A few years ago, I underwent a self-discipline and mindfulness course where I learned techniques to minimize negative emotions, criticism, and energy around me. According to this method, the opinions of others are merely words spoken and cannot be captured live on camera, hence lacking real existence. For example, I have heard phrases like “You are not good enough” at different stages of my life, particularly during school. Each time, it struck a negative chord and drained my energy until I realized that these were just words uttered by malicious bullies. The moment I understood that most of the criticism I faced in life was not a reflection of reality, but merely the opinions of irrelevant individuals, my life changed.
Even now, I still face criticism for my views and positions, both from outsiders and family members. However, I now perceive them as constructive criticism, allowing people to exercise their freedom of speech and expression as long as it doesn’t manifest as bullying and abuse. However, the moment I sense that someone is attacking me personally, exploiting my silence and patience, attempting to damage my reputation, or persistently hurting me with hurtful remarks and spreading rumors, despite being aware that I can hear them or will find out eventually, I give them a few warnings. If they continue such behavior, for their own good, I transform from being a nice, polite, easy-going, and down-to-earth person to embodying the wrath of Lyssa, the goddess of wrath.
The fate of such bullies under my wrath is either history or better left unmentioned here. However, let’s imagine a person or a group who, on the instigation of enemies of the state, misuse this freedom of expression and speech to malign, degrade, and attack the sovereignty of the country and its institutions. Despite being ignored multiple times and indirectly warned to cease their propaganda, should these miscreants who abuse the freedom of media and speech not be held accountable? Their actions threaten not only the sanctity and existence of the country but also the prevalence of truth and sanity.
There is a fine line between patriotism and hyper-nationalism, one that is often blurred. I love my land because I was born here, and my loved ones are buried here. My ancestors made sacrifices and endured the hardships of partition. They loved the land more than any of our current generations can comprehend. They criticized the policies of various governments openly and publicly, engaging in hours of political debates and heated arguments due to differences in opinions. They exercised their freedom of speech through writing, peaceful protests, and even faced imprisonment and oppression by different governments. However, they never resorted to violence. These were the patriots, the devoted workers of political parties, journalists, and leaders who would risk everything for the sovereignty of the country but never tarnish the land, the state, or the institutions, jeopardizing the peace and existence of the nation.
Freedom of speech and expression should not be used as an excuse for abuse.
Sovereign states and countries that value freedom as an inherent right, rather than a stroke of luck, consider potential threats to the land and its people while upholding human rights, freedom of speech, and expression for individuals, political groups, leaders, media, and social media platforms. The stakeholders and patriots understand that their “red line” is the land and its inhabitants. If this red line is crossed by any enemy, whether from across the border or within, whether an influential person, a media powerhouse, a former official, or a cult, they will face strong consequences. Because, ultimately, Pakistan is not just our identity; it is the very essence of our existence.
