“But people in Karachi are still out shopping,” was the bewildered comment a relative recently made as he went around Karachi a day or so before Eid. A recent arrival from the azure shores of the US and having being fed on a steady stream of paranoia which the mainstream media beams to the outside world, people like him seem to think that Pakistan has been reduced to a place where only bad things happen and people die as soon as they step out of their house.

Breaking news is the order of the day and where ratings matter more than true investigative journalism, a permanent window has been reserved on TV for the breaking news mayhem which keeps us glued to our TVs like magnets. It only shows us negativity and we have all become addicted to it, much like the crowd that gathers to observe the gruesomeness of a traffic accident.

So where are the art festivals, the gallery openings and news of creativity in our country? It’s not as if such events are not taking place. What about the restaurants or movie theatres that are still thriving? No question that this country is badly affected by a lot of problems but it isn’t as though life has stopped, or has it?

And no, I’m not just talking about the places that cater only to the elite. I do happen to visit areas other than Zamzama in this city and life hasn’t stopped. Not the shopping or the cultural activities or entertainment. It’s just that the media, whether local or international, never chooses to showcase this side of the nation. Positive, uplifting stories are often relegated to the back pages because such stories don’t sell.

This is why political talk shows are growing like wild mushrooms and shows related to, or about, entertainment are dwindling. As a nation, we are exposed to constant propaganda being spewed from all directions. Don’t get me wrong, the media must be free and although it acts as a good system of checks and balance, it also exposes us to a lot of carnage and news we can do without. Can we also get a healthy dose of the good things happening in the country? Can we project this to our international audiences as well so they know there are people in the country who are still living regular lives, people who are still working, still meeting friends and family, still going to the movies?

So take the advice I gave my naive relative from abroad: there are still plenty of small pleasures that Pakistan has to offer. They might not measure up to what developed countries have to offer, but they are ours and make life a bit sane. Heck it’s a better option then curling up and believing its all going to end tomorrow!