New.Year.New.Hope

Respected Pakistan,

Its been a while that I wrote one of these, but given that we are rolling into the new year; I thought it would be a good time to get back on track. The last time I blogged, school had just ended and I was searching for a job. By the grace of God, I found a job straight off school. I don't really think I am suited for the job and have been trying to find something that will be more aligned with my goals in life. Am I optimistic? as always. So the first lesson the year taught me is that one should distance himself from anything and everything that he doesn't like doing.

Last year, at this time I was counting down to the new year; surrounding with over a 100 odd people. A lasting memory surely. This time around though I choose not to; I choose to stay back and address my Pakistani who doesnt have the option of choosing like I do. I understand that while I may not be a part of what they call the "elite" or "higher" tier of the social class; but I consider myself extremely fortunate to be blessed with everything I have ever wanted. While I am grateful to God for His generosity, I feel that you are not.

As the loud music rips through the speakers, fire crackers get ready to be unleashed, bottles of champagne are awaiting introduction, cafes are packed with people young and old and people rock the floor on gangnam style; these essentially are only a minute. The larger part, await their father to come home with his daily labor wage, they stand in lines for petrol and gas, they hope that the cold dies down because they don't have shelter, they have been staring at the light bulb waiting for the electricity, they wait for you to change; but we both know that you want change. Its the people who stand over you that are not.

The last year hasn't been great for you. Its unfortunate to note that you have been plagued by so many vows that if they were in a different country, the people would have actually done something about it. But then again, you know that the people standing atop your beautiful ground crossed the picket line of baghairiti a long time back. If I was posting this letter to you, you would have been able to figure that a couple of tear drops have escaped my eyes and made their way on the paper; but then again what will those couple of tears matter when millions don't  I saw a couple of shows on the channels that have taken over your air waves; I am sure the people who fought to give you a separate identity would be ashamed if they were alive. 

I know what has come you is totally against what your father wanted. He preached the generations to take care of like a mother; believe me Pakistan its not his fault. He gave us direction and presented his vision which would have made you the most prosperous world over; but we all know that greed and corruption have been your biggest enemies. The lack of education and awareness have played their part too; but that is not the most unfortunate part, I have sadder news. The youth who claim that they will fight for to avenge your lost honor, they have no direction and are all words. Recently, I went to MUN conference in your capital city and the education & learning imparted in the school would have made Sir Syed cry.

I know you are distraught already, but the condition seems to be on the turn of the worse. The blasts that have been tearing your mothers from their children, adolescents from their parents, creating terror and insecurity are on a rise. Equal opportunity and meritocracy are extinct concepts. New born's are losing their precious lives due to polio. My beautiful lady, the people who have sworn into office to protect and serve you have worked day and night to rap you. I am sorry, I am amongst those who seem to be powerless against them. I am sorry that I cannot stop them from taking advantage of you, even though I know what they do and how they plan to sell your majestic self to foreign entities. My Pakistan, tears fill my eyes, but then again tears a concept all to common; the Indus would overflow if the tears of your nation came together. 

As I said the people are hopeless, they are disoriented. The power sucked out from you is being used by machines, computers being one. Facebook is a place in the cloud where the young hang out these days; yes I understand my cultured lady that it is a concept hard to grasp. It is not a ill, but the manner how the youth uses it is embarrassing my eyes. They criticize the men who represent you when they fail, while make them heroes they win; yes the youth have dual standards. They have enveloped themselves in something known as "trolls"; haha i know what you're thinking, I dont understand it too. I know many kids and faculty people who stand for the wrong, they politicize things when they shouldn't. But these kids are not all bad, believe me. They have finally started to feel you're spirit, that is good. I am hopeful they will understand what they are doing and check themselves before its too late.

We have debated before, I tell you again and again how the generation before me failed. I still wonder why you disagree. Pakistan, the people of your country face a very tough year ahead. In my view a year that will either save your beauty or rip it to shreds. I hope and pray its the earlier case. I am trying to play my part, I really am. aahhhh, you caught me, no I am not perfect, but then when did I say I am? but as my mother, I wont lie to you. I don't cheat, I don't politicize, bitch or snitch on your people. I preach the concept of "fight for the right" and our favorite "stand up. speak up"; how we really hope that carries on. Me, Fareed and Usman, started to fine each other if we were caught littering, hahaha, it didn't clear the streets from the litter but atleast we are trying. I have started to talk to the men at shop stores, cabs and kiosks; making them realize how important their vote is and how the construction of bridges and underpasses is not a sign for development and it wont put food on their table. 

I have met some amazing people in the past year and have strengthened my relations with the people I really believe will make change or atleast will keep trying to. I really hope that I can be loyal to them and don't do any act that will ruin my friendship with them. I am certain that there will be millions others just like them who want to pull you from the death bed and put you on center stage where you belong. They should give us two hope.

Lastly, Pakistan, I have always called you my mother and I have always been the loudest in reciting your anthem. I am sorry that the educated youth have forgotten it. I am sorry that I have not done enough for you. I am sorry that I have never been able to recognize how much I am worth in your eyes. I am sorry that I realized so late in my life your value. I am sorry I have never acknowledged what you have done for my family. I am sorry that I have never given you anything in return. I am sorry that I have never asked my fellow crying brother how I could change something for the better for him. I am sorry that I have been so late in my fight for correction. 

What gives me hope My Lady is that I am not alone. I really hope that the next time I write to you it will be more optimistic, it will be a conversation rather then one way traffic; I realize that your health doesn't allow you to write or call. I assure you I will let no stone unturned in your healing.

I love you, as much as a son loves her mother; without you I am nothing. As I coined some years back, I bleed green, red is just a myth. Get well soon, maa ji.

New.Year.New.Hope.

Your son,

Muhammad Yasir

Stay Humble, Be Kind, Help Out, Reach Out, Stand Up, Speak UP