COMMENTARY ON SOCIAL DISCOURSE

Sarmad Aftab Lashari

Daastan Publishing

First Published in Pakistan by Daastan PVT LTD (2024)

House # A-41, Madni Street, Lala Rukh, Wah Cantt, Punjab 47040

www.daastan.com
www.meraqissa.com

Text copyrights © Sarmad Lashari

Book Design copyright © Saamri

Edited by: Syed Ommer Amer

The moral rights of the writer, illustrator and editor have been asserted.

All rights reserved

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or distributed in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN 978-969-696-978-5

Dedication:

In 7th grade, a teacher once asked me to write an essay on the aim of my life. I vividly remember writing about my dream of becoming a writer who creates impact with the power of words. At the time, I had no idea how challenging this passion would be or how it would often make me feel out of place in the world.

My father has always been a source of unwavering support and understanding throughout my student life and even now. Because of him, I have had the privilege to pursue my passions and whims—my wishful obsessions—that have, at times, seemed absurd and even useless.

He is my backbone, my fortress, and my sky. His presence shields me from the harshness of life, like the shade of a mighty, towering tree. My father’s unshakable belief in me—that I will achieve something meaningful in life—has been my anchor. While I may not have accomplished anything significant yet, this yearning to dream big and strive for more comes with its own set of challenges.

For people like me, maintaining balance each day to fit into the world can be difficult. My father has made it easier for me to embrace my individuality, allowing me the freedom to explore myself without the weight of immediate responsibilities. This is a rare and invaluable privilege.

The only way I know to impress my father is to emulate my grandfather, Professor Din Muhammad Lashari—a remarkable teacher who left an indelible impact on our community. For over half a century, he inspired and shaped the lives of countless students. My father hopes to see me follow in his footsteps, carrying forward that legacy.

With my father’s resilience and unwavering support, I have come a long way. The confidence I have today stems directly from him.

This book is dedicated to all the thinkers and social scientists who seek to communicate ideas, who dare to be unapologetically themselves, and who strive to change the world around us.

About the Author:

Sarmad Aftab Lashari is a social scientist with a specialized focus on political discourses within contemporary Pakistani society. He holds a BS in Social Sciences, majoring in International Relations, from SZABIST Karachi. His master's thesis explored the "Sri Lankan Model of Counter-Terrorism in 2008 and its Lessons for Pakistan."

Lashari pursued an MPhil in Pakistan Studies at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, where his thesis examined "The Use of Mother Tongue in Teaching Scientific Concepts in Secondary Schooling: A Case Study of Khairpur Mirs."

He has served as a Teaching Assistant at Shah Abdul Latif University of Khairpur Mirs for two years, where he taught the Foreign Policy of Pakistan. Since 2020, he has been a lecturer at Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University Sukkur in the Department of Linguistics and Social Sciences. There, he teaches a range of subjects, including Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Gender Studies, Logic, Critical Thinking, and Pakistan Studies.

In addition to his academic work, Lashari has authored five theatrical political plays, with a particular focus on current political affairs in Pakistan. He has also published five research articles in Y-category journals. Currently, he is a PhD scholar in Pakistan Studies at Islamia University of Bahawalpur.

Lashari is passionate about understanding social discourses and writes as a means of intellectual expression and contribution.

Preface:

If there is one sentence that encapsulates the essence of this book, it is this:

Dive into the profound world of ideas, where thought meets action and reflection shapes progress.

This book delves into the Pakistani education system, its climate concerns, psychology, and other subjects that have captivated the author, Sarmad Aftab Lashari, throughout his adult life.

I first met a younger Sarmad in August 2012 at the launch of the Sindh Abhyas Academy, an innovative academic initiative designed to open a modern chapter in Sindh Studies. At the time, Sarmad was a final-year social science student. The university that recruited me to establish this institute envisioned it as a hub for research and learning about Sindh, a land rich in indigenous knowledge and heritage. Yet, they never fully grasped my mission for the academy. Sarmad, however, understood it immediately. From the outset, he and other students demonstrated a readiness for intellectual adventure, with Sarmad leading the way.

At our first seminar, held in a packed auditorium, Sarmad asked a bold question: "Why do we need Sindh Studies?" His curiosity and directness left a lasting impression on me, and twelve years later, his persistent inquiry into the whys and wherefores of academic development continues to inspire me. Sarmad has significantly influenced my thinking about the state of education in Pakistan.

When I returned to teach in this country after a long hiatus abroad, I was unprepared for the stark realities of Pakistan’s educational system—realities that Sarmad had already identified and articulated in his work. As he observes in this book:

Education is often referred to as the backbone of society, yet in Pakistan, this backbone seems fractured, unable to support the intellectual and social needs of its people. While the system has produced graduates in abundance, it has failed to nurture thinkers, questioners, and contributors to meaningful societal discourse. The critical questions that could shape our understanding of ourselves and our world remain unasked, leaving an intellectual void that hinders progress.

Sarmad’s debut book reflects his commitment to sharing his core values. What stands out is his grasp of best practices in the classroom and his passion for teaching students the art of independent intellectual exploration. He writes:

As an educator and student of social sciences, I have observed firsthand how our educational institutions discourage dialogue and curiosity. Instead, they focus on memorization and compliance.

I have deep admiration for Sarmad, not only as a former student but as a cherished colleague. Having witnessed firsthand his journey into intellectual maturity amidst academic and personal challenges, I feel a sense of fulfillment in my own mission as an educator. His journey highlights the deadening effect of institutions in Pakistan that prioritize income generation and blind ritual over the pursuit of human and intellectual development.

Sarmad’s story is deeply rooted in Khairpur, a city in Sindh with a history tied to the ancient Indus Valley civilization. Despite the city’s rich heritage, its primary and secondary education system, like much of Sindh’s, struggles to meet basic standards. When I read his reflections, I wondered if the seeds of his ideas were planted in his early frustration with unresponsive teachers—an experience shared by millions of Pakistani students. He writes:

In any vibrant education system, questions are the seeds of discovery and innovation. Yet, the Pakistani education system often punishes students for questioning authority, challenging dogma, or expressing dissent. This culture of silence has deprived students of the tools needed to engage meaningfully with their communities and the wider world.

As a young adult, Sarmad has bravely championed the cause of removing societal stigmas, including those associated with mental illness. His candid reflections offer much-needed solace to countless individuals navigating grief and loneliness. He writes:

In a society that often values productivity over emotion, grief can feel like a disruption. People may expect us to “move on” quickly or to “get back to normal,” not understanding that grief is a long, nonlinear process. The pressure to conform to societal expectations can make grief feel even more isolating.

Sarmad’s ability to analyze and address collective issues is equally evident in his writing on climate change. Reflecting on how the recent floods affected his home in Khairpur, he transforms his personal experience into a call for action:

The urgency of the climate crisis requires more than just awareness—it demands action. But action begins with discourse. Writing about climate can spark these conversations, bringing people from all walks of life into the fold of climate action.

This book is an exciting and relevant contribution to the discourse for Sarmad’s generation—graduates of the past decade immersed in the digital age. He offers a thoughtful critique of social media, writing:

For social media to become a force for good, we need to change how we engage with it. The focus should shift from passive consumption of content to active participation in conversations that promote growth, empathy, and understanding.

I wholeheartedly endorse Sarmad’s vision of educators as facilitators of critical engagement rather than mere disseminators of information. This book, with additional personal and experiential material, has the potential to become a handbook for educators, particularly those in rural Sindh. Translating it into Pakistan’s native languages could further its reach, empowering teachers and students alike to envision and build a modern, empowered homeland.

Ghazala Rahman Rafiq
Ph.D.
December 11th, 2024
Karachi

Contents

Section I: The Discourse on Society and Education. 1

Rethinking Education in Pakistan. 3

The Hidden Health Crisis. 7

Millennials' Social Media and Its Repercussions. 14

Reimagining Literature Festivals. 18

Section II: The Discourse on Thought and Reflection. 20

Lessons From Critical Thinking. 22

Redefining the Role of Academics. 27

The Power of Clear Thought 33

Science and Decision-Making. 36

Thinking Ahead: A Proactive Approach. 41

Section III: The Discourse on Relationships and Emotions. 43

Understanding Closed Doors in Relationships. 45

Respecting Those You Cannot Love. 50

Anger: The Silent Social Killer. 54

Creativity and Frustration. 58

Reality of Imaginary Friends. 62

Section IV: The Discourse on Creativity and Technology. 64

Tamasha: A Reflection on Life and Stories. 66

Tweets That Shape Discourse. 69

The AI Revolution at Work. 73

Music as Emotional Therapy. 78

The Art of Teaching Poetry. 82

Section V: The Discourse on Spirituality & Existentialism.. 86

The Gift and Weight of Grief 88

Investing With Allah: A Spiritual Perspective. 93

Breaking Free From Obsessions. 98

Balancing Faith, Wealth, and Spirituality. 103

Section I: The Discourse on Society and Education

Step into a world where education, social media, health, and culture collide. This section brings together thought-provoking perspectives on some of the most pressing issues we face today. Discover a fresh take on the Pakistani education system, delve into the hidden health challenges that affect us all, and explore how writing about climate change can ignite a much-needed conversation. From the complexities of millennial life in a digital world to the reimagining of literature festivals as spaces for true dialogue, these essays invite you to think critically, engage deeply, and question the world around you.

Here is the list of chapters covered in this section.

• Rethinking Education in Pakistan
• The Hidden Health Crisis
• Why Writing about Climate Matters?
• Millennial’s Social Media and its Repercussions
• Reimagining Literature Festivals