Everyday Pakistan - A Story Of Misrepresentation

Imagine a group of young girls playing football and getting a picture clicked afterwards. You would imagine this to be a scenario of any western country or even India (where women are still fighting for equal rights), but what if I tell you it’s actually from Pakistan! You might not have left that country out intentionally in your mind while thinking of this scenario, but the media of both the countries and worldwide have tapped into our subconscious and have changed our perception about that country completely.

- Aniket Tiwari

India and Pakistan have always been in a state of conflict. It is like two siblings fighting constantly without any aim/ objective in their minds. The situation is such that the conflict sometimes takes a lethal turn and ends up claiming human lives. Amidst this hostile environment came a surprise gift for both the countries - #EverydayPakistan.

#EverydayPakistan is a new Instagram project that was started by Anas Saleem, a journalist and a photography enthusiast from Pakistan. He wanted to show Pakistan in a raw unadulterated manner, so that people could understand how ‘normal’ life actually is in Pakistan. Both the nations have been brainwashed by the media and particularly western films for years now. Our idea of Pakistan is very different from what it actually is. The media channels of both the countries cash on the false patriotic sentiment and reinforce the culture of hate for each other.

The idea was inspired by the #Everyday series which has become quite prominent these days and especially #Everyday Mumbai, according to Saleem. This hashtag gained popularity in Pakistan quite rapidly and hundreds of pictures were uploaded by the Pakistanis depicting Pakistan in various lights. From young girls playing football to Hindu temples, every aspect of Pakistan was captured and uploaded.