Why So Serious? No Smiling Faces in Pakistan =[

When I visited Pakistan in Winter of 2011, I did not realize that there was something I was subconsciously picking up on. In fact, it did not occur to me until I landed at San Francisco International Airport. Coming off the plane, at the end bridge (the thing that connects the gate to the plane) I saw a cheerful looking Asian man just smiling at me. Yes you read that right, smiling at me for no reason. Now I know it sounds creepy, but I was so happy, I beamed right back. Most of you probably thinks that this is no big deal; however, most of you have not visited a country where people make a habit of scowling. They seem to be offended if someone is smiling at them for no reason. Weird, right?

Coming back in September of 2012, I was aware that the Pakistani public is seriously lacking in smiles. For a while, I smiled around like an idiot. All it got me was the stink eye from many women, and dirty looks from the men. I was an anomaly to them. A girl wearing a hijab who smiled for no reason. The Pakistani impression of the hijab is usually a reserved and conservative, quiet girl or woman. Definitely not one who smiles for no reason. I am the furthest thing one could be from quiet and conservative. I like to think of myself as a modern-day Muslim who lives just as much in Deen (Faith) as in Duniya (World). At first it irked me, I wondered why they couldn't just get on with their lives and not stare me down. Then it occurred to me that I should be who I am and not care much for their looks and eyes.

All said and done, I now know that Pakistani do not have an established culture of smiling at strangers. Maybe that only exists in California. I still smile at all the strangers. Once in a while, I get a smile back. Though, I still rarely see anyone just randomly smiling. In the end, I have more California culture in me than Pakistani culture. If being completely Pakistani means I can't be cheerful, then I'm content being a Californian. Not to mention being a mystery always has a certain charm to it. 

Smiles from Islamabad city. Good night world. 

X0X0

(un)Civilized Pakistan

In the depth of our hearts and minds, we all know that money and influence can take us very far in life. However, at the surface, we all still carry a fear of authority and a respect of the law. We know that there are certain rules we must follow. There is an understanding that criminal activity will be followed up with severe consequences.

We also know that lack of studying will result in failed classes and lack of work ethic will result in poverty.

What happens when this paranoia of consequences disappears?

Let me tell you.

This is the phenomena in present day Pakistan. In most of the civilized world, there is a fear of law in the hearts and minds of citizens. There is also a RESPECT for the law. In Pakistan, I see neither.

All sorts of crimes, even crimes against humanity, run rampant in this nation. From the driver who drives in two lanes at once to the teenager who kills a peer and can flee the country. This is Pakistan.

Corruption and bribery are such common knowledge that even I, a law abiding citizen, do not fear the law in Pakistan. For the last six months, I have wondered why?

Professors report that their students are being passed classes using bribery. Children drive cars without licenses. Poverty stricken children are working in the homes of wealthy Pakistanis and being mentally and physically abused. Murders are as common as the flu, and people get kidnapped everyday. Yet no one gets punished. The professors go on teaching. The children keep on driving. And the poor continue to suffer.

It goes to show that corruption trickles into the roots of a society. A corrupt government will lead to a nation where even the lowest rungs of society will be corrupt. Lawlessness will run rampant. The oppressed will become further oppressed. The rich will continue to become richer and more invincible. All the while, the common man will live his life in fear. Fearing the poor, who might rob him just for a morsel of bread. Fearing the rich, who may hurt his family and face no consequence.

What separates Pakistan and Pakistani people from animals?

In my opinion, nothing.