I moved back from the United States after working there for 20 years, knowing that my contribution to society in Pakistan would have an impact on children’s healthcare much more than in the US. I did prove myself right despite facing many hurdles. I contributed to academic medicine, and was also able to contribute to the wellbeing of Pakistani children.
My colleagues in the US were surprised at my decision and kept asking me why I was leaving the US where, like most senior Pakistani doctors, I was earning rather well. Every time someone asked me the question, I would tell them that Pakistan is a liveable place in spite of many problems, including non-implementation of laws. It is not a banana republic where there are no laws. There are laws, and a strong civil society has been trying to ensure that the laws are implemented.
However, during the recent economic and political turmoil in the country, I was rethinking whether my decision to return to Pakistan was right, and how I would face my colleagues who had always told me that I would regret the decision someday. Not that I really regret my decision, but, yes, I had my moments of reflection.
Reading the article ‘Reflections around a Resolution’ (March 23) strengthened my belief that all is not lost, and that there is hope despite the tough times Pakistan is going through. I recently visited Lahore and was amazed to see the crowd enjoying all the entertainment around Minar-i-Pakistan. I even took a wonderfully enjoybale ride in a very primitive boat in a lake. The people were happy as if they just did not care about the political chaos, and who was saying what about whom. There were no supporters of this political party or that; they were just people going about their lives, and they were doing so with corn, popcorn and ice cream.
That being so, my advice to anyone feeling low about Pakistan is to always read books and articles penned by those who are optimistic about the country and its future. It will help you keep your hope alive that despite all the unbearable turmoil, the country will survive, and survive gracefully.
It is up to us, especially the civil and military bureaucrats as well as the judges and the politicians, to stand up and be counted in these testing times.
DR MUMTAZ LAKHANI
KARACHI
