Stereotype # 20 – Pakistani’s cannot converse in English

Urdu, being the national language of Pakistan, is spoken by the majority of nationals. The provincial languages of Pakistan too have a tinge of Urdu in them. The locals understand each other and know how to converse with one another in a language they can interpret comfortably. But this does not mean that Pakistani’s have not caught up with the rest of the world when it comes to being fluent in the global language understood by all; English.

English is a language that all Pakistani’s are well aware of. They use it in their day to day lives. Most of the curriculum in Pakistani schools is also taught in the English language. The language has become ingrained as part of the Pakistani culture.  In spite of that, due to the widely held stereotype that Pakistani’s cannot in fact speak English, most foreigners are in awe of an English speaking Pakistani.

The fact of the matter is, we Pakistani’s can defend ourselves in the global front in a foreign language with as much passion and fluency as any other English-speaking non-Pakistani! English is NOT our national language. But we have a grasp of it and that itself is an achievement!

Stereotype – Pakistani’s cannot converse in English.    Status = BUSTED!

Stereotype # 19- No freedom of expression in Pakistan

Since most people take Pakistani’s to be extremely intolerant and disagreeable, it is automatically assumed that they cannot stand a differing point of view. However, this is another stereotype that has caught on and is now associated with Pakistan on a usual basis.

The truth is, Pakistani’s are not out to get each other. Sure, they have differences of opinion every now and then but this should not be taken as sheer hatred for the other with opposing views. We don’t roam around ready to hurl abuses at someone who does not go with what we have to say. The reality is far from what is seen out front.

Stereotype – No freedom of expression in Pakistan.   Status = BUSTED!

Stereotype # 18 – Pakistani’s are biased and unjust

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.”

While we may be in the news for waging wars and snatching away the rights of others, there are many among us who are working day in and day out to quell this negative assumption about Pakistani’s. There are many among us who take all as one with no divisions on the basis of sects, religions, caste or creed. There are many among us who pray for harmony and peace every day of their lives. And there are many among us for whom being just is a natural course that they must take.

Stereotype – Pakistani’s are biased and unjust.   Status = BUSTED!

Stereotype # 17 – A Lazy Nation

Often times, Pakistani’s are mistook for being lazy, disinterested in anything they do and useless to the point where they can’t even get their work done on time. While this is claimed with absolute conviction, what is ignored is the colossal willpower and hard work that is possessed by most Pakistani’s. They jump to accomplish any task at hand and then finish it to the point of perfection. Pakistani’s are great at what they do as long as they set their mind to it. Hand them over a challenge and they’ll make sure they get to the bottom of it by giving it all that it takes!

Stereotype – A lazy Nation.   Status = BUSTED!