Most overseas Pakistanis, especially those who chose to settle in the West – and many have no intention to go back for one reason or the other – take the benefit of dual citizenship, which is legally allowed by their home country as well as their country of permanent residence. However, they still carry and nurture this emotional connection with Pakistan and the events unfolding there. They also bring very strong opinions about their views and who they support. They cannot disassociate themselves from whatever happens in Pakistan, but at times they become very vociferous about Pakistani leaders and politicians. To add abundance to their sense of belonging the popular saying adds to this scenario and goes like this: “There is no dull moment in Pakistan politics.”
In private gatherings, the single topic this diaspora has been interested to discuss is Pakistani politics. This was always the case. However, since PTI’s ‘tabdeeli’ stunt of almost four years, which miserably failed and even took Pakistan back a few steps, the former courteous discussions in ‘desi gatherings’ now sometimes turn into rowdy debates and create argumentative environments due to huge disparity of views, partisanship and polarisation between people. Things are becoming nasty. As an example, one noticed recently in one such gathering a family stormed out of a private gathering because no other guests in attendance were agreeing to the view they carried about Pakistan, its politics and its leaders – and from this, quarrels ensued.
For such private gatherings, it is becoming a trend now that the hosts advise their guests not to talk about politics when attending their events and occasions. It is reminiscent of when we used to see back in Pakistan that some eateries and restaurants had signs posted: “yahan par siyasi guftagu karna mana hai” (“Political conversations are forbidden here”)
When people are attending an event where they are meeting someone whom they do not know directly, they take their time to sense the political associations of other guests before expressing their views about topics usually related to Pakistan and its governance. Some talk of a dearth of leadership, some discuss the role of the establishment and some openly show their support to a particular leader or political party that they like, which others might despise. Nevertheless, this brewing situation is certainly not good as a whole for the community and creates grudges – some of them so deep that a reconciliation becomes very difficult.
Another aspect seen in the last few years is that there is a large number of ex-servicemen migrating to the West, and most of them are permanently settled here. When you go to a ‘desi’ event, you do not know all the attendees. A few incidents have thus happened where a debate started between the two sides gives way to open confrontational debate between retired non-civilians (who previously served in armed forces) and civilians. As they say, a retired military person is actually not retired and remains on active duty mentally and in perpetuity. It is, however, very appalling to note the cavalier way that one of the most prestigious and professionally disciplined institutions of Pakistan is being discussed in our diaspora.
What is more peculiar is that the very same people who criticise the role of the military establishment in Pakistan – especially its involvement in politics – suddenly feel very comfortable to invest in real-estate or any other investment venture coming out of Pakistan if they are told that an ex-serviceman (a retired armed forces officer) is heading that particular project, or that the armed forces are involved in any other capacity. The trust deficit tapers down when they get to know this fact. It is, indeed, a most amazing incongruence!
The second generation of overseas Pakistanis who either were born here or migrated as children have completely different priorities in their discussions. They are more worried about their sports teams, who is winning, who is losing or more concerned about their own problems and issues with school, high school and employment, summer jobs, and what to look for to make their future better. There seems to be no attachment to what their parents are talking about.
Yet, the positive which comes out of the state of affairs described above is that this nation is more politically aware and associated with their home country than ever before. They know that they have a choice to elect their leaders and participating in debate. The emotions just have to be controlled and objectivity should prevail.
The challenge here is that most of them take their information on Pakistan from either the conventional media or social media, or both. Neither of these can be counted upon to show a complete picture due to their glaring leanings and biases. Everyone should be cognizant of this fact before diving into partisan debates – especially when settled abroad and somewhat removed from the material realities of the home country.
In private gatherings, the single topic this diaspora has been interested to discuss is Pakistani politics. This was always the case. However, since PTI’s ‘tabdeeli’ stunt of almost four years, which miserably failed and even took Pakistan back a few steps, the former courteous discussions in ‘desi gatherings’ now sometimes turn into rowdy debates and create argumentative environments due to huge disparity of views, partisanship and polarisation between people. Things are becoming nasty. As an example, one noticed recently in one such gathering a family stormed out of a private gathering because no other guests in attendance were agreeing to the view they carried about Pakistan, its politics and its leaders – and from this, quarrels ensued.
For such private gatherings, it is becoming a trend now that the hosts advise their guests not to talk about politics when attending their events and occasions. It is reminiscent of when we used to see back in Pakistan that some eateries and restaurants had signs posted: “yahan par siyasi guftagu karna mana hai” (“Political conversations are forbidden here”)
The second generation of overseas Pakistanis who either were born here or migrated as children have completely different priorities in their discussions
When people are attending an event where they are meeting someone whom they do not know directly, they take their time to sense the political associations of other guests before expressing their views about topics usually related to Pakistan and its governance. Some talk of a dearth of leadership, some discuss the role of the establishment and some openly show their support to a particular leader or political party that they like, which others might despise. Nevertheless, this brewing situation is certainly not good as a whole for the community and creates grudges – some of them so deep that a reconciliation becomes very difficult.
Another aspect seen in the last few years is that there is a large number of ex-servicemen migrating to the West, and most of them are permanently settled here. When you go to a ‘desi’ event, you do not know all the attendees. A few incidents have thus happened where a debate started between the two sides gives way to open confrontational debate between retired non-civilians (who previously served in armed forces) and civilians. As they say, a retired military person is actually not retired and remains on active duty mentally and in perpetuity. It is, however, very appalling to note the cavalier way that one of the most prestigious and professionally disciplined institutions of Pakistan is being discussed in our diaspora.
What is more peculiar is that the very same people who criticise the role of the military establishment in Pakistan – especially its involvement in politics – suddenly feel very comfortable to invest in real-estate or any other investment venture coming out of Pakistan if they are told that an ex-serviceman (a retired armed forces officer) is heading that particular project, or that the armed forces are involved in any other capacity. The trust deficit tapers down when they get to know this fact. It is, indeed, a most amazing incongruence!
The second generation of overseas Pakistanis who either were born here or migrated as children have completely different priorities in their discussions. They are more worried about their sports teams, who is winning, who is losing or more concerned about their own problems and issues with school, high school and employment, summer jobs, and what to look for to make their future better. There seems to be no attachment to what their parents are talking about.
Yet, the positive which comes out of the state of affairs described above is that this nation is more politically aware and associated with their home country than ever before. They know that they have a choice to elect their leaders and participating in debate. The emotions just have to be controlled and objectivity should prevail.
The challenge here is that most of them take their information on Pakistan from either the conventional media or social media, or both. Neither of these can be counted upon to show a complete picture due to their glaring leanings and biases. Everyone should be cognizant of this fact before diving into partisan debates – especially when settled abroad and somewhat removed from the material realities of the home country.