It's time to speak up

Recently, I had a chance to see Shoaib Mansoor's film 'Bol' in a Canadian Cinema Complex. The topic and presentation of this feature presentation is on par with any coveted Hollywood or Bollywood movie. Without using any offensive language the writer and director has brought forward a masterpiece.
We should be proud of this product that has been made by talented people of Pakistan. Above everything, working on such topics need a lot of courage that is what we are lacking in general in today's Pakistan.
Freedom of speech and expression is what the western world is advocating with great thrust. Our religion has given this right very clearly. Unfortunately, the scenario is quite different as suppression is seen everywhere in Pakistan. This is not exclusive to women only but men and children of all ages are somewhat affected by this. Authoritarian behaviour is visible in different hierarchies. Automatic obedience has been the expectation of parents from their children.
Old generation parents and a number of new generation parents would not prefer to listen to their children's heart felt desires and ambitions and would endeavour to impose their decisions upon the off springs.
Daughters in most cases are not given the right to have a say in their matrimonial decisions and career choices. Sons are subjected to high expectations which at times are difficult to meet with. Even slight rising of voice is deemed as a sign of disobedience and misbehaviour, hence, acquired silence by the young generation has lead to psychological complications and emotional turbulence.
In the matrimonial relationship, lot has been tolerated by spouses, both husbands and wives as expression of thoughts and emotions may at times have led to marital breakdowns and associated complications. In olden days and even in this present era, teachers are noted to have passed offensive remarks to the students. A number of studies have demonstrated that humiliation, verbal abuse and belittling remarks can cause lot of emotional problems among growing up adults. Drug and alcohol addiction is one such complication among the young generation.
Looking at the wider picture, the emotionally charged slogans at the time of independence of Pakistan related to the freedom of speech, expression and religion led to a massive influx of Muslims to the new independent country. What we see now is contrary to what was preached. In the present day when Pakistan is being considered as a 'dangerous country', those who dare to express their thoughts are kidnapped, tortured and even killed.
A number of people who had participated in TV talk shows have shared their traumatic experiences. Freedom of religion for minorities is not being tolerated and sometimes they are falsely implicated in blasphemy cases.
One can argue as to why the media has become so independent in bringing the real facts to the forefront? Are they not being threatened? Is the government tolerating their liberty? Is there a change in mind set of political parties from orthodox to liberal mode? The answer is complex.
There is a clear suspicion of a 'design' by virtue of which such expressions are being used for some political gains. The dynamics of such processes are beyond the comprehension of innocent and simple people. The recent revelations of Dr Zulfiqar Mirza had astonished the nation.
This is a glaring example of overuse of freedom of expression. He of course is not an ordinary citizen of the country but a well connected, powerful and highly influential person. As per some analysts, whatever he had said was under the political direction and protection. It did give a flavour of spicy politics that is being played and enjoyed by ruling and co-ruling elites of the country.
So much is going wrong in the country and in our civil life that silence of common masses will pave the way for further disaster. Coming back to the film 'Bol'-we get a sense that the time has come when speaking for the right is the only way to get things back in order. Individuals may get eliminated in this pursuit but masses standing in solidarity cannot be wiped out. So, the time starts now.
(The writer is a Professor of Psychiatry at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada)