This story was shared by my schoolmate, Zahoor Iqbal Khan, who insisted that it be highlighted. It speaks to the competence and visionary leadership that Pakistan sorely lacks, whether in Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Amir Khan, a proud Pakistani youth from Swat, won a gold medal at the International Taekwondo competition in Thailand, defeating competitors from India, the Philippines, and Japan.
Nothing causes more heartburn than knowing that this young man, driven by his passion and pride as a Pakistani, had to sell his watch and cell phone—his two prized possessions—to sponsor his participation in the very fight that brought pride to his country and its people. Yet, today, he feels disappointed, disillusioned, and discriminated against when he sees the hype created for another fellow Pakistani’s gold medal, while his own achievement is overlooked. Is this professional jealousy, or is it human nature to feel neglected when one is rewarded and another ignored? Such irresponsible behavior by the state and politicians sends the wrong message at the grassroots level.
I urge the Pakistan Sports Board, the Chief Minister, and the Secretary of Sports and Culture to have some compassion and ensure that this loyal and patriotic youth does not feel ignored or neglected for his commendable feat on the international stage. The people of Swat rightly feel aggrieved when they receive negative international press for terrorism and extremism, but when it comes to highlighting the positive aspects of their society, they are ignored. This neglect has turned Swat from a heaven into a hell for its residents, where tourism has been replaced by the stigma of terrorism and extremism, with no remedial measures from those accused of fanning trouble instead of fostering peace. Long Live Pakistan
