Arshad Mahmood Awan
Pakistan is home to extraordinary talent across every discipline—literature and fine arts, music and sports, science and technology, politics and governance. Yet, despite this reservoir of brilliance, creative and competent individuals are rarely celebrated or institutionally supported. The reasons are not confined to one sector; they stretch across social attitudes, cultural traditions, historical suppressions, political distractions, administrative failures, and systemic weaknesses. Unless addressed holistically, Pakistan will continue to undervalue its best minds and brightest performers.
Follow Republic Policy Website
Social barriers are among the foremost reasons for this neglect. In many households and communities, creative pursuits are seen as distractions rather than legitimate careers. Parents prefer engineering or medicine, while dismissing arts, literature, and music as impractical. As a result, young people with creative inclinations are discouraged from pursuing their passions. This cultural undervaluation trickles into society at large, where poets, dancers, and painters are often treated with skepticism rather than respect.
Follow Republic Policy YouTube
Cultural biases also reinforce the problem. Art forms like theatre, dance, and even music have been stigmatized as un-Islamic or morally suspect in several periods of Pakistan’s history. This labeling not only marginalized practitioners but also deprived society of cultural richness. Even in modern times, independent artists face censorship, stereotyping, or even threats. Instead of offering freedom of expression, society imposes restrictive norms that curb creativity.
Historically, periods of political suppression have directly affected creative freedom. Literature, journalism, and theatre thrived during eras of dictatorship, but largely because they became safe havens for dissent. Yet, when state censorship tightened, entire avenues of creative expression shrank. Instead of celebrating dissent as a healthy feature of democracy, it was suppressed as subversion. This legacy still haunts Pakistan, where the line between political loyalty and artistic freedom remains blurred.
Follow Republic Policy Facebook
Politically, governments in Pakistan rarely prioritize arts, sports, or science as part of their agenda. Investment in cultural institutions, sports academies, and research facilities remains negligible compared to political expenditures. Leaders highlight individual achievers in moments of international success, such as a cricket victory or a Nobel Prize, but systemic support is missing. Without consistent political commitment, excellence becomes accidental rather than institutionalized.
Administratively, Pakistan lacks robust institutions to nurture talent. Cultural academies are underfunded, sports boards are riddled with corruption, and research institutions suffer from bureaucratic inefficiency. Artists struggle with piracy and lack of copyright protection. Scientists face brain drain due to insufficient funding. Sportsmen outside cricket rarely receive recognition or sponsorship. This institutional neglect creates a cycle where talent either fades or migrates abroad.
Follow Republic Policy Instagram
Systemic flaws further exacerbate the issue. Education is narrowly focused on rote learning and examination performance, leaving little room for creativity or critical thinking. Without exposure to arts, music, and innovation in schools, children grow up unaware of their potential. Similarly, universities emphasize degrees for employment rather than exploration of knowledge. The systemic undervaluation of creativity ensures that only a few exceptional individuals manage to succeed despite the odds.
Follow Republic Policy WhatsApp Channel
Another challenge is elitism and the VIP culture that dominates Pakistan. Recognition often goes to individuals with privileged access to media, political networks, or resources. Grassroots talent, no matter how innovative, struggles to break into mainstream recognition. When awards, platforms, and sponsorships are monopolized by elites, ordinary citizens lose faith in the fairness of the system. This culture of exclusivity perpetuates inequality and discourages broader participation in creative and professional spaces.
Follow Republic Policy Website
To reverse this decline, Pakistan must first mainstream creative education. Arts, literature, and innovation should be introduced in schools with the same seriousness as science and mathematics. This will allow children to explore diverse skills early in life and discover their natural inclinations. By elevating creativity in education, the state can begin to shift social attitudes that undervalue non-traditional professions.
Follow Republic Policy YouTube
Institutional reforms are equally critical. Pakistan needs strong cultural hubs, sports academies, and research centers that are properly funded and insulated from political interference. These institutions must provide training, sponsorship, and platforms for emerging talent. Just as other countries celebrate their athletes, writers, and scientists on national stages, Pakistan must adopt a culture of consistent recognition rather than ad hoc celebrations.
Administratively, transparency and professionalism must replace corruption and favoritism. Grants and scholarships should be awarded on merit, not connections. Copyright laws must be enforced to protect writers and musicians. Sponsorships should extend beyond cricket to promote football, hockey, athletics, and other sports. Similarly, public broadcasting must prioritize cultural programming to ensure diverse representation of voices.
Follow Republic Policy Facebook
Politically, Pakistan’s leaders must recognize that celebrating talent is not a luxury but a national necessity. Culture, science, and sports not only strengthen the social fabric but also contribute to economic development and international image. Policies should be long-term, bipartisan, and institutionalized. The state must move beyond token gestures to structural commitments in budgets and policies.
Finally, systemic reform must tackle elitism. Talent from villages, small towns, and marginalized communities should be given platforms to shine. National awards, scholarships, and fellowships must include diverse representation. Media must spotlight stories of grassroots achievers to inspire inclusivity. By democratizing recognition, Pakistan can finally nurture the full spectrum of its human potential.
Follow Republic Policy Instagram
In conclusion, Pakistan’s inability to celebrate its capable and creative people stems from deep-rooted social prejudices, cultural stigmas, political negligence, administrative inefficiencies, and systemic flaws. Yet, these challenges are not insurmountable. With educational reforms, institutional support, transparent governance, and inclusive recognition, Pakistan can transform into a society that not only produces excellence but also honors it. The time has come to shift from neglect to celebration, from suppression to empowerment, and from elitism to inclusivity.
