10 August 2026, 4.45 PM – Seated among the distinguished guests at the launch of Pakistan’s Iconic Brands by Arshad Awan, I found myself reflecting not only on the remarkable stories being celebrated, but also on the diverse people and communities that have helped shape Pakistan.
The event was brilliantly moderated by the accomplished journalist Nilofer Afridi Qazi. To describe Nilofer as an authority on Pakistani culinary heritage would hardly be an understatement. Her painstaking research, deep knowledge and passion for the subject make her a natural and fitting choice to moderate an event celebrating the people and brands that have become part of Pakistan’s identity.
Diversity is what brings diverse minds together—and diverse minds are what build nations. Pakistan’s story, from its earliest days, has been enriched by immigrants and communities from different backgrounds who chose to make this country their home and contributed to its economic, cultural and intellectual life.
One such remarkable example is the Bhandara family, a distinguished Zoroastrian family of Gujarati heritage. The late M.P. Bhandara was a regular contributor to Dawn, while Ardeshir Cowasjee became one of Pakistan’s most prolific and influential Sunday opinion writers, whose columns were eagerly awaited by generations of readers.
That legacy continues through Isphanyer M. Bhandara, the young and dynamic CEO of Murree Brewery, a company established during the British era and one that has endured through generations of Pakistan’s changing history.
These stories remind us that Pakistan has never been the product of a single community, culture or worldview. Its strength has always rested in the many strands that came together to create something greater than themselves.
Sadly, xenophobia—the fear or suspicion of those perceived as outsiders—has often stood in the way of Pakistan reaching its full potential. A security-driven mindset has, at times, overshadowed the openness, confidence and inclusiveness necessary for a nation to prosper.
Pakistan is a land of immense opportunity, much like America. But there is a fundamental difference in the way the two countries have approached diversity and immigration. America, despite its own contradictions and challenges, kept its doors comparatively open to people from around the world and harnessed their talent, ambition and enterprise to build its potential.
Pakistan, by contrast, has too often kept both its doors and its eyes closed—and in doing so risks becoming trapped in a whirlpool of its own making.
If we truly wish to build a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan, we must learn to embrace the diversity that has always been part of our national story.
It is high time the debt drowned Pakistan opens it doors to its neighbors whether China, Iran, India or Afghanistan to promote bilateral trade.
The motherland needs timely rescue from moochers not to be confused with those keeping long Mustache( means those not earning rather living free at other’s expense such as politicians and bureaucrats). Pakistan must now change its mindset from prove your identity to prove your worth .Long Live Pakistan. 🇵🇰