PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!

XPOZÉ ED’S LETTER: AUGUST 2009

From my desk…

As I pen this letter, we at Xpozé along with millions of Karachiites are going through the arduous challenge of living in a cosmopolitan city called 'Karachi'. Within a one-month period, we suffered through two electricity disasters that brought to a halt all the basic necessities for one's survival.
When my editorial team and I brainstormed for this 'Independence Day' special edition, we wanted it to be high in spirits, motivational and most of all, full of hope. And that is exactly what it is…even in tough times like these.
One of the many things I love about Pakistan is that as citizens of this nation, we certainly don't live in a bubble; we have problems, we know about them and we address them. With the help of Media and civil society, the government is certainly being brought to task, and if they don't get their act together soon, according to Pakistani Think Tanks, matters will become worse for them. Without any political support, citizens have already taken to the streets…which only confirms the fact that patience is running dry.
In keeping with the spirit of questioning ourselves, on page 12, we asked a group of Pakistan's intelligentsia about the problems that we face as a nation; the solutions they suggest; what it means to be a "Pakistani" in today's world; and the strong message they want the government to hear.
For our cover fashion shoot, we chose a bunch of eclectic and creative individuals who represent a modern and contemporary Pakistan. We showcase each of them wearing t-shirts especially designed for Xpozé by 'Sublime.T', each having an assigned letter from the word 'PAKISTAN', representing a social role that suits them to a Tee!
On page 19, I spoke to a bunch of my friends from India and asked them what's intriguing about our country; the fun stuff they have heard about us; their family ties; their experiences of their visits; and if they haven't visited, why would they want to. Their answers are humorous and enlightening and will surely make you wonder why we as Pakistanis often take so many things for granted about our own country!
Recently, I was invited on a television show and the host asked me who my National Hero was. Here I reiterate: For me every Pakistani, every one of you, living in this country is a National Hero. We live and struggle on a day-to- day basis; we suffer from a lack of survival necessities from time to time and also from extremists elements that lurk in our midst...but we are Pakistanis to the core; we have hope; we believe in ourselves and are resilient; and we never compromise whenever our country's honor is under attack.
Pakistan Zindabad!

-ANDLEEB RANA FARHAN
-Write to me at: editor@epochcreatives.com