I watch with a heavy heart as a troubling malaise grips our nation – one that corrodes the very fabric of our society and fractures the possibility of collective progress. Among the most disturbing symptoms is the spectacle of otherwise worldly-wise, globally experienced Pakistani professionals with notable achievements and corporate accolades descending into toxic tribalism, locked in battles that are less dialogue and more bitter vendettas.
On platforms like WhatsApp, a supposed forum for connection and discourse, these educated voices wage relentless wars of words. However, what passes for dialogue is anything but. It’s an unproductive cacophony of factional bashing, where some active participants cling rigidly to their chosen leader and system, blind to facts, deaf to reason and dismissive of any perspective that challenges their narrow worldview.
This is a pathological obsession – a desperate, irrational defence of the indefensible. Reason, civility and decorum are casualties in this battlefield of egos. Facts and cogent arguments fall on closed minds and before long, reason sometimes gives way to personal attacks, insults and an erosion of respect. The dialogue dragged to depths of senility unheard of in any mature discourse. Who benefits from this? Certainly not Pakistan, nor its people or our global image and standing
This rigid intransigence, the unyielding pride, the blinkered loyalty, serve no constructive purpose. They do not advance national interests, nor do they foster solutions to our complex challenges. Instead, they deepen divisions, widen fault lines and push us further away from the unity and cooperation that our country desperately needs. This relentless partisanship breeds mistrust and apathy, sows discord among friends, families and communities, and paralyses meaningful progress.
When every conversation turns into an echo chamber of dogma and tribal loyalty, where is the space for compromise? Where is the middle ground? Where is the flexibility essential to a functioning democracy? It’s time to ask ourselves: are we, as a nation and as individuals, willing to rise above this? Are we prepared to reclaim the dignity of debate, to engage in honest, open and respectful dialogue? Can we harness our collective decades of experience, our expertise and our shared love for Pakistan to move beyond personal allegiances and partisan trenches?
The challenge before us is clear: we must focus on what truly matters to Pakistan. The nation and its future must transcend personalities and political loyalties. It is imperative to foster a culture of healthy and meaningful debate that critiques constructively rather than destructively. We need to acknowledge and celebrate the positive strides being made and which are clearly noticeable and being felt while providing thoughtful, pragmatic critique that strengthens our leaders and stakeholders rather than tearing them down in futile rage. Our leaders and policymakers need informed, sincere engagement from such privileged citizens who can offer perspectives grounded in reason and experience, not mindless noise or tribal attacks.
Charity begins at home. We must move beyond assigning blame to the system and instead take responsibility for what we can meaningfully contribute within our own spheres of influence. In particular, those of us who are privileged – blessed with resources, influence and opportunity – carry a greater obligation. It is incumbent upon us to set aside minor differences, rise above individual interests and focus collectively on what truly serves Pakistan, rather than personal or sectional considerations. Only through such a collective approach can we hope to steer Pakistan towards a future of stability, growth and unity.
The poison of partisan blindness must be excised. It is time for maturity, humility and a commitment to the greater good. It is time for those who care deeply about Pakistan to lead by example, break the chains of rigid loyalty, and embrace dialogue that builds rather than destroys. Our nation deserves nothing less.
The writer is a former global corporate executive (Unilever, PepsiCo, Yum! Brands), a mental health advocate and a founding board member of Taskeen, a pioneering organisation focused on emotional well-being in Pakistan.
