Pakistan is the 5th most populous country and facts of pakistan says it is the 2nd largest Muslim majority country. It gained independence in 1947 and has also achieved Nuclear Power.
Despite its global significance, its true beauty, its rich culture and potential, it is often overlooked due to the negative image portrayed by the Western media. Thus, unfortunately, making it hard and challenging for Pakistanis to succeed in the outside world.
Therefore, let us work towards debunking myths and stereotypes about Pakistan and showing the true side to the world.
Common Misconceptions About Pakistan:
- Pakistan is home to terrorism– Well, that’s not the case. Pakistan has always played an upfront role when it comes to combatting terrorism. People here don’t really roam around in streets with fire arms and you would not find any kind of weapons in every home. Every person is free to practice their desired religion and the fact that foreigners are unsafe here, is a myth that needs to be debunked.
- Women here are Vulnerable and Powerless-This misconception is basically region related. Though in rural areas, women don’t have much power and are mostly kept busy in house chores but on the other side, in main cities, women are equally supported and motivated to get higher education and choose their desired career.
- Pakistanis are illiterate and with no schools- Although the literacy rate in Pakistan is low, this doesn’t mean that all Pakistanis are uneducated. The younger generation are well educated and talented thus contributing to the development of the country. Education is given great importance in Pakistan and around 500000 university graduates are being produced each year.
- Under-developed cities and Old-fashioned transportation- Cities in Pakistan are well-developed, clean and full of greenery. Main cities have plenty of skyscrapers, malls, recreational areas, and almost all international chains and brands. Although we can see many auto rickshaws and motorbike qingqis, but we will mostly find luxury and expensive cars like electric, sedans, and SUVs.
- Women wear Burqas and Men wear Turbans- Well, not really, this isn’t true. Dressing usually depends upon region, weather, and class. Women wear their traditional dresses in a much normal way that covers their body modestly and the elite class is even seen in western outfits. They are free to dress according to their class and region. Men, too, dress normally and casually in T-shirts and jeans, and they also dress formally to make them look presentable.
Pakistanis speak ‘Arabic’ or ‘Pakistanian’ and ‘No English’- Of course not! The national language spoken in Pakistan is ‘Urdu’ and the official language used is ‘English’. In fact, it is very easy for foreigners to communicate as English is widely spoken.
Pakistan’s Rich Cultural Heritage:
Pakistan has a rich and diversified culture that is divided and distributed among all its regions. Each region has its own unique culture and natural landscape that makes Pakistan unique in the world.
The Pakistani Cultural Heritage has been passed down for many years. From colorful painted trucks to colorful dresses, all play a significant role in Pakistan’s rich culture.
Economic and Technological Progress:
It’s amazing to know that Pakistan has become a key actor for remarkable innovations in science and technology. The growing number of doctors and engineers are contributing to progress in technology. The rapid expansion of media houses and technological development in military testify for the country’s progress.
Though Pakistan is lately going through economic downfall, high inflation and a falling currency. Yet its people are striving to contribute and rescue through industrial and agricultural sectors, thus trying to increase exports and foreign investments.
Pakistan’s Natural Beauty and Tourism:
The International media has critically and negatively projected the image of Pakistan that has adversely affected its tourism. People generally believe that there is no beautiful and worth seeing places in Pakistan. But, that’s truly and absolutely wrong. Pakistan is home to Natural Beauty. From world’s highest mountains peaks to five major rivers flowing, from coastal line of over 1000 km to the world’s oldest civilization of over 5000 years back, Pakistan is rich in Natural beauty and Cultural Heritage. The lush green valleys of Kashmir add-on to its beautiful landscapes.
Despite many challenges in the past few years, especially after the War on terror in Afghanistan, Tourism in Pakistan has been adversely affected due to western media. The government of Pakistan, however, has been working hard to ensure security and safety for tourists, for the comeback of tourism in Pakistan and to improve the country’s image. Recently, positive reviews and secure experiences of famous food vloggers and You-tubers have helped clear Pakistan’s image and thus, aiding in the increase in more and more influx of tourists to Pakistan.
A Closer Look At Pakistan’s Society:
The people of Pakistan are warm-hearted, hospitable, kind, and generous. They are trust-worthy and one can always count on them at times of need. Pakistani people are always ready to lend a helping hand. The care they give really amazes a person as heedfulness and painstakingness is in their blood.
As the city life in Pakistan, like any other city around the world, is much busier and faster, so the real delight and happiness can be felt and experienced in the rural areas. They are always Welcoming.
Pakistani society and culture lies and revolves around the basis of family. In a typical Pakistani society and house, parents and their married sons often live together. Mostly the daily household matters are led by men, but now decision-making is becoming equal. Most Pakistani families are large, and at least one son among all usually looks after their old parents.
In Pakistani Society, young men and women don’t interact and mingle-up much publicly without elder’s consent. Dating is rather uncommon. Marriages are arranged, but more and more parents are now tending to arrange them according to their children’s choices.
Women are becoming more empowered and can be seen much more in public arena.
Family remains the core of social life in a Pakistani Society.
Conclusion:
It is no secret that every nation has its flaws and imperfections, including Pakistan. Both internal and external factors have contributed to its global image and reputation being jeopardized. Despite these challenges, Pakistan has certainly and effectively managed to overcome and survive, thanks to its supportive and patriotic people.
Let’s hope that the world won’t believe in these myths and misconceptions about Pakistanis and Pakistan. With determination and hope, it won’t be long before Pakistan’s name will shine and flourish once again.
This article is written by Sana Kashif who is intern at perspective.pk
