By Sana Panjwani
In the mainstream media, the predominant narrative about Pakistan is peppered with headlines about terror, misogyny, disaster and drone strikes.
In 2011, Christopher Hitchens stated in a Vanity Fair article, “If Pakistan were a person, he (and it would have to be a he) would have to be completely humorless, paranoid, insecure, eager to take offense, and suffering from self-righteousness, self-pity, and self-hatred.”
While this is an assessment that is, unfortunately, agreed upon by a large portion of the mainstream media audience, it is one that is being challenged everyday by the average Pakistani, much like some of these Pakistani Instagrammers.
The global audience may have an appetite for seeing what life is like for “the other,” these Instagram accounts do more than showcase a country through the overused “they’re just like us” narrative.
They capture the need to change the broad brush, stereotype-laden narrative of Pakistan by showcasing its intricacies that we don’t normally see, from its rich history and heritage to the culture of a people whose complex stories deserve to be told beyond sound bites and singular reports.
Instagram may still be a fairly young social media platform in Pakistan, but these stunning feeds are already showing us a side that goes beyond what we see in the news and stand as a testament to just how wrong Hitchens was:
1. Zeeshan Bakhrani – @zeeshanbakhrani
A travelling photograoher, Bakhrani uses his Instagram as a substitute for written travelogues.
Telling stories and portraying diverse cultures through just a few shots, his feed is a welcome reprieve from the constant discussions of violence and terror found on mainstream media.
Bakhrani also runs his own site, featuring his work and personal blog.
2. Asna – @myhappychaotickitchen
Filled with pretty filters, beautiful compositions, and well, mouth-watering delectable treats, Asna’s account will definitely trigger some serious food cravings.
Although the account mainly focuses on desserts, Pan-Asian cuisine make welcome appearances throughout as well.
3. Tapu Javeri – @tapujaveri
A rising Pakistani photographer, Javeri’s feed proves that a picture does indeed speak a thousand words.
Showcasing everything from wit and humour to fashion and art, this man makes use of his varied interests – as an RJ, designer and jeweller – to present candid images filled with life.
4. Karachi Chai Wala – @karachichaiwala
Take to the streets with KCW.
This chai wala (which means tea person) dismantles the “dangerous streets of Karachi” notion with every beautiful image. Approached with the right mind-set, the streets of Karachi can be enjoyed for all its intended vibrancy too.
Beautifully shot images of random buildings, kiosks and people encompass the Karachi street experience, not to mention the amazing shots of tea so gorgeous, you can almost smell it.
5. Humans of Pakistan – @humansofpakistan
“There are many different causes in the world that people may follow or work earnestly for; religious, ethnic or ideological. Our cause is our country, our Nation,” Humans of Pakistan states on their Facebook page.
A showcase of the backbone of Pakistan, this beautiful Instagram feed highlights regular, everyday people whose stories, memories and aspirations deserve to be shared with the world and showcase them for who they really are – not aggressive or violent, not unintelligent and not people who are not to be looked down on because of its country’s economy or political situation.
These stories are real and clearly demonstrate that just with a little encouragement, support and faith, people can have the strength to overcome even the most impossible-seeming situations.
6. Abid Ali – @aabbiidd
A Pakistani photographer, Abid Ali’s images have a certain character to them that keeps people coming back for more.
Showcasing the diverse architectural styles present in Pakistan, Abid’s feed is a nice change of pace from the dilapidated, crumbling architecture that the mainstream media keeps broadcasting regularly.
7. Karachi Food Guide – @khi_food_guide
Karachi Food Guide may be a relatively new account, but it’s one that’s fast gaining popularity.
Sampling food from all over Karachi for its dedicated followers, KFG is what we ought to check out instead of aimlessly browsing menu after menu in search of our next meal. Each dish-image is accompanied with a rating, its price and the venue – from creamy pastas to mouth-watering cakes, this Instagram feed is as tempting as it is beautiful.
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Elan.tv
This is great. Luv these kinds of stories.