Stereotype # 21 - Being good at Punjabi makes you a Paindu!

Punjabi is one of the provincial languages of Pakistan and is generally thought of to be extremely loud, and at times a little inappropriate. It's not a mild dialect and could be a bit brash on the ears. One stereotype that seems to be set with the Punjabi language is that it is usually spoken by the rural residents namely, the paindu's! And that a Punjabi speaking person is in no way in tune with the modern residents. However, this stereotypical assumption makes people forget that being fluent in Punjabi does not go against somebody's favor but rather adds in to a person's exceptional skill in being fluent in more than just one language.

Being great at Punjabi does not make one a PAINDU.

Stereotype - Being good at Punajbi makes you a Paindu!   Status = BUSTED!

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!

Stereotype # 16 - Male Chauvinism in Pakistan

Pakistani men are usually mistook for being complete chauvinists who push aside the women in their lives and take all the glory! However, this is a stereotype that needs serious busting. Pakistani men may be more protective or may have a more practical approach when it comes to women but quite often, these gestures of theirs are mistook for being misogynistic. It is wrong of us to generalize all the Pakistani men in the same category. 

Ali, a student of A'levels tries to clear the air with these words, "If I'm asking a woman to stay as far away from something as possible, its not because I don't want the best for her. It is only because I know how bad the world can get and how badly she may be harmed. Why is my protectiveness being taken for misogynism?"

This stereotype is not just held by people all over the world but also within Pakistan. It is just something that people have accepted as part of the Pakistani society. Which is why, even men who are far from being chauvinists are blamed for being ones!

Maybe it is time for us all to cut Pakistani men some slack!

Stereotype - Male Chauvinism in Pakistan.    Status = BUSTED!

Here's Mia. Her Dad is not a chauvinist!

Stereotype # 15 - Pakistani's are extremely intolerant!

Why is it that in most cases, the majority supersedes and gets to have a dominant say in most matters but when it comes to negative ideas/thoughts/stereotypes, the views of the minority seem to spread like wildfire. A limited set of people end up making things difficult for everyone.

The intolerant beliefs of the people and the negative actions of a few are more publicly reinforced, while the major chunk of Pakistan that does not wish harm on anyone is sidelined to the extent that people start questioning whether tolerant Pakistani's do in fact exist or not.

Here is the reality,

Not everyone in Pakistan is on a spree to target those whose religious views differ from theirs. Generally, people from the various sects and religions live within the same locality in peace and with no disagreements what-so-ever. It is the blood game that has been going on in Pakistan that ultimately makes it difficult for Pakistanis to live in harmony.

Pakistan came into existence keeping the rights of the minority sects in mind. The minorities in Pakistan have as much right on the country as any Pakistani Muslim. Pakistan is their home too and to say that all Pakistani's are intolerant to the point where they cannot accept other religions, is wrong and stereotypical.

So here's busting the stereotype!

Stereotype - Pakistani's are extremely intolerant!   Status = BUSTED!

Stereotype # 14 - Pakistani women are mild and timid

Absolutely not. Pakistani women have ventured into careers that had been tagged as unimaginable and unsuitable for women in the past. They have managed to challenge the stereotypical notion that a woman's place is in the kitchen. Every other day, by displaying acts of sheer magnanimity and bravery, Pakistani women show the world that they are in no way inferior to their counterparts.

Pakistani women are more vocal about their views than ever before. They are opinionated and aware of what is happening around them. They are out to make a difference, no matter how big or small. They no longer remain confined to their homes but rather, explore all avenues.

Pakistani women are now into the armed forces, finance, media, politics, legislation - you name it!

Women world over have to work twice as hard as the men to prove that they are equally good. Pakistani women do not let anything or anybody get in the way of what they want to achieve. Be she a mother, daughter, friend or sister, a Pakistani women knows how to beat the odds and reach the pinnacle!

Stereotype - Pakistani women are mild and timed. Status = BUSTED!

Stereotype # 13 - Say what?

Yes, we know how to party!

I have the right to choose!

"Because being a Pakistani does not mean that I don't have the right to choose!"

Stereotype # 12 - Pakistani's have domineering dads!

A Strict dad? No way!

Stereotype # 11 - Pakistani's are not humane towards animals!

Just because they say that 'a country that doesn't value human life can hold no possible love for animals' does not mean that they are right.

Pakistanis love their pets. Pakistan has countless Animal Rights Organizations working for the cause of homeless strays. Pakistani's speak up on animal rights and they have as much places in their hearts for a pet dog/cat/fish as any other person from the rest of the world would have for their pets!

Stereotype - Pakistani's are not humane towards animals. Status = BUSTED!

I Adore my Indian Friends!

Pakistani's and Indians have the potential to form beautiful friendships.

I Smile!

Showing off the biggest smile ever while busting the stereotype - Angry Pakistani's!

Stereotype # 10 – An American would be treated horribly in Pakistan

It may sound funny to many but most Americans feel that if they enter Pakistan, they would be tracked down and killed by the terrorists. Pakistan is not considered a safe country by all accounts, however, it’s not like gun toting maniacs are roaming the streets at all times.

Foreigners are discouraged by their own respective countries for travelling into areas that may be threatening to their lives. But those who are in fact curious about the country and end up visiting it; enjoy their trip and the various cultural festivities that the country has to offer to the most.

Pakistan is not all that the media portrays it to be. Pakistanis are peace loving and hospitable people, always open to welcoming their guests and giving them a thorough insight of the heritage and the traditions that they are extremely proud of.

Unlike what is shown on the television, an American visiting Pakistan will not be hated by the general public but treated like any other person visiting Pakistan for the first time.

So here’s busting the stereotype for the love of the promotion of Pakistan tourism. :D

Stereotype – An American would be treated horribly in Pakistan. Status = BUSTED!

I Love Bollywood!

I Listen to Linkin Park!

Stereotype # 9 – Oh, so you’re from India? Right?

Wrong. I am from Pakistan. Indian and Pakistan are two different countries located however, on the same continent. We may all be Asians, yes. But calling Pakistanis, Indians is geographically incorrect! People from both sides of the border look alike in some ways. Most would mistake one from another. However, like India and Pakistan are alike in many ways, they are very different in a lot of other ways too.

Pakistanis would take offense to being called an Indian. The two countries may have been one at one point, but ever since 1947, they have both gone their separate ways. They have separate agendas, contrasting mindsets and completely different residents. The biggest distinguishing factor that may be very confusing for the non-Pakistanis is the language of the natives of both the countries. While both Pakistanis and Indians can tell in a second if it’s Hindi or Urdu that is being spoken, for the non-Pakistanis, both the languages sound exactly the same.

Here a Step-by-Step guide on how foreigners can save themselves from the embarrassment of calling an Indian, a Pakistani and a Pakistani, an Indian:

Step 1: Ask them where they are from instead of guessing.

Step 2: Ask them their favourite food. If you are lucky, a Pakistani would name a meat dish and an Indian, a veg-dish. IF YOU ARE LUCKY, that is. (This step may have a 10 % error ratio)

Step 3: Do not ask them about their state/province/city before you have guessed their nationality. This might confuse you since some places in Indian and Pakistan have the same names. For example: Punjab, Hyderabad.

Step 4: Do not stat a discussion with them on their historical background as a way to cleverly guess their nationality. Both the countries share the same history.

Step 5: Start the conversation by asking them a quick question. Gandhi or Jinnah? Both the natives are very sentimental about their national heroes. An Indian would most certainly say Gandhi, while a Pakistani would say Jinnah. (This step has a 100 % success rate)

Step 6: Do not start a discussion with them on movies. I repeat, do not. Indians would talk about Bollywood. And Pakistanis? Also Bollywood.

Good luck guessing one from the other.

Stereotype – Pakistanis and Indians, one and the same? Status = BUSTED!

Stereotype # 8 - All Pakistani’s Go for Arranged Marriages!

Here’s what the majority of non-Pakistani’s think about Pakistani weddings.

They are loud.
Involve uncountable relatives/guests/acquaintances/possibly anyone who can make it to the wedding.
The weddings are insanely expensive.
The guests are all dolled up.
The food is lavish.
The ceremonies are exhausting.

And lastly,

The bride and groom are seeing each other for the first time EVER.

Not true. Not all Pakistani marriages involve a beaming Rishta aunty gloating with pride over a match made in heaven. Unlike what the world thinks, Pakistanis do have a say in choosing their better half. Many people go through the whole process of getting to know each other before taking the next step and asking for the respective families to get onboard. No doubt that in order for marriages to succeed, or even happen, the prospective bride and groom have to convince the entire family including the extended never-before-seen relatives that marrying the love of their life is a good idea.

This part of the world is more attuned to arranged marriages; taking them as a guaranteed route to a happy, peaceful and successful married life. However, the Pakistani society is accepting of love marriages too. Matches are made in heaven and most elders, even if they disagree to the match, resign and give their consent eventually; calling it a matter of fate!

More and more people in Pakistan are exercising their right of choosing a life partner. While in the past, men were content in letting their mothers choose a bride for them, the trends have shifted. Pakistani men now need wives that they have mental compatibility with. The same goes for Pakistani women who have a much clearer idea in their heads about the traits of the person that they want to marry.

Things are not the same old traditional in the land of the pure ad a changing mindset is challenging the traditional norms that may seem too repressive for some.

Also, people no longer think that a marriage born out of love does not have the same success rate as a purely arranged one. Add to that, is another fact that may have been misunderstood by those exposed to stereotypes about Pakistan; even the Pakistani arranged marriages involve the consent of the bride and groom right from the beginning till the very end.

In conclusion,

Stereotype - All Pakistanis Go for Arranged Marriages. Status = BUSTED!

The Hands that formed the Bracuza - Pakistan supplies footballs for World Cup 2014! Yay us!

When the World Cup kicks off on June 12, millions will be watching their favourite players in action, be it the ones they follow on the field or ones picked in their dream team.

However, almost 14,000 km away, about 1,400 people will have their eyes glued not on the players but the ball that they will be showing their skills with. Every goal will still get a loud cheer but every minute the ball spends in the middle, the smile will only get wider on those 1,400 faces.

The ball out there in the middle would’ve gone through the hands of those 1,400 – the staff at Forward Sports, the factory in Sialkot (Pakistan) that has co-produced the footballs for Brazil 2014.

“When I used to watch football on television, I never thought that one day I’d be making those with my own hands,” Lubna Shabbir, a quality controller at the factory, told Al Jazeera. “It’s a matter of pride not just for me but the city and the country that a product manufactured here is making its presence felt on a global level.”

Sialkot's comeback

Forward Sports employs around 1,400 workers on its football production line [Faras Ghani/Al Jazeera]

Sialkot first produced a World Cup ball in 1982, during the time of hand-stitching. Brazil 2014, however, will see thermo-bonded footballs, the production of which started in China. However, when demand grew out of control, Khawaja Masood Akhtar, CEO of Forward Sports, stepped in and ensured that the city that once produced 70% of the world’s footballs snatched limelight once again.

“Brazuca was supposed to be made in China alone but the design was so good and response was so overwhelming that Adidas decided to have as second source in order to boost production,” Aziz ur Rehman, Adidas’ Director Sourcing Pakistan, said. “Forward Sports is one of the top notch factories and it was an easy decision to have it as a second source.”

Adidas, the company providing the World Cup footballs since 1970, did not have much time though when the decision was being made.

Challenge accepted

“We were already producing thermo-bonded official footballs for the Champions League as well as Bundesliga so we had the know-how and experience,” Akhtar said. “But for Brazuca, the official ball for Brazil 2014, we had to redesign out production line and develop the machinery.

“We were asked to do some work on this ball in the last week of August. We managed to get the new machinery set up and running in just 33 days. The first shipment for Brazuca was made in November and the last one left our premises in April.”

According to Sialkot Chamber of Commerce President Dr Sarfraz Bashir, the city produces five to six million footballs per year. But the city is known for much more than just footballs. It is a hub for not only sport goods manufacturing but also leather products, surgical goods and wooden crafts, with exports from Sialkot amounting to $1.6bn annually.

Brazuca

The name of the ball was revealed in September 2012 after being selected by a public vote organised by the Local Organising Committee and Adidas. According to FIFA, "the informal term brazuca is used by Brazilians to describe national pride in the Brazilian way of life", and "mirroring their approach to football, it symbolises emotion, pride and goodwill to all".

“Business in Sialkot is booming, people are happy and life is good,” Bashir said. “Majority of households have tv, fridge, motorcycles and cars. People here make enough money to live a decent life. There is no fear of terrorism, people are only concerned about working and earning for their families. Even the literacy rate here in Sialkot is better than the national average.”

The achievement

Sialkot did lose its football-manufacturing share to China few years ago with child labour and lack of technology hampering its production. However, with Sialkot virtually free of child labour – with training and vocational skills provided instead – and the advent of technology in the city, the share is rising once again.

Forward Sports produces around 34,000 footballs per day during peak season. While equal emphasis is placed on every type of product and for every client they have, Brazuca’s presence in the centre circle on June 12 will add that something special to Akhtar and Sialkot.

“It was my dream to be making the ball for the World Cup. Every football manufacturer strives for this honour. Finally, after years of dreaming and hard work, we have converted this into reality.”

Source: Aljazeera Sports News