About
March 3, 2008 by CHUP! Editor - Kalsoom
My first post aptly describes my motivations behind establishing this website, [see "The Idea Behind CHUP!"]. CHUP has two meanings in the context of this website - the word literally means Quiet in Urdu but it also coincidentally can stand for Changing Up Pakistan. The aim of this blog, therefore, is to quiet the hardline voices in the country in order to un-silence the silent majority - the Pakistani moderates, a voice that has yet to be truly defined or unified. The website, or blog, aims to probe discourse and increase awareness among young Pakistanis on issues that are socially and politically pertinent to the country. CHUP! serves to act as a platform for this voice. It provides up-to-date news briefs and analyses, op-ed pieces by contributors, and interviews.
I grew up in Islamabad, Pakistan, although I received a Bachelors degree in Foreign Affairs and Middle East Studies from the University of Virginia and a Masters in International Affairs/Conflict Resolution from the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. As a Pakistani, I often focused my graduate work and research on security issues pertaining to the country and the surrounding region. Professionally, I have tried to hone my skills in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency strategies/tactics, as well as media and propaganda monitoring and analysis. Although my interests and strengths tend to be more political and security-oriented, I am constantly trying to “broaden my horizons” so that other issues can be properly addressed and covered on this site.
You can also join our facebook group, where I post daily links to the new stories on CHUP.
[Cover photo by Stephanie O'Connor - www.stephanieoconnor.com]
word up.
i couldn’t agree more. i am a twenty-year-old female, born and raised in america but with indian, pakistani, and muslim culture to contend with. Regardless of my mutt genetics, and despite the fact I have only visited karachi twice, i identify with it more then anywhere else because of its culture, people, and infallible sense of hope. The dusty, dilapidated, beetle-juice stained roads have brought me to the doorstep of the university i now attend, in order to obtain a higher education and a more accurate world view in hopes that i will someday be able to help translate the essence of “my pakistan”to the majorities.
–huda
Excellent effort of which I see less but enough to see a glimmer of hope in the future of both the country and its people. So, keep it up because we need it. Well read, educated, liberal and professional Pakistanis are our asset, particularly those who want to turn this hugely capable country into a success rather than a failed state. But the problem is that those who are educated, liberal and forward-looking tend to express their views and thoughts on these blogs and websites that are absolutely beyond the reach or at least comprehension of our country’s majority. Until and unless this gap is not plugged, the silent revolution that people like yourself and myself are aiming for may not happen.
It is true that we obtained independence with an almost non existent infrastructure and industrial base (as most industries were based in India at the time of partition) but we have come a long way since. Pakistan is one of the world’s fastest growing economy with investment pouring in from all sides. These are positive signs of nation’s growth and future prospects. Yet the country has an image of a haven for terrorism and extremism. Until and unless this perception is not changed, which I think only a stable democracy can do, these dreams cannot materialize. Domestically also, we face a wide range of issues including corruption, illiteracy and radicalism. But good work and keep it up.
Thank you! I agree that the scope of these blogs, particularly because they are also in English, may not reach the country’s majority. However, I do think that this “silent revolution” still does have its merits - we are attempting to raise awareness, draw attention, and inspire those to take action on issues that are often ignored in Pakistan. More importantly, we are drawing the spotlight TO Pakistan - although the country is often known for being a haven for extremists and being ridden with violence, we can attempt to portray the positive sides of the country and accurately assess the issues plaguing it. If I can draw attention to NGOs that are making a difference at home, issues that are not widely covered but are still significant, and provide insight into ALL aspects of Pakistan - then I am doing something - it may not be the most ideal, but it can be instrumental in enacting further change and altering perceptions.
Kudos to you for your great work as well!