This is the problem with the mentality of large number of Pakistanis, despite their higher education and profession. The mentality of Pre-Islam Bedouins of Saudi Arabia and slaves during British occupation of India. They will never grow up during the next 500 years.

I said the above because my heart is bleeding seeing the behavior and habits of significant number of Pakistanis.

Pakistan is under attack. Innocent men women and children are being blown up on almost daily basis. Young men in the army are dying almost daily fighting enemies of Pakistan to save Pakistan. But this is not important for many Pakistanis. All they are concerned is corruption in government, bashing Pakistani leaders, and all kind of things.

As Wazir said “our government has other priorities, keep the governing coalition intact at any cost, at the expense of fair play & justice.”

Wazir, this is “War time” and coalition must be preserved at this critical time. If necessary, during war time freedom and rights of people in the country must be curtailed. When the war is over, then you will have all the opportunities to fight for your rights.

May Allah save Pakistan from enemies of Pakistan and give victory to brave Pakistani soldiers.

I have been living in USA for last 30 years. Never heard word ” Paki “. I guess it is referred to ex-Pakistanis living in UK.

I am from the state of Andhra Pradesh(AP), South India. Hyderabad is the capital of the state. Being an academician, I moved from place to place and served in the neighboring states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Kerala but not in Andhra itself. Having come back to Hyderabad, I got a culture shock for the level of corruption that prevails over here. I never had such an unpalatable experience in any of the states I lived in earlier on. A harsh reality dawned on me, like the levels of socio-economic development, the levels of corruption also vary across States and regions across India. May be the situation is not as bad as it is in Pakistan. But what surprises me is the fact that the common people take this factor stoically. When we read in newspapers stories of politicians and bureaucrats indulging in corruption, they say philosophically : “Who is not corrupt ?”

In the Indian tradition giving “MAAMMOOL” to the bureaucrats to get things done is the most common thing, since ages. So cheer up my Paksitani Brothers, corruption prevails every where only the levels vary. Rooting out corruption completely is an impossible task. However, one and all should try to minimize it. The task is not easy, but in India some brave social workers are taking advantage of the Right to Information Act (RTI) and exposing this social evil.

Prof G.N.Rao
Hyderabad, India

The way things stand, does it matter if we are called pakis ? Every terrorist’s act in the world, somehow is liked with Pakistan. Let us face it, we have a country like a rudderless ship, drifting in the sea of uncertainty. Young men are fighting & dying in Waziristan but our government has other priorities, keep the governing coalition intact at any cost, at the expense of fair play & justice. Wonder what is next after NRO. !!

Nice article, I think the main difference between the western system and our local system is that of technology. If in Pakistan, the governmental organization gets a computerized system, integrated with centralized national database then we would also be swapping card against the scanner.

@national pride

Hiding your identity abroad shows your inferiority complex. If someone isn’t strong enough to stand up to his/her identity, will always remain a confused soul. Life is given just once, nobody has a luxury of selecting their choice of identity, so live honorably for whatever you are.

By the way, why Pakistan is often referred as the “Land of Pure”?

Does Pakistan has anything pure?

Paki_hater,

I seriously doubt that you’re an Indian hiding as a Pakistani. No Pakistani can claim himself to be Indian abroad.

Jones,

I have been to a dozen countries and read a lot and never came across Indians being called ‘Indi’. There’s nothing wrong in that, but it has a different meaning (something aboriginal or independent) and that’s why people don’t use that word for Indians.

One more thing though, I have met Pakistanis abroad (USA, Canada, Europe, Egypt, UAE, Bahrain…many other countries) and I think Pakistanis (and Indians) are discriminated more in the middle-east than in western countries.

A Pakistani is referred to as a RAFIQ is Saudi Arabia/UAE.

I think one of the commentator has put things in right perspective.

JAMIL says “When I was young my Mom used to say “Beta ghar sey Bhokey niklo gay tu bahir koi khaney ka invitation nahee dey gaa””

This struck a chord with me. Jamil has summarized the solution in his one line.

Don’t kid yourselves folks. Living in North America I can tell you that Arabs and Iranians suffer more negative stereotypes than Pakistanis. So this self flagellation is misplaced . I have had a great number of Americans in California speak highly of Pakistan’s culture and our role in fighting terrorism. I seriously doubt the comments of so called “Paki _Hater” because no Pakistani I know would ever call herself or himself Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi or Indian to avoid negative comments because we ourselves are racist towards other South Asians! Despite the bad impression that Arabs get in the US, I have never seen an Arab here in the West describe himself or herself as being Jewish, even though Jews come from the same region and are also Semites. Also it’s important for the writer to know that there is a lot of identity theft in US and that there are many businesses in the private sector which make money trying to secure your ID. It’s sad that people in Pakistan don’t know how big an issue identity theft including stealing confidential information is here in the US. Here too the onus on the person to clear his or her name. Lastly, I don’t mind being called a Paki but I hate it when others are mistakenly called Paki’s when they are not Pakistanis.

I agree with the grievances of having Pakistani ID mentioned in this particular column. But I would like to say that the allegations leveled against FIA personnel working in immigration department at Airport is wrong. since, 2002, FIA has established database of every incoming and outgoing passengers and data is secure and not disclosed with any one. Moreover, FIA personnel treat every passenger (whether educated or uneducated)with same level of dignity and prestige. Instead, FIA Immigration officers are being humiliated by passengers, because all passengers going abroad or coming from overseas are considering them selves as Uncle SAM. All these passengers when land on foreign jurisdictions, make proper queue, behave like a gentleman, keep themselves under deep patience but as soon as they land on Pakistani soils, they start humiliating with FIA people. Because at Arrival, FIA is the first agency, which deals with incoming passengers. When FIA people lodge complaint with seniors regarding the misbehaving attitudes of the passengers, they are asked that FIA is dealing with passengers and they are tired, therefore, their worst behaviour may be avoided.

Moreover, FIA has appointed female immigration officers, who clear passengers, which is a great change. Even though these passenger most of the time use abusive language with these lady officers, just because of the reason that these passengers know very well that these immigration officers are for granted.

Even there is no any case of corruption found at the airports. There is no any evidence against these FIA people but it is habit of our nationals to talk against any one with out having any proof. the question, why our nationals talk easily without proof? The answer is that our media is available for their service. They have access to the internet and can easily post their comments on blogs. But there is no any accountability against these people, who blame on government officers/officials without having any solid proof of corruption, bribery etc.

Truth hurts and is very painful to face.

No matter how hard they try to disguise their identity, the Indians pretending to be Pakistani’s are very easily identified.

What is wrong with the word “Paki”, nothing but a short version of a name Pakistan? If “Paki” has become a word of abuse, it may be due to having lost respect in the community of nations. The question is what Pakistan has done to deserve respect? What Pakistan has contributed except producing endless “Talibans” and “Jihadists”?

Our leaders are true representatives of us. If we all become true nationalists, we will only elect leaders who would build our nation and not destroy it. Let us unite, become wise and make the corrupt go away who are leading us into disaster. Believe me, no body else could do this for us.

Well, very true article and I am surprised to read that kind of a article in the land of pure, few years back I travel to Pakistan and landed at Karachi airport and it happened to be the eve of Eid and since I have not traveled to Pakistan recently, I wanted to surprise my family, so at the airport, it was a ‘bakra mandi’, and flights were coming from everywhere, and I choose to queue up with the foreign passport counter and to my surprise there were around 200 people in front of me and I wasted already 2 hours and the queue didn’t even move, so I called my brother and surprise was gone, that I am stuck at the airport and please come and collect me, while waiting for the immigration queue to move, a guy approached me and said if I want to get out quickly, I said yeah, so it cost me and within 15 to 20 minutes I was out, so when I was out and told my brother what is going on and I told him my ordeal, he said its normal they are making eidi, so the point is our whole education system is wrong and if you look at our elite, they are the most corrupt. In Pakistan, people just ignore the things that would shock in the west, we need to develop the system of education that only can change the whole ball game, this is what they(west) teach from the very tender age the manners and politeness and your own space, which we lack.

To be honest, I am ashamed to be called pakistani as well.

Dear Farrukh, you said:

“we are, and we will remain the most racist country in the world.”

You boldly said the truth. I agree with you 100%.

I wish to add some comments to support you.
The words “Sindhi, Punjabi, Baloch and Pathan” and others represent the race, not residence in a geographical location. For example, a man whose grand father/mother migrated to Karachi when Pakistan was created over 60 years ago and he was born and lived in Karachi all his life, will never be recognized as Sindhi. That is racism because he does not belong to Sindhi race.

There are many Muslims in India and Pakistan who call themselves “Syed” claiming direct descendants of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him). They add the word “Syed” in their names to distinguish themselves from others and show superiority of their race. While in Islam all Muslims are equal regardless of their race, color and nationality. But these “Syed” Muslims have to call themselves “Syed” in their names to identify their superior race.

In many cases inter-marriages between two Muslim races are considered shame and undesirable by people of the respective races.

In Islam, there is no racism and Indian and Pakistani Muslims who are soaked in racism, have adopted this from Hindu culture. I am not criticizing Hindu culture because “race” is part of their “religion” and “culture” and they have every right to preserve it. On the other hand Muslims have no right to be a Muslim and at the same time when follow un-Islamic culture of racism and criticize those who are racist.

I am Paki by birth but at my work everyone knows me as an Indian. I have no moral courage or pride to call myself Pakistani. My Indian identity shields me from so many ill-perceptions. On the other hand all the fantastic creative work that I have done during last years was credited to an Indian not a Pakistani. It is my only regret. However, I don’t feel any pride of being an X Pakistani.
sorry, turth hurts.

I appreciate you for bringing up this topic. I have lived abroad for years and learned that it is not always the fault of the natives when they do not treat Pakistani’s right. I went to purchase a packet a cigarettes in London, I asked the cashier one Marlboro he looked at me as if i have made a blunder, I asked what is the problem he said are you new here, I said yes matter of fact I am, he said let me teach you something remember three words please, thank you and sorry and all doors will open for you. So I said can I have a packet of Marlboro please he gave me the cigarettes he said thank you and I said thank you and he said sorry about earlier on. In USA majority of immigrants are uneducated Mexican workers but they are very polite and have good manners so they are readily accepted. Pakistani’s are sometimes treated bad because they do not show good manners.

I don’t have any issue with the word Paki or whatsoever. People have been called worst, from african americans to the the bengladeshi’s living in the land of pure. In my opnion, alot many would disagree with, we are, and we will remain the most racist country in the world.

These days race defines Pakistani culture. I think the British mentality and feudal system has crept up beyond control. Identity theft is everywhere and since dawn of time, it has been used here and there. It all comes down to be morally challenged. Sadly we are all morally beyond challenging. We lie, we cheat and we go beyond our means to secure our own selfish designs.

I swear, the last name should be completely abolished. Lets put Pakistan in our name, because if we like it or not, our nation, our creed and our purpose in life should be securing this country. Then and only then I think the moral value or whatever you may call it will increase. Is there anyone out there willing to stand up and choose for the sake of Pakistan only?

Excellent article.

An American is a proud American whether he/she is from Texas, California, Florida, black or white or brown whether his/her parents came from Britain, Germany, France, Australia, or anywhere in the world (except India/Pakistan).

On the other hand Pakistani’s are Pakistani’s only to seek passport, Visa, travel documents and benefits and protection provided by Government of Pakistan, otherwise they are proud Punjabi’s, Sindhi’s, Balochi, Pathan, etc. etc.

The Japanese have a saying:
When the Head is a fool, the arms and feet suffer.

The problem of Pakistan is that the arms and feet are very capable, very intelligent and skilled.

But the Head(s) are not genius.

Well, corruption is also in China, India, Brazil and Russia, these countries are also known for their corrupt institutions but this has nothing to do with how we Pakistani’s are treated about. It has all to do with what our leaders have done to bring us to a place where no country respects our words.

The writer is clearly said to be a Pakistani and taking his anger out on our own institution which I agree, many are corrupt but respect in other states is to do more with foreign policy.

To me it looks like the writer clearly has issues in being called a Pakistani.

Just an information – they identity theft situation is no better in the US. The social security card number is used the exact same way as the NIC and anyone with that SS# may do the exact same thing including checking your credit, opening credit card accounts etc. Yes, I agree 100 percent that our system needs to be more secure and we need an additional checks and balances but i do not like the glorification of the west’s system when their problem is the exact same one we have.

I know that for a fact because I was born and lived in the US for 35 years. Although I respect many of the procedures and processes the west has developed, I do not think a sweeping mentality that the west is better than pakistan is healthy.

I also know you’ll defend yourself by saying that you are not making sweeping generalities to which i must respond, if so, please do better due diligence before you write another article.

If you look at the author’s ire, I think it is directed towards the ID misuse issue etc.

The derogatory-or-not term is actually a red herring.

Pakistan has some bright software minds. Maybe you need to look at the UID concept?

Simple ideas – we all have the brains across the borders – maybe it can be used there too for this purpose and ensure better ID systems? It needs one person from your I.T brains to stand up and say – I will do this for my country and present the plan to your IT Ministry.

Good article. But I am afraid after reading the comments I get the sense that most of the readers have either missed the point entirely, or – this is obvious – have no idea of the history behind the term “Paki”. It is not about being unpatriotic, but it is about knowing that the term is being used as an ethnic slur.

The very fact that everyone runs to defend the identity and the country at any debate to highlight the ills of our society, should tell us the insecurities within us.

Love you man for writing such a great article, you definitely explained the true nature of Pakistani people. No one in Pakistan is sincere to Pakistan. In our country from small clerk to the president all are corrupt. You can hardly find sincere bureaucrats. Everybody is after money no matter whatever they have to do for money.

The problems that the author has mentioned (asking for ID cards, bribery, unsolicited marketing etc) are related to the crimes/social evils of different genre and severity.
I would say that racism is being confused with corruption and lawlessness. It seems that the author is attempting to compare the problems of a common Pakistani with the racism they received abroad. No it is not a very clear write up.
The list of problems and corruptions that are faced by the people of our country inside their own country is endless.

For a Pakistani, Pakistan is home. If one has issues in his home he fixes them instead of going away to live in someone else’s home.

Furthermore, I think our problem can best be explained by the following:

“Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.” Plato

I dont think the writer mean’t to offend any one when he used the word “Paki” for our nation.

And to be quite honest i’m rather proud of it. Its only in all of your heads that you consider being called a “paki” racism. It is and always will be our identity. We are the people from this land and that cant be changed. Same as all the south american’s in the US are called Latino’s and African American’s are referred to as black. For me being called a “paki” is better then being referref to as a South-East Asian.

The people who do find the word “Paki” offensive are just having an identity crises with in themselves as they thought moving to the UK or US would change what they were and are.

As for the point that we dont respect ourselves made by the writer, I could’nt agree more. We as a nation dont respect ourselves and that is the main reason that we let the corrupt in our society rule over us. Unless we learn our rights and the respect that we should be entitled to we will always be ruled by a dictator.

Hassan

“Proud Paki”

New immigrants and students are treated very badly by there own country man staying there for decades. Keeping in mind people of america and european origin are much better than our own people.

Worst racism we face is from our own people as they feel students and new immigrants don’t deserve to be there and a shame for them.

Since no one call any one paki in this part of the world and we have dozen’s of other problem’s to deal with.
Better solve them.

I guess you folks don’t know what PAKI means and where the term came from. Here are some facts.

I am a PAKI living in Canada since 1975 and very proud to be a PAKI. I call myself a Paki and have no shame to be one.

Paki is an abbreviation of a Pakistani, which I am sure everybody knows. PAKISTANI has nine (9) letters unlike Iran has only 4. Let me explain to you why I like the word PAKI. Let’s assume that a normal speaking person takes about 10 micro seconds to utter the word PAKI then he (or she) must take about 20 micro seconds to say PAKISTANI.

There are over 4 billion people on the planet earth. Assuming that about 5% of the world population says, for whatever reason, the word PAKI and another 5% say PAKISTANI.

So my dear readers, I would like to ask all Pakis that do not be ashamed of yourself. You are what you are and be proud of it. Our nation is going thru a temporary turmoil, and InshaAllah we shall come out of it strongly and successfully.

A daily reader of the Dawn,
Gazoo Martian.

Hello Friend, you are right. Unless we do not remove the characters of “Grandma of Little Red Riding Hood” dont expect any good to come. The Tom and Jerry game will go on unless we do not come up with any solution.

“People the author wrote the word PAKI to drive A POINT home. Does not mean that he is ashamed of himself. He is simply saying that if our own people do not respect us then others will not either”

I don’t agree with you. The author has clearly made a point and that is we as a nation don’t respect ourselves. Take any government or private sector department and even to do a genuine task you are asked to bribe the officials. I wanted to change the ownership of my sim that was wrongly issued in someone else’s name. I visited their office for a couple of times and also emailed them but yet they told me that it cannot happen.
even to make a passport that is our right you have to bribe the officials else it would take you years to get it done.
we as a nation need to respect ourselves and others only then the other people will give us the respect that we ask.

I left the country about 40 years ago and things were bad in Pakistan. Looks like it is worst now. Just want you to know I was shocked and appalled after reading your article. My question: Can anything be done about it??

I totally agree with what Mr. Rizvi has written in his article. The word Paki must not be taken as Napaki. We must be proud of being people from Pakistan. We must agree to one point that the Administrative Side of our Government right from 14.8.1947. We still have lot of lessons to learn from other nations who were liberated in the same year. We are still confused, which system suits us the best. I strongly recommend that it is high time to acknowledge that our Armed Forces and Senior Judges of the Supreme Court should also be taken on board while introducing or removing any constitutional Rule. Why dont we understand that we as a nation in Pakistan are totally different from other countries on the globe. If this is not followed then I am sure that Pulling and Pushing would never end. This will also bring an end to those forces which are always ready to offer their services.

Everyone knows that our system is pathetic! And as a long as democracy continues to dominate the whole world will witness the trend of rich richer and poor poorer.

Enough of these deceitful cycles of democracy and dictatorships! Its time for Islam!!

Identity crisis or identity enhancement?

Protecting vulnerable personal information has become a challenge in Pakistan.
Although, leaking personal data of any individual is unlawful and unethical behaviour, yet, there is an ongoing ‘underworld market’ to buy and sell stolen identity for nefarious designs. The innocent owner is coerced to compromise his identity, hence no control to conceal personal confidential information.

With regard to humiliation and racial slurs abroad, Pakistani’s have no reason to be bothered a bit about such a slur or name-calling. There is no respect of Pakistani’s in their own country, so how could they expect an honourable status in a foreign land.
Pakistan faces a couple of identity crises, one at home where the personal data is subject to criminal manipulation, while some cases are open for discussion in civil litigation.

An operation “Rah-e-Nijaat” is desperately needed to rid of bribe mafia. Producing fake documents or fake IDs out of stolen personal information of innocent citizens has to be eliminated at the earliest to stop anti-Pakistan activity. Hidden hands need be cut, sooner the better. Vague laws must be amended by the Parliament to deter the culprits. The courts must take notice of the government or private establishment responsible for getting confidential private information by coercion.
Like Canadian social insurance number (SIN) and personal identification number (PIN), Pakistan should have national and secret codes strictly to be used by the consumer without any official or others knowing the secret number which must be protected by the owner at all cost.

AOA,
Article is very nice and shows the real face of ashamed system. Very corrupted to the bone of every department, that’s why I always say, the first change should be taken “Islamic” out from our pasport, because one muslim causing harm in anyway to other is not Islam or Islamic Republic, rich is getting richer by nano-seconds, you can’t trust any one there anymore. This system change will not be any beneficial until we change ourselves and be kind to eachother. Because change always starts from within. May Allah Bless Our Pakistan, The Country for which our forefathers sacrificed all they had and never blinked, Ameen.

This article talks about identity crisis and even to fill the comments column, identity is being asked. It’s sad that we as people are not treated well by those who took oath to serve us with hard work and dedication. Instead they make every effort to make things worse for us as they feel pride and joy disrespecting people and making them feel like slaves. This is not only confine to Pakistan itself, it is widely used in Arab countries. European and American’s are a bit better than all these.

If I were Murtaza, i would have used the space and my writing abilities to organize and rally young people around to fight back the corruption and disrespecting others. Why to depress the few dozens / 100 people who are very intelligent and keen to read news and articles on their country.

After all when we rallied we changed a country which hardly has a week of foreign exchange reserve and was at a brink of collapse to a level where it accumulated sufficient reserves to refuse donor loans, the nation stood against injustice and forced the establishment to eat humble pie, it has dozens of outstanding Physicists, Mathematicians, engineers, globally acclaimed Bankers, Corporate Executives. The nation has many examples of personal contribution like Sattar Edhi, a semi literate person who pioneered by organizing one of the largest network of charity works.

This is recognized in Pakistan as the time of media which has forced to correct many wrongs in the last few months alone.
The people who are taking bribe, abusing private information and disrespecting less educated people on the name of law need to be exposed, show their names, faces. It may not help change in the next few days but it will change we have lot of resilience just try us.

When I was young my Mom used to say “Beta ghar sey Bhokey niklo gay tu bahir koi khaney ka invitation nahee dey gaa”

Living aboard for over 12 years I now Understand what she meant.

Very True.

The civilized society will have to take action on this, educated people will have to do something as this issue will also get out of hand as many people might be suffering but we have to come out and speak.

Our expatriates specially educated ones feel painful complex abroad while looking at the developments in every way of life in those countries, where they are workin, have made and then looking back or thinking about the things going on in their own country. But this is natural. It is neither their fault nor the fault of their own country. But one thing I have to tell them that they should not compare only the pluses but also the minuses. For instance if you become ill in England you will not get or cannot get as quick treatment as is available to you here. It is just one example. I can count many such. So they should not be ungrateful and should show patience and tolerance towards their home country. Pakisatn is also making progress though not as fast as other countries but Rome was not built in a day.

I would like to take this one step further. Pakistani’s complain of racism and religious discrimination when they live abroad and the are the first to make a noise about their rights. Do they ever think of the rights of the Christian, Hindu & others, who are severely discriminated against in their own homeland. No one comes out to protest when a church or temple is burned. Pakistan is their only homeland these people know and yet they are treated badly. So, what goes around, comes around. Not that I’m for any kind of racism, but I wonder if they ever think of it from that angle.

@ Asad Ilyas,

I dont find the term Paki offensive at all. Its much like calling Australian’s as Aussie or people of New Zealand as Kiwi’s. It stems from people’s desire to shorten things to make them simple, we have such examples at home too esp in the Punjabi language e.g Ghulam Mohammad is affectionately called Gama, Sajid is Saja and so on.

I dont understand why people find Paki offensive, I’m proud of the term and wear it out and loud.

Coming to the article, I’m glad that somebody paid attention to the appalling level of customer service offered at Banks in particular. I have cashed cheques and asked for a particular denomination bank note to be given to me and the bank clerk refused. A quick meeting with the bank manager convinced her to change her mind.

“The reason: perhaps the absence of a regime that guards you against the misuse ” That is the unfortunately state it self is violating then who will protect the citizens. I believe now people have much more information and a civil society is emerging which eventually give direction to state affairs.

Dil Nawaz is right, the word ‘paki’ IS a derogatory term. It makes me cringe every time I hear it used, because it’s a racist word. I’ve stopped my (Pakistani) wife using it for that very reason.

That aside, I am astonished by the scale of the contempt shown by anyone in a position of power toward anyone needing their services.

The ‘can’t do, won’t do’ attitude is one I cannot understand. The rampant abuse of any kind of power, by anyone and everyone came as a real shock to me after I arrived in this country.

It’s no wonder Pakistan is in such an almighty mess.

And another thing. It isn’t only Europe in which racism toward brown skinned people is rampant.

I have experienced a fair bit of it myself, here in Pakistan. And folks might wonder why it is that in Islamic Pakistan the darker someone’s skin is, the more likely they are to be poor and destitute.

How can we expect respect from others when we don’t respect ourselves, or our fellow countrymen/women.
But then again, why should I respect an ill mannered, unethical and generally useless lot of people. What have we, as Pakistani’s done to earn respect? What have we contributed to the world? This nation can’t even stand on its own feet. Wake up! Make something of yourselves, and then see how the world looks at you.

beautiful article. Thank you sir.

I agree with Dr. Aslam and others. You do not have the right to address us as Paki’s. There is tremendous amount of corruption in all of Africa, still no African will address themselves by the N word. Feel free to write about corruption, racism, society, misogynism, fanaticism, etc. but no reason to stoop down to name calling. Thank you very much.

Am I missing something here? Just because European use “Paki” as a slur we are barred from using this word? I am a proud “Paki” and I don’t care what anyone else think. Besides, this is not even the point of this article.

I hear you Murtaza, just recently it took me 4 months and 100’s of calls to NADRA office from overseas to get them to “invent” a NICOP card for my baby.

I am flabbergasted to know how easily ID’s can be used to steal identity and get access to dodgy sim card.

When there is no self respect, how can you expect to be respected. There is no system or any evaluation in the country. Eveyhting can be done with bribery or influence. So there is very little hope that we will survive with the current system.

The emotional disconnect shown by Mr ‘Razvi’ is suspicious because the Nadra and NICOP and citizenship issues have nothing what so ever with being treated as a so called ‘Paki’ in Western countries.

Endemic institutionalized corruption, lack of a functional system or dysfunctional institutions are present in all third world countries at all levels. That doesn’t give them a license to discriminate against Pakistani’s or for that matter anyone else from the less developed countries.

Sounds like Mr Razvi is not happy with his identity.

Most comments are correct & shows the gravity of situation. I am in mid east country. People make so many complaints about their behavior towards Pakistani’s & Indian’s. Many call these countries undemocratic. But in my opinion they are better than many countries in the world. I have seen how much respect they give to their own nationals. How much respectfully they deal their own countrymen. What is democracy, respect for all & it exists here. Where as we are searching for respect in our own country. It is really shameful for all of us in sub continent.

AOA everyone,

I found this article very interesting. It points out the huge gaps we have in our system. When I see the new systems introduced in Pakistan I feel very upset because these new systems are completely flawed. Last year I was visiting Pakistan when I had to update my Passport and ID card. It was a night mare. The new system had no record of my identity and if I wanted I could have easily changed my identity there and then. What needs to be done here is not as simple as introducing a new system, our regulations, our legislation needs to be corrected. There are so many business practices followed by the west that not only safe guard businesses but also restrict corruption. These practices are unheard of in Pakistan. Some countries say we have a long way to go, Pakistan is one country which is reaching a point where soon we will have no where to go.

As for the Racism issue, well Pakistani’s or Indian’s have no ground to base this acquisition. We are the biggest racist above all. Let me give a very small example, in Australia, England, US, Canada or any other western nations if we are treated differently then we start shouting slogans of racism. But what we fail to see is when locals visit a tourist spot they buy a ticket for only RS 10 or so, where as when foreigners in Pakistan and India visit the same tourist’s spots they have to pay Rs. 200 – Rs 2000. I assure you if this was happening in a western county we’d be protesting. How many are working and living a reasonable life style abroad, now compare how many foreigners are living and working safely in Pakistan. Our people have no respect for foreigners, our hospitality has died.

As for the term Paki, I remember in late 90’s there was a Paki Charts on TV. I told the producer of that show that Paki is an abuse for Pakistani’s and this is an inappropriate title. But the response I received was that the word ‘Paki’ is not abusive. Well we are insisting ourselves to be abused.

Should not use word Paki like that shame on writer, how come he say that to his on people?

Why do Pakistani’s call themselves Pakis? Well they do just as they call Inzimam ‘Inzi’, Waqar “Vicky”, Wasim “Waz” and Mushtaq “Mushi”etc etc. We like to sound ‘cool’, and ‘enlightened’ even though we pray on cricket pitches in the middle of International matches. We have heated discussions on religion straight after cold lying to someone over the phone, after bribing someone to get things done, after investing in ‘get rich quick’ schemes, after investing in interest bearing funds, and after gambling for fun.

We like to call others ‘kafirs’ despite our own shortcomings, we like to buy everything we cannot afford, we like to oppress our women, we don’t like to pay fines, income tax, or utility bills. We like to wear Versace suits, wear Rado watches, carry iPhones, ride in Corolla’s, all on the back of Rs.25000 per month salary. We like to play in the hands of politicians who know how to throw a party. We all want to be president or prime minister of Pakistan. We are all power hungry.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we are a nation of ‘confused identity’. We pose as Muslims but we like mischief just as much.

Paki if u consider it a bad word, then you can extrapolate for answers. Not all people are bad, I acknowledge, but people pay the price of being born their, so shall they reap praise of being born their. Be a good human being, rest all will fall in place on its own.

I strongly object to use of ‘Paki’ in your article.

Totally agree with Murtaza Razvi!!!

I had to bear the brunt myself of having to apply for SIM cancellation standing in a queue for 3 hours for no fault of mine. For the fault of mobile company.

And the Govt. is not taking any action against the mobile company who did it in the first place.

This artricle is very interesting. I enjoyed it very much. I hate to write this but to be honest & straightforward, my family friend who live in Pakistan and their kids told me that Pakistani’s are dishonest & don’t trust them. They told me that you will never find a Pakistani who is 100% honest. Reputation of Pakistani’s in Asia & overseas is very bad. I don’t know when their image will be changed. Keep up the good reporting. Thanks.

I Absolutely disagree that term used by author is controversial. It is strange for me that Pakistani national can use it.
Murtaza Kolachi
London, UK.

I agree with the comments made by the author. Fairness demands that the cell phone companies that are unable to protect their customers’ data should be heavily fined, with a major portion of the fines reimbursed to the victims. PTA should look into that.

I am Pakistani living in UK. Even though Paki is used for brown colored people, Indians do not care because they are not Paki. As far as Ragu is concerned, I don’t know which India he is talking about. During my last visit to Delhi and Bangalore, I saw India as a very progressive and way less corrupt than Pakistan. India is on par with UK and USA in terms of their customer service and processes. I could book hotels, airlines, trains and pretty much anything online with valid ID. It is time for us Pakistani’s to accept that we have regressed and it is time for us to learn from India. Long live Pakistan!

Paki is cool!

Stop thinking its derogatory in any way. If a someone calls you that. Just smile back and say thank you.

The word will redefine itself in time.

ASA

Before we complain about foreigners treating us as a second class people, we must correct the situation athome. Just because some one got a government job, does not mean he/she can use their position to do whatever. This stems from lack of justice in Pakistan (and perhaps all so called 3rd world countries). The article hits dead-on on the problem. For those who object to the use of the word ‘Paki’ – my question is – what have you done to change that perception ?

I am happy to see such an article. No doubt who has might in Pakistan has he the right. The problem in foreign countries is that a Paki may not have might

I have no issue being called a paki. It all depends on how is this word used. U can show affection as well by calling ur dear pakistani friend a Paki . I guess the Paki’s in UK or US may have heard this term while someone was trying to humiliate them. Thats why they are not happy to see a paki calling them a paki

In UK if your name is john reginald smith your passport will show your full name.
i.e first name, the middle name and the surname.
If your full name is john smith it will be shown in full.
Now a days when you open an account the bank will take a photocopy of passport and record
your name in full and then use only first and second(surname) omitting the middle name and thereby recoding another identity and creating serious problems under these circumstance.(consider if your full name is Mohammad Kamran Khan. It will end up Mohammad Khan and that misuse and where money is being made by the banks Id protection agencies

“Paki” in west means Uncivilized, illiterate, savage and terrorist. Paki’s has given this meaning to themselves in west.

A thought provoking artcile. By the way whats wrong with word Paki. I got no problems with some one calling me a paki which is at the end of the day an abbreviation for the term Pakistani. If unfortunately we as a nation have indulged in malpractices so that does not equate to the term paki being a derogatory term. If things go as they are we would even object to being called a Pakistani in the future considering our pace of decadence. Or shall we cry about being called a “Pakistani” too. Please pray describe a word which you would wanna be associated with???

The writer made a good point about plight of the ordinary Pakistani’s in their homeland but fact is that Pakistani will be open to abuse as long as we elect corrupt leaders to lead our country. These leadership will be corrupt as long as nation is divided in sects and ethnic and social groups. That’s why golden rules of our leader Quaid-E-Azam was to have “Ittihad”/”Unity”.

When Pakistani will unite in efforts, they will defeat any problems weather it is internal or external. So lets start uniting our nation.

Murtaza Razvi style of addressing Pakistani’s as Pakis is shameful, Paki doesn’t mean good in England! How come Murtaza Razvi is not aware of it, especially he is in journalism – I think he should be stop using the word Paki.

The degrading treatment Pakistani’s receive at all levels of civil, corporate and public sectors has nothing to do with racism as the author wrongly states in his opening sentence. It has rather to do do with absolute corruption.

The word ‘Paki’ in itself is a derogatory and racist term, the author should have known better.

When day in day out you are subjected to indescribable humiliation in your own country, one is bound to carry the experience while living abroad. Economic depression takes a toll and word “paki” does not stand out as undignified as it sounds. Our labour class working especially in Saudi Arabia or UAE is at the mercy of their employers. You can only speak from economic strength. It is hard to imagine that ordinary Pakistani worker living abroad would be treated with dignity. So my fellow citizens, lump it what ever is hurled at you.

Very well written article and I must say is there a way out, do we have some fresh air to breath in for a society like what we have made Pakistan as in whole.

I agree with Asad Ilyas for his comments for the word PAKI, it depends how you take the word, it is unfortunate that we take everything so much on our so called Ego and ends up in non-stop conversation, the article itself trying to explain if we can make Pakistan a better place to live rather doing a debate on Word PAKI, (I don’t blame you, you grew up with a hate to this word) anyways in my opinion it depends how you take the word PAKI, why not we make ourselves better people and a better nation so we don’t have to care for what people call us as far as we know we have tried our best to be make our society a better place to live, but unfortunately either we blame others for the miss happening and I don’t see our young generation ending up any where good rather trying copying west (6-percent of the population and rest will sleep every night with out food). I pray that we can make Pakistan a better place to live. Ameen

Editor? I guess Mr Rizvi is not using sensible words, in this case the word ‘Paki’. Seems like he heard it somewhere and just likes the sound it makes. It is not a matter of getting emotional or deriving a point its a case of common sense and taking stock of things before writing articles in a responsible position.

I do not understand why people are offended with the word “Paki”. The word Paki is the short form of “Pakistani”. Similarly “British” were known as ‘brit”. This is part of European culture, especially in UK. Indians were called as “indi”, like Patricia is called as “Pat”

The people with turbines (Sikhs) were never addressed as “Paki”. The other Indians or Bangladeshis also were called as Paki, because of their similarity to Pakistani nature and feature.

Probably, you are offended because you are thinking that you have nothing to proud about Pakistan. It’s because of your hysteria.

You were called as “Paki” because of your behavior and actions.

The intention behind the article is good. You tried to identify that if you are not respected in your own borders, there is not point in blaming the outsider. But by using the term “Paki” I think you have included yourself in the list of people who badly treat their own national brothers/Sister.

I am not offended by the name “Paki”. What does it mean? This name is given by the “Britain” as insults to people from the sub-continent.

As for the other problems in Pakistan, well that’s Pakistan, the incompetence is so in grained in the system that its heard to see it changing in the near future. The whole system from top to down is corrupt. I see no hope, so next time, make atleast 20 copies of your ID card before your enter in a govt or cell phone company office.

Frankly, we as Pakistani’s are ashamed of our identities. This is in stark contrast to India, where overseas residents from India often complain of the same shabby treatment, but maintain a level of dignity and protective pride in their cultural traditions. The fruit of their patience and labor has borne in the form of an economy which continues to rocket forward and an international interest in Indian culture. As Pakistani’s, we are too self-conscious about cultural perception of us and have an inner hatred toward ourselves which we dispel toward others just like us.

The author of this article is 100% correct. Pakistan unfortunately is one of the most corrupt country in this world. If you go to any part of the world once they know you are a Pakistani, they treat you bad and I don’t blame. Look at what we are doing to ourselves and others. I feel really sorry for the good people who still have to live there.

Yes this is the root cause of the problem.

This is a very relevant and useful theme with broader application. Take an example of the recent shooting in Texas army by a Muslim – immediately an article was printed demanding that US government protect mosques from retaliation. Well, the US government has done its part. Now when will Pakistani government start protecting its own mosques from suicide bombers. (The protection of minorities in Pakistan does not even arise when discrimination is enshrined in the law through blasphemy law, Hudood orinance etc.).

Some readers unfortunately lost the point after reading the first word “Paki” in a well thought out and closer to reality article.
I do disagree with the author at another point where his focus I thought actually was the way we are treated at different levels by our fellow citizens moved to the issue of data protection. Correct me if I lost the point as well.

As a Pakistani I have every right to refer myself as a Paki, not because I like to but because that s how I am described by others. Those Pakistani’s who are taking offense do not understand that they own the word “Paki” and have every right to use it as they like. For those giving an example of the N word, it is perfectly all right for black person to use the N word but is considered a racist term if used by a non black.

I am happy to see that some one has pointed out the glaring very openly practiced irregulatories which are carried out under the full protection/consent of the superiors.
I myself experienced and saw others treated at Nadria’s office in Karachi exactly as explained in this artcle.

Why can not our media do something to highlight and eradicate these evil practices? Are they a party to it as well?

Anyone having the heart and mind to digest the fact why Pakistani’s are ill respected abroad should feel glad to know that it is not they who are responsible for such insulting phenomena, it is rather the outgoing and incoming leaders of Pakistan who are responsible for this anti Pakistani sentiments found in most part of the world. For the last 30 plus years I have been watching how the leaders are begging in the name of Pakistan to fill their invisible bank accounts abroad. Even the American administration has felt the need to help the masses directly or through creditable NGOs rather than trusting our leaders. Respect comes through self respect and esteem.
AH

The real issue with people running the “show” in the banks and other government institution is education. A quick look at the entrance criteria will give a good picture of we we have such a system. People are hired based on their provincial affiliation and nothing more.

I agree with the main points and issues raised in your article.
But FYI the word “paki” is a highly offensive term, fueled with hatred. Its usage can be traced back to the 1970s in Britain, where the term was used to denote people of color, who often suffered extremely brutal and violent physical assault, known as “paki-bashing”.
I urge you to get rid of the term from your article at once.

Thanks
KAT.

Same applies to Indians. Man we are so alike.

Assalam.o.alikum first to all.

I agree with sir that their is no such privacy which should found in democratic country. Everywhere id card is use with free flow. well sir its for our own safety. And do right something about how should we condemn the misuses as a youth. What steps we should be taken? where safety and privacy get separated easily.

AoA,

People the author wrote the word PAKI to drive A POINT home. Does not mean that he is ashamed of himself. He is simply saying that if our own people do not respect us then others will not either. Look around you, do you have a neighbor who’s members do not respect each other? what is their izzat as we say it in the neighborhood? Same point by the author

Author never said replace NICOP # with SSN#. he said that as SSN# are private abroad and same Privacy should be applied for NICOP. Not every stranger should have access to my NICOP but right now even the Pan wala has access which is not the way it should be.

Please read the article carefully before posting wrong and erroneous comments

As someone who grew up in India, I can relate to this article very well; Most Indian’s and Pakistani’s are treated quite shabbily by their own kind; Corruption is rampant in India in all walks of life; The poor suffer; Unless we learn to live with dignity, within our own communities, blaming others is futile.

Very good article…

Also the problem of maltreatment of Pakistani nationals at home and abroad goes beyond the violation of identity.

We all are to blame.

I do agree with Murtaza Razvi. He has raised a very important issue. Government should have strict policies for protecting people’s privacy. However, at this stage it does not seem our politician that mature to understand the seriousness of the issue. However, this issue can be highlighted if media plays its role in raising the awareness in public.
Well using the term ‘Paki’ by Mr. Razvi should not make some people emotional as Pakistani’s are treated far better in overseas than by our local authorities.

This blog shows the genuine concerns of an educated person who is familiar with financial traps attached to the identity.

Unfortunately the people making the rules have minimum exposure to real life problems as they grow up in the protection of govt jobs.
Nadra needs to have at least 15% officers who have already worked (at their own) in a foriegn country or in the commercial sector. Growing up within the govt employment creates a cut-off from reality untill one reaches 65 and wakes up, on the other side of the glass window.
I am very surprised lot of these workers even though well meaning, have no awareness about the problem faced by expats.

Any entity who request for an ID card copy, should have an automatic liability for protecting it.

The way we are treated at home does not mean we should not object to racism abroad.
And like NASAH said above, you must not use the word paki. Have some respect for yourself and your fellow country men.
Also, I understand your views. But I am not so sure how will replacing a copy of national ID card with a social security number (SSN) bring any more privacy? I fear, even the SSNs would be misused…

Dear Murtaza Razvi

We strongly object to use of ‘Paki’ in your article.
Eversince 1960’s, the word is a derogatory and racist term used by white supremacists to describe brown coloured people(indians included) in UK and Europe.

You wouldn’t want to describe African residents as N word would you?

Obama the president of USA is not a N word, similarly Pakistani President cannot be called a ‘Paki’.
Some naive cricket supporters in Pakistan, seem to think that the word is ‘Cool’ and trendy.
let me inform all the Pakistani’s and Indian’s, Europe consider it abusive and a racist slur.

Thanks
Dil Nawaz
Blogger
Bradford UK

Part of this article is correct, but its clear this guy is full of complex and same is the answer to why same paki’s like him refer to themselves as paki’s.

I absolutely agree with Mr. Razvi in any civilised society no one can get any of your personal information before getting a permission from the person. Banks can only see your id but they are not authorised to take a photo copy each and everytime you visit them.

Why do the Pakistanis use the term ‘Paki’ for themselves in their write ups?