Pakistani Society – The Old vs The New

The “new” is not necessarily the better. This small fact is often trampled before the juggernaut of the new. The “old” is often berated as obsolete and is considered something worthy to be jettisoned in the name of progress.

In Pakistan, before mobile phones and talk shows swept society, one’s family, friends, and neighbors would visit without advance notice.

There was informality. The sheer spontaneity of it all was a source of joy and merriment. Ubiquitous phones ultimately curbed the trend for non-transactional socializing.

“Old” has a pejorative connotation as if it is something stagnant, dated and inferior. At the same time, “new” is touted as a superior discovery, superseding the defunct.

Around 30 years ago, the best and brightest minds of the world’s top beverage corporation came up with the zany idea of dispensing with the old formula of Coca Cola and displacing it with the reformulated version of the New Coke. It was a disaster. Only 77 days later, consumer revolt forced the company to re-launch the old Coke with the nomenclature ‘Classic Coke.’ In that case, old was gold.

Forgotten in the rush to embrace the new is the fact that the old may have stood the test of time. New and old can coexist without canceling each other.

In the name of progress, downward steps sometimes are undertaken. The advent of cell phones and tweets may have unleashed an instant flux of information and connectivity. But that cannot be confused with insight and perspective. Thoughtful reflection and conversational skills may have fallen by the wayside. Social media does not equal social sense.

Undoubtedly, technology has made human connection easier. However, the capacity to connect has not always instilled bonds of community spirit and civic sense. Dissemination of hate, xenophobia, and obscurantism has multiplied online. Better communication has run parallel with isolation, ignorance, and disinformation. In refreshing contrast, a book by noted Lahore philanthropist/lawyer, Dr Parvez Hassan,

“Stories of Gratitude,” salutes those whose values left an inspirational imprint.

When Pakistan’s East Wing seceded in 1971, West Wing beneficiaries of vivisection proudly proclaimed a ‘Naya Pakistan.’ It was sickening.

The jubilation of the minuscule few was in stark contrast to the anguish of the many who were vanquished by grief.

Come 2017, charlatans can be heard chortling about ‘naya’ (new) Pakistan while being oblivious to its perils. The new may bring sham prosperity but at the cost of tranquility.

Old Pakistan, which was “purana” Pakistan, was once 1 nation under 1 flag, with comradery and pride in its common destiny. Then, provincial and tribal divisions were not being fanned and inflamed, and ethno-national prejudices were discouraged.

Unity in purpose was a carryover from transcendental values, which had motivated and mobilized the Pakistan Movement. Its peak was the September 1965 War, which witnessed a stirring display of national resolve, self-esteem and fighting spirit.

That dream plummeted in 1971. The new truncated Pakistan and its aftermath was not what the Quaid had envisioned.

The spirit of service and sacrifice had taken a hit. But it is not irretrievable. It is never too late to rejuvenate. Purana Pakistan was Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan.