Pakistan

Ever since the independence, the citizens of Pakistan are yet to make up their mind as to whether they are Pakistanis first and Muslims later or vice verse. This very debate has given birth to a number of other debates; Punjabi first or Pakistani first, Sindhi first or Pakistani first, Bauchi first or Pakistani first, Pashtun first or Pakistani first and so on. Going by the same analogies, it will be worth pondering about the people in minority. Are we willing to concede to the minorities to be Hindus/Christians/Sikhs first and Pakistani later? And, if so, to what degree.

If we come to think about it rationally, the very subject of this debates is ill founded. It's like asking a young married man if he is a son first or a husband first, or, a brother first or a father first and so on. All human beings have to put on more than one hat at the same time. We, as individuals, have our rights and responsibilities with respect to each of the many roles which lie on shoulders. The individuals who adhere to the universal values of justice and brotherhood, live a good life, the ones who don't live miserably. It's only the interpretation of these universal values according to one's convenience which leads to chaos and confusion. A good Muslim will always be a good Pakistani, or if living in another country a good citizen of that country. Similarly, a good Pakistani will always be a good Muslim, if he is one, or a good follower of his religion and vice verse. Being Muslim does not grant us the right to trespass over the rights of others, in fact, it demands of us to respect the rights of others more than what is preached by other religions.