Tariq Mahmood Awan
Conscience! You might have listened it. Haven’t you? You might have felt an obstructor in you, declining your many decisions—a resistant, unsusceptible, and immune reflection. Then, it reflects disposition, mostly guiding the virtuous part of our beings. However, we hardly listen to it in Pakistan. Then, why, most of the time, does it sleep? It overpowers our lusts, passions, interests and much more. Accordingly, the fight between the material and conscientious parts continues transaction by transaction in our daily life.
Can we live with conscience in Pakistan? This complex and challenging question requires a multidisciplinary approach to answer. The human conscience is not a simple or unitary phenomenon but rather a dynamic and multifaceted one that involves various aspects of human nature, such as instincts, emotions, cognition, morality, spirituality, and culture. From a biological perspective, the human conscience can be seen as an instinctive mechanism that helps humans survive and adapt to their environment by guiding their behaviour and decision-making. Some researchers have proposed that the human conscience is related to the evolution of sociality and cooperation in humans, as well as the development of empathy and theory of mind. Genetic factors, hormonal levels, brain structures, and neural activity may also influence the human conscience.
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From a psychological perspective, the human conscience can be seen as an intrinsic part of the human personality that reflects one’s self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-evaluation. Some psychologists have proposed that the human conscience is related to the formation of one’s identity, values, goals, and moral judgments. Cognitive processes, such as attention, memory, reasoning, and imagination, influence the human conscience.
From a philosophical perspective, the human conscience can be seen as a soulful or spiritual dimension of the human being that transcends the material world and connects one to a higher reality or purpose. Some philosophers have proposed that the human conscience is related to the existence of free will, moral responsibility, and human dignity. Metaphysical concepts, such as truth, goodness, beauty, and justice, influence the human conscience.
From a cultural perspective, the human conscience can be seen as a social construct that varies across time and space according to the norms and values of different groups and societies. Some sociologists have proposed that the human conscience is related to the influence of culture, religion, law, and education on one’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours. Environmental factors, such as historical events, political systems, and economic conditions, may also influence the human conscience.
Accordingly, no single or definitive way exists to evaluate the human conscience. Rather, it is a rich and diverse topic that invites further exploration and debate from multiple perspectives. However, there is a consensus that humans possess a conscience, which primarily functions according to the moral scheme of things.
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Man is a social animal and, thus, a product of society. Therefore, societies formulate the behavioural responses of our instinctive and emotional makeup. Living with a cognizant conscience in Pakistan is challenging, as it involves facing many social, cultural, administrative, and economic challenges. The foremost challenge to living with a vigilant conscience is the social challenge. Living with a conscience in Pakistan may mean going against the norms and expectations of one’s family, community, and society. For example, one may face resistance or rejection for choosing a different career path, expressing a different opinion, or adopting a different lifestyle than what is considered acceptable or traditional. One may also face discrimination or violence for belonging to a minority group, such as a religious sect, an ethnic group, or a sexual orientation. Additionally, one may have to deal with the problems of corruption, nepotism, and favouritism that pervade the social fabric of Pakistan.
There are also cultural challenges. Living with a watchful conscience in Pakistan may mean challenging the dominant narratives and ideologies that shape the collective identity and values of the nation. For example, one may question the role of religion, nationalism, and militarism in the political and social affairs of Pakistan. One may also critique the historical and contemporary injustices and human rights violations that have been committed in the name of national interest or shield. Furthermore, one may seek to promote a culture of tolerance, diversity, and dialogue among the different segments of society. Another prominent obstruction is the administrative challenges. Living with a functional conscience in Pakistan may mean confronting the inefficiencies and inadequacies of the governmental institutions and policies that govern the country. For example, one may demand better governance, accountability, and transparency from the authorities. One may also advocate for reforms in the areas of governance, education, health care, justice, and environment. Moreover, one may resist the undue influence and interference of external powers or actors in the internal affairs of administration, politics and civic life.
Then, economic challenges are the worst nightmare for a functional conscience in Pakistan. Living with an exuberant conscience in Pakistan may mean coping with the hardships and uncertainties of the economic situation in the country. For example, one may struggle to find decent employment opportunities, secure income sources, or affordable living standards. One may also face the risks of inflation, debt, or poverty that affect the majority of the population. Additionally, one may aspire to contribute to the economic development and prosperity of the country by supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, or social welfare. Accordingly, economic challenges breed more compromises and concessions. Thus, these compromises obstruct the design of a conscience.
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Can we live with a conscience in Pakistan? Still, the answer is yes, because you do not have other choices. However, it requires courage, resilience, and determination. It also requires solidarity and support from like-minded individuals and groups who share the same vision and values. Living with a live conscience in Pakistan is a personal choice and a collective responsibility. It is a way of making a positive difference in oneself and society. Then, humans do not have options to live without a conscience. Conscience prickles the soul if foul compromises for interests or fears are made. Accordingly, let the conscience must remain alive!
