@Tps43 @Moonlight
Ok.
A while ago, on a Dutch talkshow (Binnenhof), a British man was interviewed.
He had worked in the prison system in the United Kingdom for many years.
And one of the things he said was that in the beginning, when he started working in prisons, he saw (when looked at the South Asian prison population) Hindus (Indians), Sikhs (Indians), Muslims (Pakistanis and of course other Muslims like Bangladeshis).
So all types of religions equally represented.
But more recently he said, he saw more Muslims.
This would create a stereotype that Pakistanis are more often in prison than Indians nowadays.
So, in the past, Indians and Pakistanis would be named in one sentence, when, for example, you would look at the prison population.
But when you look at current statistics:
View attachment 524198
You cannot name Indians (at least Hindus and Sikhs) in the same sentence as Pakistanis (Muslims).
They do not share the same stereotypes (anymore).
(The prison population statistics is just an example)
In the last couple of years, Pakistanis have become more associated with Afghans when you would look at something that defines the image of a nation: terrorism.
To many people outside of Pakistan and Afghanistan, there is not much difference in, for example, where terrorists come from.
This picture says it all:
View attachment 524199
When Osama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, this was not really helpful in creating a positive image of Pakistan.
Also many Al-Qaeda members used to be ex-mujahideen, but later on a great number came from Pakistan.
And, when you look at the Afghan Taliban, if I am correct, Mullah Omar was educated in a Pakistani Madrasah.
(These are just some examples).
So, for many people outside Pakistan and Afghanistan, for example in The Netherlands, these two countries are 'the same' and therefore they will be seen as the same and will have the same stereotypes.
And many of you might say that these terrorists are actually Afghan refugees.
And I believe you.
But many people outside Pakistan (and outside this forum) are not aware of the current situation and history of Pakistan.
So, for them Pakistanis and Afghanis are 'the same' (type of people).
And when Afghans (posing as Pakistanis or not) do something bad, it will also affect the image of Pakistan and Pakistanis.
So, does this bother you?
To be, for example, seen as an Afghan refugee from Peshawar recruited as a terrorist or trying to reach Europe illegally, even though you are a Pakistani from Lahore on a vacation with the correct visa?