THE events following the recent deadly terror attack outside the UK parliament, which killed four people and injured many others, have some lessons for Pakistanis. The way the British people have stood united against the attack and the way their media outlets have broadcast the proceedings in an unbiased way portray the worth of human life for them.

The peaceful vigils held in various parts of the UK further show their love for their country. In Pakistan, however, such scenes would paint a totally different scenario.

In Pakistan, any carnage or terror attack would be followed first by the media showing politicians playing the blame-game, then the people coming out on roads, vandalising public property if, of course, the carnage is big enough to be given any importance.

Attacks involving such a small death toll would barely make themselves to TV screens and, therefore, would fail to garner any attention.

It’s time we learnt some lessons from the West and started valuing life, irrespective of the number.

Farwa Tahir

Lahore

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2017