Introduction to Pakistani Literature
Diaspora Literature
Diaspora occupies a pivotal position in the realm of post colonialism. In twenty first century the
deracination of people has increased as a result of global events like the two major global wars (1918,
1939), the disintegration of the Soviet Union (1991), Afghan War (2001) and subsequent Jihadization in
Afghanistan and Pakistan. All this has increased dispersal of people leading to a massive growth of
Diasporas in the world. It is rightly remarked “some people left their homes willingly, whereas others
were driven by fear and loss”.
Initially, this word ‘diaspora’ was used to highlight the strategic expulsion of the Jewish people, but a
long history of imperialism and de-colonialism have produced varieties of diasporas. The most prominent
type of diaspora is also called the postcolonial diaspora. Postcolonial diaspora deals with the recurrent
themes of place and displacement. Identity of the displaced people is also a major concern in postcolonial
diaspora literature. It has been observed that an individual identifies him/herself with the land of origin.
The relationship between land and self-identification has been established. The ‘homeland’ is not just a
piece of land where an individual resides but it includes heritage, social norms and language (Singh,
2012). If an individual moves away from his/her native land, the self or identity is shaped by migration or
cultural isolation. The displaced individuals experience cultural shock upon exposure to the new cultural
and customs.
The central theme of diaspora literature is identity. In diaspora literature the characters are shown to be
struggling with the issues of self and belonging. The complex identities of diaspora communities are
influenced by a variety of elements including ethnicity, nationality, language and religion. Characters in
diaspora literature are mostly engaged in a struggle to balance the opposing facets of their identities. They
navigate the opposing currents of cultural preservation and cultural assimilation.
Pakistani Diaspora Literature
Pakistani literature is a pool of literary works created by authors belonging to Pakistan.
Pakistani literature is observed to have touched a number of literary genres. These genres
include works of fiction, drama, poetry and prose. Pakistani literature falls under the
umbrella of Commonwealth literature, but it also holds a distinguished position in global
literature. Most applauded Pakistani literature takes the form of diaspora literature. It
consists of the works of Pakistani-born British and American authors. In diaspora
literature, the authors explore the critical issues of exile, migration, cultural and social
displacement while keeping their personal views and experiences as reference points.
Themes of Pakistani Literature
Belonging is a major issue faced by the characters.
They look for a sense of belonging and home in strange places,
Sentiments of alienation and dislocation.
Marginalization, discrimination and social exclusion in their host countries.
Characters struggle with feeling alienated from their ancestral culture and feeling like aliens in
their new homes at the same time.
Exile and displacement
Violence, financial hardships and a sense of loss.
The emotional and psychological effects of exile are explored as the characters wrestle against
trauma, nostalgia and a sense of being lost.
The ability of diaspora community to persevere, adjust and prosper in the face of hardships is
highlighted in diaspora literature.
the themes of home and homeland frequently appear
The desire for belonging and rootedness.
One of the most important and critical themes explored by post-colonial literature in general and
diaspora literature in particular is radicalization.
Post 9/11 literature has evidently highlighted the dilemma of diaspora communities as they
struggle to form an identity and fight the overwhelming sentiments of exclusion.
Diaspora writers like Kamila Shamsie, Mohsin Hamid and Nadeem Aslam show radicalization to
be adopted by characters in response to racial, social and political discrimination and systematic
injustices in host communities.
Diaspora literature provides an engaging bulk of literary work examining the complex links
between power, politics, identity, migration and violence. Diaspora writers have used their skills
to shed light on the various factors responsible for radicalization.
Alienation in individuals
Migration.
Cultural clash
Cultural assimilation.
Identity Crisis
Feminism
Xenophobia
Homelessness
Westoxification
Poverty
