AS the world turns, and new, previously unimaginable, events shape our lives and perspectives, our responses to those events mould our mindset. Can we allow for positivity in our lives, given the tragedies we see unfold in front of us? Globally, lies have become the new truth. We see this in Donald Trump’s daily tweets, in Benjamin Netanyahu’s complete disregard of international law or basic humanity, and the complicity of many Western governments regarding the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

In Pakistan, for many of us, our lack of power or control over the social, economic and political milieu can be debilitating. Alongside this, being told how or what we should think comes at a profound cost. This cost is often coated with guilt, for those lucky enough to live comfortable lives, and who still use their hearts. The critical question is how can we practise gratitude — for while being thankful is a first step, the test lies in our daily words and actions.

On a personal level, the objective of having a positive mindset and practising gratitude has been a long-term quest, sometimes being fulfilled but often succumbing to failure. I understand that the people of Pakistan are a giving people — we have one of the highest charitable giving rates in the world. But I find that while we give with one hand, we often take away with the other. By this I mean that while we practise charity through donations, the way we treat other humans, sentient beings and our environment is mostly atrocious.

You may be asking for examples, reader, and I shall share with you a couple of instances. The Global Gender Gap Report and Index 2025 was recently released, and while Pakistan is always ranked in the last few spots, this time we were actually ranked last. It’s not really a surprise. Countries that do not provide data are not ranked, which means Afghanistan and Yemen were not included. If they had been, we would probably have ranked third last. Is that something to be proud of, though? The National Commission on the Status of Women held a National Dialogue a few days later apparently to discuss why this was the case. I attended the first panel discussion, and was disturbed when the panel for the most part cast doubts on the credibility of the report, citing poor data, misinformation and questioning the way the analysis was carried out. Had they studied the report and index in detail? Only one panellist, a parliamentarian, actually spoke out to share the dismal situation on the level of political participation that exists today. Kudos to her. Denying the data does not make Pakistan stronger, or a more gender-equal society. It just makes the patriarchy stronger.

Our destructive, baser qualities have been allowed to flourish, and the practice of gratitude remains unfulfilled.

It took me a few days to regain my equanimity — and while many people tell me how much things have changed for the better, I wonder how they don’t see the cultural misogyny all around us. I guess, after a while, we become used to what is considered ‘normal’ and stop questioning it.

My next example actually has a positive outcome. I recently attended a press conference and peaceful protest in Islamabad on the treatment of stray dogs in the city. Unbeknownst to many a citizen, including myself, the Capital Development Authority had launched a Stray Dog Population Control Centre in November 2022 as part of its commitment to the 2020 policy of a similar name. The policy mandated the use of the internationally recognised TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release) protocol.

However, civil society organisations, independent activists, veterinarians and volunteers have been at the forefront of mobilising public awareness and gathering evidence on the actual state of affairs at the centre, which is allegedly run by the same contractors who were given the contract for building it. Hundreds, if not thousands, of these dogs appear to have been starved, mistreated and killed, and it is heart-wrenching to see some of the pictures. Some activists likened the conditions — including tick infestation — at the centre to those that are said to have triggered Covid-19. The inhumane treatment of animals has an impact on public health and if not stopped, the universe will bring us more of what we deserve. As vicegerents of God on earth, we need to protect all that is part of this earth. Yet, our destructive, baser qualities have been allowed to flourish, and the practice of gratitude remains unfulfilled.

The good news is that a case filed on May 30, 2025, petitioned the Islamabad High Court to impose regulatory oversight over the CDA’s activities. The court, in its hearing on June 25, directed the CDA and federal authorities to produce a comprehensive regulatory framework. The centre, as per the court’s interpretation of the ICT Stray Dog Management Policy 2020, can only function under such a framework. The decision came after civil society submitted extensive documentation showing mismanagement, overcrowding and potential public health risks, including zoonotic threats linked to tick infestations. Of the 50 dogs handed over by the centre, post the hearing, to private animal shelters, apparently 40 had to be euthanised due to the severity of their condition.

How we, as a community and society, manage our animals and environment, is a reflection of our gratitude to God. Simple, small things, like leaving bowls of water outside your gate, lead to conscious shifts in positivity. For me, it was heartwarming and enlightening to see the number of people who had turned out to support this cause, and who, each in their own way, were protecting this earth that has been entrusted to our care. Long may they prosper.

The writer is an independent development professional and impact adviser with over 25 years of experience designing and managing programmes to improve people’s lives.

samialakhan21@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2025