You live in a country that is home
to countless treasures.

For example, historic sites:

And by treasures, we mean a real range. E.g., The Katas Raj Temples in Choa Saidanshah, Punjab. Apart from being featured in epic reads like the Mahabharata, the real pull of the site is a pond said to be formed by a single teardrop from Hindu deity Shiva’s eye. Shiva is both a cool and scary figure, and you should read up on him, and the temples built around his teardrop, which are located in your very own country! (Pakistan, in case it wasn’t clear).

Or, larger-than-life artists:

Pakistani art is a complete league of its own, and we just can’t pick one, but for simplicity’s sake, Sadequain, Naiza Khan, Ruby Chishti, the magnificent watercolorist Athar Jamal, Aisha Khalid, and just so many more. If you’re ever bummed, look through the art history of your city, and how artists have contributed to various movements over the decades despite any and all odds.

Actual national treasures:

Pakistan may sometimes fail its talent, but Pakistanis often find ways to revere anyone who is trying their best to make it. The common Pakistani may not have the clout or cash to actually elevate someone’s status, but we will make sure they somewhat get some ways to their destination. It’s not a lot, but it is something. At the same time, Pakistanis have the highest grit, and sure, sometimes it’s too much to ask for, but there are times it ends in good things. Real-life example: Waseem Hasan Sheikh, of the very creative/insane ads such as for Kit Kat Talcum Powder, Johny and Jugnu, Butt Murgh Chanay and Bong Paye, etc. made ads for digital that he thought were great; was loved, liked, clicked on, and ultimately made his way to the TV spot for an international potato chip campaign.

You share space with the richest music industry in the region:

We know India has Bollywood, and some of you wish that Shah Rukh Khan was still living in Peshawar or something, but we have better things (in Peshawar, too!). Pakistan’s non-film music industry is absolutely booming, and has been since the ‘90s. We had our ghazal singers, and we had the playback singers, and they were amazing, but the diversity of genres and artists you will find at home is unparalleled. At least in a 1000ish-mile radius.

When you can’t blame it on your mother, you can blame it on the motherland!

Like chai too much? Mango mania? Afternoon naps? A weird attachment to Cricket? Generational trauma? Haven’t seen it but know exactly who Fiza-Shiza are? Lol and say it’s #JustPakistaniThings. Also, any excuse to use the accompanying picture.