Pathan And Proud – An Account By Our Follower

One of our followers, Rabia Samad, is a Pathan. Her article below outlines her daily struggles and how the society and media contribute to the negative stereotype of Pathans. Scroll down to read more:

For more than 4 decades, Pathans have been the target of racist narratives and stereotypes. We make up approximately 25% of Pakistan’s population and have paid the most economically, emotionally and socially in the war against terrorism, but yet we are labelled as ‘violent’, ‘aggressive’ and even ‘jahil.’ In fact, according to a study, Pashtun areas in Pakistan have shown the least support to extremist groups in Pakistan. Not only this but many of us are also referred to as “gay” or dim-witted. For the longest time, Pathans have struggled with finding their place in society because of the restrictions placed on them due to the detrimental effects of negative stereotyping. If you’re a Pathan, you’re either a farmer or an extremist. 

But, despite the troubles and social inequality faced by our people, we’ve demonstrated bravery and perseverance,  with many of us excelling in academics, arts and sports. 

However like any other group of people, we too are struggling with notions of sexism and toxic masculinity, as well as trying to find a balance between progressive thinking and the ideas of our ancestors. We too struggle with honour killings and other patriarchal issues that are found all over the world, but especially in our country. 

My own struggles with being Pathan included feeling hesitant to tell people what my background because of how they might react. This led to me lose touch with my roots and ignore the struggles my race faces, such as the lack of representation I see whenever I turn on the television; there’s hardly a Pathan TV anchor, actor, poet, writer, scholar, scientist being given the platform to raise awareness for the betterment of living standards and education of our people.  

We aren’t incapable of succeeding as proven by Pathans like P.M Imran Khan, Abdul Qadeer Khan, Ayub Khan, Shahid Afridi, Malala Yusufzai, Maria Toorpakai Wazir and the list goes on. What I’m trying to get across is – please do not deprive someone the right to respect and dream for a better future for themselves on account of the place they were born in. Instead, help those who are in need of your help and your recognition. 

Media has long supported the troublesome narrative of our colonisers and branded us as ‘barbarians’ but it’s time to put an end to this and work towards a more inclusive approach so that Pathans can be brought back into positions in Media, Arts, Academics, Government.  We need to get the representation we deserve and have long fought for.