The Humanity Beyond Borders: Indians and Pakistanis Together Outside the Indian Subcontinent
When it comes to the relationship between Indians and Pakistanis, traditional narratives often paint a picture of hostility or at best, a lack of deep camaraderie. Growing up in India, I was told that Pakistanis were not exactly the 'closest' of friends. Likewise, perceptions in Pakistan might reflect a similar sentiment towards Indians. However, upon venturing outside the Indian subcontinent, specifically to the UK and the Middle East, my experiences have revealed a very different narrative.
Workplace and Social Interactions
During my time in the UK and the Middle East, I witnessed firsthand how Indians and Pakistanis could easily connect and form strong relationships. Whether it was in the office, meeting someone at a restaurant, or even in a taxi, these interactions were extremely welcoming. Similarities in appearance, language, interests, and even daily struggles made these relationships feel natural and genuine. In many ways, it was as easy to connect with a Pakistani colleague as it was with someone from the UK or any other part of the world.
Cultural and Political Disconnects
During my time studying in the UK, I had a Pakistani colleague in the University of Sheffield named Hamza. We had no political barriers in our friendship. We hung out, chillied, and even attended parties together. The political tensions between our countries were never an issue in our relationship, and we never skirted any topics or pretended to have a like for the other just to appease each other. We got along well, just like how I got along with friends from the UK and other parts of the world.
Met with other Pakistanis during my studies, and their interactions with me were no different from meeting someone from Turkey, South Korea, America, or elsewhere. The only significant difference was that I might reference a Bollywood movie more often, but this was a minor detail. Even when India and Pakistan played against each other in cricket or hockey, we supported opposing teams, but the outcomes mattered little to us. In essence, it was just one human being meeting another, regardless of our respective nationalities.
The Broader Human Connection
Despite the political divide and occasional disputes, there is a deeper human connection that binds Indians and Pakistanis. Many Pakistanis share the same life style, language, and cultural backgrounds as Indians. It's a shared sense of heritage and history that can't be easily broken. As a result, Pakistanis and Indians often behave like brothers in certain instances. They share a mutual understanding and respect for their common South Asian identity.
However, it is unfortunate that the relationship between these two nations has been marred by political disappointment and disagreements. Yet, regardless of our origins, we can find common ground in our shared human experiences. Overseas, the bond remains intact. We are still family and we will forever be together, even if we share different nationalities.
Overall, the relationships between Indians and Pakistanis outside of the Indian subcontinent highlight the importance of recognizing and embracing similarities and commonalities that transcend national boundaries. It's a powerful testament to the enduring nature of human connection and the potential for bridging political divides through personal interactions and understanding.