Eradicate all fanatic and extremist factions, remove the prevalent Maulvi culture, cut the armed forces by half, provide progressive education to the youth, and probably introduce public-execution as means of stricter law enforcement in this lawless land.
Tehman, I have reservations about your idea of public executions, but I do hope that the rest of your wishes do come true. This has been an enlightening interview. You are young. What are your future plans?
Lord knows what I aspire to do later in life, but I could tell you where I plan to be in about another five year's time: getting another specialised degree from a foreign university after having worked for about 3-4 years and then settling in the west.
You want to emigrate to West! Why? Why not stay in Pakistan?
Mayank, I'll love to stay in Pakistan if there was even a slightest inclination towards some sort of positive change in our society and politics. However, considering the past and the current situation, God only knows how long it will take for the world to stop seeing this country as a 'failed state' and as the 'most corrupt nation.'
So being a practical person, I wish to settle in the west for my family's betterment and for my own sake, too. There are not many opportunities here. Frankly speaking, it has always been my sincere wish to reside in some part of Europe at some point in my life.
Good for you, Tehman. Do not forget to invite me for Café au lait once you are living in your Paris apartment. Meanwhile thanks for this interview.
You're welcome, Mayank. Thanks for talking to me.
*Pictures of the Lahore Cathedral were taken by the interviewer.
Article comments
1 - diana hartman
I am pleased to tell you this article is being featured in the Culture Focus today, November 2nd.
Diana Hartman
Culture Editor
2 - Roger Choate
Yet another insightful article! There's so much we don't really know about Pakistan, so I hope you'll keep at it, Mayank
3 - Mayank Austen Soofi
I have been e-mailed by Mr. Tehman Lall. He has (rightly) observed that I have not included all the questions asked to him for this interview. He feels that there is more to Pakistan than suggested by this published piece.
4 - Stephen
It is a very insightful interview and gives a depth to Pakistan that I had not thought existed. Thanks both to Soofi and Lall.
5 - Roger Choate
Would it be an idea, Mayank, to do a sidebar to your article incorporating some of the additional thoughts that Mr Lall may have?
6 - Mayank Austen Soofi
Roger,
It is a very good idea. Thanks. I'll work on your suggestion. But I miss your take on Sweden. Okay, elections are over but surely there is much more to that northern nation than mere national elections.
7 - Roger Choate
Good, Mayank, I'll look forward to that article.
I do agree that there's more to Sweden than the occasional national election. I'll try to correct my wayward ways and crank something out.
From your own point of view as an Indian, what do you think you would want to know or learn about Sweden?
8 - Verona Pinto
I am from Mangalore, India. I found the article very informative, interesting and objective. According to me, Mr.Lall is quite frank in the interview, regarding the position of minorities in Pakistan.
That's a really nice picture of Mr.Lall and his family.