What makes Pakistani a Pakistani?

By Maryam Mansoor

When you travel around the world the first question people ask after your name is: Where do you belong from? And your reply to that question is I am a Pakistani but what parameters you have to qualify to be called a Pakistani? What make you a Pakistani? That’s a very difficult question to answer. It has no clear answer and the opinion may vary from one person to another.

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The simplest notion of what makes Pakistani a Pakistani is the geographical demarcation of boundaries, hence giving you the nationality of a particular piece of land called Pakistan but in my opinion simply because you live in Pakistan does not make you a Pakistani. For that you have to possess certain qualities, Firstly a true Pakistani has to love his country unconditionally and should put his motherland before anything else. He should be prepared for the worst but hope for the best. He should be well aware of the internal and external threats that Pakistan may face and must keep his guards vigilant for the violent forces may pose a serious threat anytime.

Secondly a true Pakistani must own his cultural and should feel proud on his cultural heritage. Our culture is very rich in literatures' of Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtu, Baruhi, Baluchi and Kashmiri languages. A true Pakistani must be an excellent reader of all the legends that Pakistan has like Manto, Ghalib, Iqbal, Sachal Sar Mast, Rahman Baba etc. Every Pakistan must realize the fact that he has to depict his country on international level so he must portray the true picture through his moral values and noble actions. He should be proud to tell that he belongs to Pakistan. I have seen many people who feel ashamed of telling others that they are from Pakistan when asked by a foreigner that’s because they themselves don’t qualify the traits of a true Pakistani.

Thirdly a true Pakistani must have realization of the sacrifices made by our ancestors in the name of Pakistan and should be thankful to his forefathers for this beautiful piece of land. He must keep in mind the true purpose of achieving Pakistan which is in the name of Islam hence he should exhibit all the tremendous traits of a Muslim most important of which is bravery. A true Pakistani must be a patriot and shouldn't hesitate in sacrificing his life in the name of Islam and Pakistan. It is the duty of every Pakistani to correct the misrepresentation that Muslims have in the world by depicting the true side of Islam which is peace and selflessness. Terrorists all over the world have succeeded in destroying the name of Pakistan. So now it’s the duty of every Pakistani to play his part in portraying the true image of our country only then he will be qualified to be called a true Pakistani.

Fourthly a true Pakistani’s sympathies should not be restricted to the people of Pakistan only. He should be selfless and love everyone without any discrimination of cast, colour and creed. A true Pakistani must not be a racist; he should not pay heed to the discriminations that prevail in our society. Everyone should be considered and is treated equal. A true Pakistani must be patient and have a hold over his anger like our great Prophet Muhammad (SAWW). In order to be called a Pakistani we must follow the footsteps of prophet Muhammad (SAWW), how he (SAWW) spent his life has a lesson for every one of us and we must follow the guideline he (SAWW) has set for all the human beings not only muslims.

Lastly in my opinion the most important trait which makes us a Pakistani must be that we inspire others so that when rest of the world see our moral values depicted through our actions like the great Abdul Sattar Edhi, Abdul Salam, Quaid-e-Azam etc. they proudly give our examples to the world. These great personalities have shown the world what a true Pakistani is like. They have inspired others through their work. Abdul Sattar Edhi who recently left us was a man of great valour. He loved everyone; a Muslim, a non-muslim, rich, poor everyone without any discrimination. His motto was Love Humanity no matter what. We must seek the traits of a true Pakistani from his life as he led an exemplary life for which every Pakistani is proud of. 

But seeing the current situation of our country can we proudly say that we possess even one of the above mentioned qualities. Can you? Because sadly I can’t. We are not honest, we are racists. We discriminate others on the basis of caste, colour and creed. We have made our so called standards of nobility and also we have nothing for others so that they get inspiration from us.

When we are able to overcome all these inadequacies and  ready to inspire others only then it will be alright to say that Yes We are Pakistanis. Now it’s a long way for us to reach to that point but we have to keep on trying and be vigilant for there is a very little time and for time has waited for none.