pdawani

Communications professional; introvert; are anyone’s opinions their own really?

[pdawani @pdawani]

The #tabithanazirgill incident reminded me of how, when growing up in Karachi, my mother forbade us to call each other by our names in public spaces. Shopping was especially frustrating, when we could only call each by using ‘oye!’ or wave. We did think we should have...

[Marvi Sirmed @marvisirmed]

After India’s misadventure of transgressing Pakistan’s territorial boundaries:

1- Pakistan has established that India can no longer behave like a bully; if it does, there will be consequences India wouldn't like.

2—Pakistanis received a much-needed/awaited morale boost and sense of togetherness in an age of extreme polarization.

3- But in that, the military’s centrality has been cemented in the popular mindset. And it is there to stay for a long time now. Unless, God forbid, something bad happens to dilute it, which is what Pakistan (military) will have to prevent because that's what the enemy would do. If not by direct military confrontation, then by greyzone activities, economic front, and/or on the diplomatic front. Beware. Inteospect. And correct where corrections are due.

4—Jubilation and overcelebrating what is perceived as victory might lead to overconfidence, overreliance on the military, and a blind eye to gross human rights violations by the army in large parts of Pakistan (especially KP, Balochistan, and Sindh). If left unchecked, this will be devastating for Pakistan in the long run.

5- After the morale boost and the edge in the domestic power balance that the military got after #May10, it might lead to the continuation of manipulating and controlling political space. The politicians, already an amenable and docile class of privileged elites, will become further passive, submissive, and too eager to please the powerful generals.

6- If no.5 happens, which WILL happen eventually, the pulverization of Pakistan’s democracy will be complete and absolute.

7—There will be no voices in Pakistan calling for rationalizing defence spending. The upcoming budget will be HARD for the people, but it will not bring any bad news to the defence forces.

8— Political and ideological dissent might become impossible (it has been quite close to impossible for the last few years already) if the military continues to monopolize the use of (unlawful) violence and intimidation against the dissenters.

9—If that happens, the already small dissenting community will shrink to nothing. The dissidents and the mavericks will maintain silence for some time before disintegrating into an ocean of complaisance and sycophancy.

10—After this, No. 6 will become irreversible. People who have historically struggled hard for democracy might become permanently numb to the questions of democratic rights, civilian authority, and the supremacy of the constitution and the parliament.

11—You might think I'm overstretching it, but if this is how it happens, Pakistan might see worse days not just economically but also in a downward spiral on the global and domestic fronts.

To avoid all this, Pakistan, especially those running Pakistan, will have to see beyond their noses and far beyond their tunnel vision of a country’s power.

What we must ensure now is that we seriously introspect and decide to reform and change for the better, not based on sentimental, fanciful, triumphant impulses but on rationality and careful consideration of the cost-benefit analysis of our past choices.

I will soon post a compendium of “must-dos” for our next course of action. Your thoughts are welcome.

[Shubranshu شبھرانشو @shubranshu1234]

One doesn't expect nuanced takes on politics& security from the hypernationalist circles in Ind&Pak. But the past week has revealed something more surprising. It’s the glaring gap in how some otherwise critical scholars (non-South Asianists) approach Ind–Pak relations 1/16🧵

[Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East @CJPME]

🚨 Tell President Gertler @UofT to listen to the students and respect their demands for divestment from Israeli occupation, genocide and apartheid! Send an email now: https://t.co/5nvGC0i2TA

[pdawani @pdawani]

Canada: Pressure Israel to End Starvation in Gaza! Canada must put meaningful pressure on Israel to end its siege and allow the entry of aid into Gaza. @cjpme https://t.co/Yeo1sNhC1Y

[pdawani @pdawani]

@emnpk Yes! Bachpan mein

[pdawani @pdawani]

@veronicaschung 😂

[Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East @CJPME]

📢 Take action now! Tell @JustinTrudeau to push for a ceasefire and protect the people of Gaza from Israel's indiscriminate attacks: https://t.co/IaxQoUNEMk

[pdawani @pdawani]

@Obaid_Atique Haha .. how so ? Genuinely curious :)

[pdawani @pdawani]

@sairabhatti I love this picture and the quote by Camus 🔥

[pdawani @pdawani]

@Aunty_Disco Oh yes completely understand that!

My least favourite type of comments under Coke studio Pakistan songs are our neighbours praising but in the most offensive way. Stuff like “can’t believe this music was made in Pakistan” matlab …?!?!

Lol

[pdawani @pdawani]

@waj_huss Eid Mubarak my lovely friend!

[pdawani @pdawani]

@Obaid_Atique Eww… why why why must Bollywood do this! Ugh.

[Starrlee DeGrace @SDegrace]

.@Twitter Family I share a lot about technology here but today’s post is a little different.

I am asking for your help:

✨amplify the link below by sharing this @gofundme .
✨ donate if you have the means to do so
✨ pray for strength and healing

https://t.co/ygigyihKUp

[pdawani @pdawani]

@Aunty_Disco That’s the sweetest thing

[pdawani @pdawani]

@sabizak Another educational, deliciously scathing video! 20 mins in, but had to pause and comment here. Going back to finish it now 😁

[pdawani @pdawani]

@waj_huss I was just thinking “I want to go home!” But I am home 😭

[pdawani @pdawani]

@MonaChaudhryy Lol
The hypocrisy 😂