Aliya Anjum<\/p>\n
In times of rising poverty, Pakistani social media has taught us that the only way out of financial despair is to start a home-based food business<\/p>\n
One of the defining characteristics of this digitally connected society is the extent of choice and opportunity available. Thirty years ago before the advent of the internet, choices globally were constrained by culture, tradition, and convention. This did not change a whole lot till the advent of social media.
\nSocial media evolved rapidly because man is a social animal.
\nThe English language became the lingua franca of the globe due to British colonialism; the craze for Hollywood movies; and English being the language of science even for industrialized European countries, where English is the medium of instruction for higher education.
\nThus the English language social media connected people in ways historically unprecedented. Today, we have the opportunity to pick and choose from a vast array of lifestyle choices related to diverse domains including diet, fashion, sexual behaviour, spiritual practices, consumer habits, cultural activities, fitness regimes, employment, and education.
\nThis choice can either be empowering or it can turn into self-created shackles, as has been the case in Pakistan.
\nThe true self is achieved through the conscious creation of a lifestyle commensurate with individual goals and desires. In a Muslim society like ours, there is an additional variable of moral values derived from faith, which determine if certain choices are in line with our religious construct.
\nThe freedom, autonomy, and opportunity offered by the free exchange of information on the internet and social media can lead to the development of an authentic self, resulting in greater mental, spiritual and human well-being.
\nLifestyle choices are never made in a social vacuum. They are heavily influenced by peers, parents, community and religious leaders. Cultural expectations and social norms also play a very significant role.
\nMoreover, social media trends also affect individual decisions.
\nPakistanis often make lifestyle choices based on the \u201cfear of missing out\u201d or often attempt to portray a \u201cfun-filled life\u201d on social media.
\nPakistanis make lifestyle choices based on the desire for external validation. These trends have brought out the best and worst of us.
\nI despair of our nation when I see social media maulanas and muftis, who live to gain followers, likes and comments. Their number is increasing by the day and their sermons are politically, and religiously incorrect. Their vain pursuits are appreciated by their followers, and they feast on the attention and reverence of their fawning fans. Visiting the sick, helping someone in need, delivering lectures, everything is showcased to the world, to rise in fame and stature.
\nCaught in all the pitfalls of social media, they can lead others to the same pit. They are in no position to offer any spiritual guidance for successfully navigating social media in a world that is increasingly gripped by it.
\nIn times of rising poverty, Pakistani social media has taught us that the only way out of financial despair is to start a home-based food business. From a graduate of Canada\u2019s top business school and an experienced professional to women with unemployed husbands, the only ray of hope is selling Biryani, to a food-obsessed nation. Women are joining the workforce for economic empowerment. They watch the lifestyles of celebrities and emulate them. Single girls earn to support a consumer lifestyle. Bank accounts and credit cards are now being heavily marketed to women in particular so that a consumer economy can thrive.
\nPrime Minister Imran Khan\u2019s emphasis on tourism is another prod in this direction. An ill-disciplined nation that is being geared to become a consumer economy can only spell doom. The recent Murree disaster is an example of that.
\nThe current scenario has led to the economic opportunity being found only in those industries which promote the seven deadly sins of pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth.
\nBrain drain is a real issue in Pakistan Anyone who can immigrate or move abroad on a work visa, simply leaves. There is no hope of a better future in Pakistan, for those with aspirations greater than selling Biryani, women\u2019s handbags, lawn suits, botox injections or other vain offerings. Pakistan\u2019s fundamental issue is the absolute lack of honesty, ethics and moral values. Until and unless these are inculcated in the people, no progress can be made.
\nNo initiative, scheme or plan can be successful where dishonesty prevails, injustice triumphs and misogyny thrives.
\nNo country has ever achieved progress without honesty, ethics, hard work and determination. We are a nation neck-deep in debt. Our sovereignty is technically intact but in reality, we are at the mercy of those that fill our begging bowl. Pakistan is living off charity -from friendly nations such as China- or loans from the World Bank. We are no better than the beggars we see on the streets when we drive past them in our cars.
\nOur foodie nation, hypnotized by political programs and dramas on television, just does not know where it stands.
\nDue to unprecedented inflation, Imran Khan\u2019s Naya Pakistan has proven to be a satire of Riyasat-e-Medina. This makes Maryam Nawaz\u2019s rise to power imminent. Nawaz junior will take more loans and submerge us in debt. Quaid-e-Azam sacrificed everything to create a nation that has turned out to be a morally bankrupt beggar nation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Aliya Anjum In times of rising poverty, Pakistani social media has taught us that the only way out of financial despair is to start a home-based food business One of the defining characteristics of this digitally connected society is the extent of choice and opportunity available. Thirty years ago before the advent of the internet, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[1423,20],"class_list":{"0":"post-242429","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-editorial","7":"tag-aliya-anjum","8":"tag-pakistan"},"yoast_head":"\n