Ethnic Discrimination…

Racism is a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the
various human races determine cultural or individual achievement,
usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.

Racism’s effects are called “racial discrimination.” In the case of
institutional racism, certain racial groups may be denied rights or
benefits, or receive preferential treatment. According to the United
Nations conventions, there is no distinction between the term racial
discrimination and ethnicity discrimination.

The important point is why I was compelled to think or write about
it??? It’s because of recent killings of Urdu-speaking population.
Beheaded bodies, kidnappings & so on…terror everywhere. Some people even killed in a bus after they were identified as Urdu-speakers.
Tracking back this to the statement of a high official of Sindh in
later months of 2010…

“The situation in Karachi will worsen and a large number of
Urdu-speaking people will lose their lives if these ethnic groups
(Pakhtoon, Baloch, Punjabi and Sindhi) come forward and make an
alliance”.

Such a biased statement full of racial discrimination by a responsible person holding a high-profile post was not expected. This statement has made the Urdu-speaking population to feel unsecured, irrespective of the political interest to any political party.

The majority of Urdu-speaking people in Pakistan are those who
migrated from British India. They left their properties & all other
stuff to breath in an independent atmosphere under the Flag of
Pakistan. History shows that these patriots have sacrificed a lot in
the struggle for independence.

Currently, 7.5% of the Pakistani population – about 13.5 million
citizens – identify themselves as ‘Urdu Speakers’. Of this number,
over 8.5 million reside in Sindh and over 4 million reside in Punjab
and Islamabad. The vast majority reside in urban areas. Karachi is at
the top of the list among the cities with the largest approximate
‘Urdu Speaking’ Populations which is about 6,500,000. (Figures are
estimations based on the 1998 census of Pakistan and are rounded up to
allow for slight population growth since the time of the report).

It’s very ironic that after so many years of Independence, these
Urdu-speakers are still facing Racism. Today every nation condemns
Racial Discrimination & above all Islam it self forbids racial
segregation. Islam is the most anti-racist and anti-prejudicial way of life. Islamic history testifies to the openness Muslims have shown
towards people of different cultures and religions. Within their own
ranks, sincere and practicing Muslims have always kept their hearts
and minds open to their brethren, no matter what their background.

As a Pakistani Nation, it’s a high time for us to be united in order
to fight against the current situations Pakistan facing. We all should condemn & oppose the racial discrimination. We must show that we believe racism to be cowardly, shameful and beneath contempt. Our best weapons against racism are our common sense and our unity against racist violence and exploitation.

Our goal is social equality for all people. We will achieve this after we do away with all the
institutions that depend on racism in order to exploit us. Racism is
motivated by greed and perpetuated by power and ignorance.

The Statement & the current law n order of Karachi, that made me think & write this all is a Wake-up Call for all the Urdu Speakers to
condemn this racial targeting & to show unity amongst them. Also other ethnic groups & communities should show their kind gestures &
solidarity to the Urdu-speakers so that they don’t feel segregated &
alone.