A Different view on Pakistan

            On Tuesday, April 29^th 2008, Mahan Mirza spoke at the international forum answering the question “What is Pakistan?”  Although I went to this speech as a cultural event, I was also interested in going because I am ashamed to admit that I do not know much about the country of Pakistan.  I’m also embarrassed to say that I think it would take me a couple of tries to point out Pakistan on a globe, however I think that most Americans are in the same boat, probably much worse.  However after just a short fifty minute presentation by Mahan Mirza, I would consider myself much more knowledgeable concerning the subject. 

            One of the first things that Mahan Mirza told us about Pakistan was that it is considered a South Asian country, and not a middle eastern county that many people assume that it is.  Mahan Mirza also showed us how Pakistan is viewed through America’s eyes by showing us how the U.S. media portrayed Pakistan.  Recently the cover of Newsweek claimed that Pakistan was the most dangerous place in the world.  Although this is obviously not the best thing to have said about your country, Mahan Mirza tried to stay optimistic when he said, “There is no such thing as bad publicity.”  Another interesting thing our guest speaker mentioned about Pakistan was about its origins.  Pakistan was originally part of India, however, there were two parts, East Pakistan and West Pakistan.  West Pakistan is present day Pakistan, however East Pakistan is present day Bangladesh.  Pakistan achieved its independence in 1947.  Pakistan literally means “The Land of the Pure.”  Mahan Mirza also outlined why the Pakistan government was sometimes criticized for supporting extremists such as the taliban.  The Pakistani people are very uneasy about conflict, and even uneasier about a possible two front engagement. Even though the Pakistan army is the seventh largest army in the world. 

            I thought it was very interesting to learn the history and culture of Pakistan.  Learning about the culture and society of Pakistan also helps me understand the conflicts more then by simply going by what the media tells me.  A big point that Mahan Mirza made was how the American media showed Pakistani women compared to what was actually going on.  According to Mahan Mirza, women in present day Pakistan are thriving in many areas of society.  I think its good to hear that the government is on the upside, even though there has been a lot of corruption in the past, hopefully that will come to an end.  As a young adult, and a student, in the United States, I think it is very important that we learn about the numerous unique cultures on this world because I think it will pave the way to a brighter future.