Patriotism Is Narrowly Defined to Curb Freedom of Expression: Pervez Hoodbhoy
Washington, DC: Known Pakistani scholar and activist, Pervez Hoodboy told a large audience of professionals, activists and the youth in Washington DC last Sunday that corruption in Pakistan is deep and wide but only politicians are being targeted selectively to control the forthcoming elections.
Commenting on the current state of freedom of speech, he said that patriotism is being defined very narrowly in Pakistan today. Journalists, activists, intellectuals and media organizations have become target of harsh restrictions and even violence while they are identified as anti-state elements. Journalists are being abducted, activists are tortured, newspapers’ distribution is interrupted, and electronic media threatened daily.
He was the keynote speaker at the Asma Jahangir Lecture Series organized by the Progressive Pakistan Alliance (PPA), a nonprofit group in the Washington DC area.
He said the security establishment is the biggest threat to freedom of expression in the country today. The elite who are getting rich by looting the tax payers’ money and building their assets abroad are considered patriotic. On the other hand, most journalists and writers who are worried about the deteriorating democratic process and human rights, are identified as enemies of the state.
In this pathetic environment, he said, where the establishment is busy in silencing the media, resistance movements are also building up throughout the country. The recent PTM movement and participation of the Awami Workers Party in the forthcoming election, are some such examples.
His presentation was well received by the audience demonstrated by an enthusiastic question-and-answer session. This community dialogue highlighted issues such as the rights of women and minorities, freedom of expression, forced disappearance, militancy, and the status of progressive movements in Pakistan.
PPA President Dr Ghazala Kazi, discussing the organization’s mission, said this nonprofit organization stands with the poor and exploited population of Pakistan and it intends to raise awareness of their issues through educational programs and events.
PPA Secretary, Dr Qaisar Abbas, who also moderated the program, said it is because of brave activists like Asma Jahangir and Pervez Hoodbhoy that hope is still alive and new movements are being built to challenge the forces of darkness in the country.
Among the prominent leaders who attended the event were veteran progressive scholar Syed Ahtesham, activist from Lahore Saeeda Diep, and Salma Bhatti, widow of former minister Shahbaz Bhatti who was assassinated for supporting minority issues in Pakistan.
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