims than Pakistan shows us that the amputation of the erstwhile India was only political.All that we know about our Siamese twin of a country today is mostly spoon-fed to us by the
All that we know about our Siamese twin of a country today is mostly spoon-fed to us by the media and movies. However, we forget that across the fence too, live people just like us who wish to get an education, excel at their professions, bring up a family, be financially secured and go for the occasional holiday.
Each generation alive today has a different image of Pakistan in our head, our grandparents, many of whom originate from Punjab have nothing but suppressed emotions for the land where they were borne, our parents seem to be rather infuriated with the neighbours for all the wars and unrest, we the millenials are oblivious but do not fail to form judgements. I wish to present to the youth of India the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the youth of Pakistan. These judgements hold us back from fostering peaceful relations with the other side of the fence.We aren’t as different as chalk and cheese and to elucidate this belief I requested a friend rom Pakistan to answer my queries, through a brief questionnaire I tried to bring out his thoughts, feelings about various issues.
Q1. What was it like growing up in Pakistan?
Growing up in Pakistan has been really fantastic. We have most international boards and levels such as the Cambridge O&A Levels, the AP US High School and the International Baccalaureate. Moreover there are a lot of facets to this country; from the breath-taking Himalayas in the North to the warm coastal beaches of Sindh in the South. I was lucky enough being born into a family where I was exposed to all these unique people and cultures within my country. These different traditions and customs come together to make Pakistan.
Q2. Does there exist a wide scale social inequality like in India? If yes, then what are the reasons behind it?
There is massive inequality in general in the developing world. These regions while under development are fragile and are easily manipulated to fill the pockets of a few. With no proper systems in place, we will see a lot of corruption. To a certain extent, we do not have a class system in Pakistan, though injustice for the poor is immense. There is a huge income gap in our countries. I think that the best way to counter this is to empower the middle class to stand on their feet. An increasing middle class is beneficial as a larger quantity of people safeguard that injustice is not done.
Q1. What was it like growing up in Pakistan?
Growing up in Pakistan has been really fantastic. We have most international boards and levels such as the Cambridge O&A Levels, the AP US High School and the International Baccalaureate. Moreover there are a lot of facets to this country; from the breath-taking Himalayas in the North to the warm coastal beaches of Sindh in the South. I was lucky enough being born into a family where I was exposed to all these unique people and cultures within my country. These different traditions and customs come together to make Pakistan.
