Pakistan's gradual descent into a state of increasing monotony and declining aesthetic charm is undeniable. Whether you traverse its cities or engage with its diverse populace, the uniformity of conversation and concerns appears striking, transcending boundaries of ethnicity and social strata.
The pervasive repetition of discussions on the same topics has not only rendered the national discourse less engaging, but has also stifled the potential for diverse perspectives to enrich our collective narrative. It seems as though a pervasive inertia has taken hold, eclipsing the vibrancy that once characterized Pakistan's intellectual and cultural landscape.
Across diverse settings, from bustling cafés to tranquil parks and the exuberant atmosphere of weddings, one can't escape the ubiquity of conversations that traverse the terrain of politics, religion, and real estate. These themes dominate the social discourse to such an extent that one would be hard-pressed to eavesdrop on discussions revolving around the arts, such as music, theater, cinema, literature, or the like. The intellectual and artistic dimensions of life often appear sidelined, taking a backseat to the all-encompassing trio of political, religious, and property-related dialogues.
One of the striking features of life in Pakistan is the pervasiveness of a uniform worldview. The majority of the population shares a similar perspective on cultural, social, and religious matters. While unity can be a strength, an absence of contrasting worldviews can lead to a stagnant and monotonous intellectual environment. The lack of diversity in opinions and perspectives hampers the growth of critical thinking and creativity, rendering the country less engaging for those seeking intellectual stimulation.
Across diverse settings, from bustling cafés to tranquil parks and the exuberant atmosphere of weddings, one can't escape the ubiquity of conversations that traverse the terrain of politics, religion, and real estate.
The dynamic landscape of the Muslim world is undergoing profound changes, with even traditionally conservative Arab states and the custodian of Islam's two holiest sites, Saudi Arabia, experiencing significant transformations. Unfortunately, in contrast, our own nation seems to be caught in a cycle of regression rather than progression. Our creative and intellectual pursuits are suffering grievously; musicians meet tragic fates, while poets struggle to emerge, and high-quality literature remains a rare commodity. What remains are the nonsensical and eccentric notions of Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, whose creative vision seems to be firmly anchored in the dark ages.
The state of academia is in disarray, exemplified by the unsettling fact that professors hesitate to initiate meaningful dialogues out of fear of facing accusations of blasphemy – a stark departure from the intellectual vibrancy of the past. One noteworthy case involves Professor Sher Ali, a biology instructor at Government Post Graduate College Bannu. Only last week, he was compelled to publicly apologize for presenting Charles Darwin's theory of evolution in his teachings, while also asserting that, in accordance with Sharia law, women are considered to have inferior intellectual strengths compared to men.
It is disheartening to observe that even during times of political turbulence and martial laws, our nation thrived in producing enriching literature, evocative poetry, and soul-stirring music. Yet today, from politicians to intellectuals, from the halls of academia to the realms of artistry, and from the poorest citizens to the most affluent, our discourse revolves around the same set of issues, creating an echo chamber of stagnant ideas and a profound sense of lost direction. As the Muslim world undergoes transformation, we seem determined to remain stagnant as a nation.
India and Pakistan, neighboring nations with shared historical and cultural ties, have followed distinct trajectories in terms of progress and development. One key factor contributing to India's progress and Pakistan's relative lag in certain aspects is India's investment in art, encouragement of cultural diversity, and celebration of plurality. India has long embraced its rich cultural heritage, fostering a thriving arts and entertainment industry that spans literature, cinema, music, dance, and more. This investment has not only enhanced India's global soft power but also promoted economic growth through the creative industries, attracting both domestic and international audiences. Furthermore, India's respect for cultural diversity and plurality has allowed it to maintain a heterogeneous society where people from various linguistic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds coexist, contributing to a more harmonious and inclusive nation.
One key factor contributing to India's progress and Pakistan's relative lag in certain aspects is India's investment in art, encouragement of cultural diversity, and celebration of plurality. India has long embraced its rich cultural heritage, fostering a thriving arts and entertainment industry that spans literature, cinema, music, dance, and more.
In contrast, Pakistan has faced challenges in fostering a similarly robust cultural and artistic scene, partly due to a more conservative approach to cultural expression and restrictions on creative freedoms. The country has seen periods of political and social instability that have hindered artistic and cultural growth. While both countries share a common history, India's greater investment in art and encouragement of cultural diversity and plurality have played a significant role in its progress, fostering creativity, tolerance, and unity, while Pakistan has faced hurdles in achieving similar levels of development in these areas. It is indeed regrettable that the current administration led by Prime Minister Modi is altering the cherished inclusivity that has long been an integral part of India's identity. This transformation is shifting the nation towards a Hindu ethnonationalist state with a single, dominant worldview, a significant departure from the historically diverse and pluralistic fabric of the country.
Riaz-ur-Rehman Sherwani, a distinguished professor at Aligarh University, who resided in Pakistan for a few years following Partition, shared in an interview his poignant realization during those formative years. He came to understand that living in a nation devoid of religious and cultural diversity was not a viable option for him.
It is not merely the absence of economic prosperity that has made Pakistan a somber place to reside, but rather the dearth of artistic expressions.
One cannot help but observe that our cities and especially Islamabad, our nation's capital, is perhaps among the world's most culturally barren capitals. It stands in stark contrast to other global metropolises, as it lacks the vibrant presence of music schools and dance academies that serve as nurturing grounds for artistic talent. Furthermore, the dearth of platforms for citizens and intellectuals to interact and engage in the exchange of fresh ideas and healthy discourse is palpable. In this city, there is a conspicuous absence of a cultural space where minds can converge to explore innovative concepts and stimulate intellectual growth. The absence of a museum, a fundamental repository of a nation's heritage and artistic expression, further underscores this cultural void.
It is not merely the absence of economic prosperity that has made Pakistan a somber place to reside, but rather the dearth of artistic expressions. In “Myth of Sisyphus,” French Philosopher Albert Camus states that artistic expression is the ultimate form of joy. Creating music schools, dance academies, and venues for open discourse not only enriches our country but also elevates its cultural standing on the global stage. A museum in Islamabad showcasing our rich history and diverse culture would not only serve as a source of pride for our citizens, but also attract visitors from around the world, nurturing a spirit of appreciation for our unique heritage and a building a soft image of Pakistan.
What Pakistan truly requires is the construction of a society founded upon principles of tolerance and acceptance. The dearth of cultural and religious diversity, coupled with stifling constraints on artistic expression and the curtailing of freedom of speech, collectively contribute to the perception that Pakistan offers a rather uninspiring place to reside. Given its rich and multifaceted history, both in terms of culture and geography, the nation should ardently aspire to foster greater diversity, inclusiveness, and an environment that embraces openness, thus nurturing a more dynamic and inviting atmosphere. Embracing a more pluralistic and tolerant approach to matters of culture and religion holds the potential to unlock Pakistan's latent vibrancy, effectively reshaping it into a more alluring and captivating place to call home.