Prison of the mind

Despite the passage of time, the shadow of colonialism continues to loom over us, deeply ingrained in both our minds and surroundings. Although we often pride ourselves on being modernists and enlightened, our actions and reactions betray a lingering colonial mentality, which resurfaces time and again. A recent incident, currently making waves on social media, is a telling example. A foreign cricketer and commentator, during a match, held his own umbrella while two Pakistani commentators were attended to by staff, each holding an umbrella over them. Whether in our bureaucratic and political systems or in the rigidities of our social structures, the colonial mindset continues to haunt us. What sets us apart from other nations that have also endured foreign domination is their ability to transcend the scars of their past. In many Western countries, even those with a history of subjugation, one sees a populace that values civility and equality. By contrast, in Pakistan, even the most educated among us often fall short in adhering to basic ethical standards, revealing the persistence of a colonial attitude that prizes status over substance. It is imperative that we work to instill the right values and principles within our society.

Muhammad Asif

Islamabad