The Pashtun nation must certainly have many flaws, as every country does, and we have been discussing them from time to time. No nation is entirely perfect, but this does not mean that there are no virtues or positive aspects in the Pashtun nation. Sadly, the Pakistani media and production houses have always portrayed the Pashtuns in a one-sided manner, in which only their negative aspects are highlighted. This attitude has not only distorted our identity but has also solidified an unbalanced and negative impression in the minds of the new generation.
Meray Humnasheen Episode 22: Pashtun Identity and Pakistani Dramas
Our main objection has always been to this style of portrayal. If a nation is depicted in a drama or film, justice demands that both its positive and negative aspects be presented. However, unfortunately, this balance is often missing in Pakistani dramas. This issue has been ongoing for many years. Countless dramas and films have been made, but show me a single scene in which any positive aspect of the Pashtun nation has been presented without exaggeration and extremism.
See this Short Film to see how a Pakistani director shows Pashtuns in Pakistani dramas.
Whenever a Pashtun character is depicted in the dramas, they are often stereotyped into a particular mould. Either he is a brutal, angry bully or an ignorant person, or simply a background character who does not exceed the limits of a watchman, driver, or labourer.
However, the reality on the ground is the opposite. At every critical stage of Pakistan’s history, in every field, Pashtuns have made their sacrifices, rendered services and achieved remarkable achievements. From the army to the judiciary, from education to science and technology, from literature to the field of play, it is impossible to deny the presence and services of Pashtuns.
If production houses are genuinely keen on representing the Pashtun nation, then their inner aspects should be portrayed in a genuine and balanced manner. Language is a fundamental part of a nation’s identity and culture. Pashto is not just a dialect, but a culture, a history, and a feeling. There are countless capable, educated, and talented actors in this nation. If a Pashtun character is to be portrayed in a play or film, these actors should be allowed to represent the character authentically, incorporating their accent, language, and behaviour.
By using such broken Urdu in these characters, the intention is only to prove the Pashtuns ignorant. This becomes a question mark on the intelligence and dignity of the Pashtun nation. Its purpose is only one: to prove the nation weak, uncivilised, and incompetent, so that an atmosphere of prejudice and hatred is created against them among the rest of the people.
This behaviour is not just a part of art, but a well-thought-out propaganda. When a particular nation is constantly portrayed in a negative way in the media, it also has an impact on social attitudes. This discriminatory narrative then comes to the fore in the form of prejudices, hatred, and racial discrimination in everyday life.
We must not only defend our identity and culture, but also speak out against the prejudices that are being spread against us through the media. It is time for us to collectively challenge these narratives and present our true identity to the world as a brave, educated, respectful, and talented nation.
