Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan

Introduction

“In the last few years, the War on Terror has refocused the world’s attention from Iraq and Afghanistan to the northwestern hills and southern plains of Pakistan. Media reports from that country range from violent to pitiful, and most westerners think of it either as a haven for extremists or a prison for women and minorities. We hear daily about drone attacks, blasphemy laws, inequality, and injustice. Yet, little is known about Pakistan’s rich culture or colorful daily life. Nobody seems to know or care to discuss the strides being taken in education, social services, and even politics that are improving the nation every year. It’s probably not newsworthy.

As my country of birth, where I resided until my early twenties, Pakistan holds a special place in my heart despite the challenges it presents. Yes, the poverty is deplorable, the politicians are corrupt, and religious strife is troubling. But it is also a nation full of kind-hearted individuals struggling to make their society better with optimism and resolve. That’s the Pakistan I want people to know about: a nation of millions working hard during the day, watching television late at night, drinking tea, talking politics, playing cricket on weekends, loving their families, and worshipping God every day. From the western aid workers to the local anonymous donors, from people with nothing in their pockets to those blessed with abundance, I have seen my fellow countrymen and women help each other in ways that revive my confidence in human nature.”