The Saudization of Pakistan

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It would be tragic if Pakistan should surrender its rich and diverse cultures to oil-rich bedouins who consume ferociously, produce nothing, read nothing, and despise art and beauty. It is all the more astonishing that ultra-religious Pakistanis should revere those who have systematically destroyed the sacred sites of Islam, erected hotels and shopping malls in their place. Instead of imagining a cultural connection that does not actually exist, Pakistan needs to look to its actual roots. As heirs to the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa, its younger generations must be told of their magnificent heritage. This essay was first published by Newsline magazine in 2008. It was updated for inclusion in the Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Pakistan (2017).