Post-humanism is a philosophical movement that explores the boundaries between humanity and technology. It considers the possibility of creating a new kind of post-human being that is superior to humans in terms of intelligence, strength, and other capabilities. Pakistani English literature is one of the few literary genres that have embraced the theme of post-humanism. In this article, we will take a short journey through Pakistani English literature to explore some of the notable works that have dealt with this.
In Urdu literature, posthumanism has emerged as a new way of looking at the world and the human condition. Writers and poets are exploring the idea that human beings are not the center of the universe and that they need to recognize their interdependence with the environment and the other beings that inhabit it.
One of the key themes of posthumanism in Urdu literature is the idea of ecological consciousness. Writers and poets are drawing attention to the ecological crisis and the urgent need to address it. They are using their literary works to raise awareness about environmental degradation, the loss of biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on the planet. For instance, the poem “Zameen o Aasman” by Faiz Ahmed Faiz reflects the poet’s concern for the natural world and his critique of the destructive impact of human activities on the environment.Another theme that has emerged in posthumanist Urdu literature is the idea of hybridity. Writers are exploring the idea that human beings are not separate from the non-human world but are intertwined with it in various ways. This idea is reflected in the works of contemporary Urdu poets like Azra Abbas and Zeeshan Sahil, who use language and imagery that blur the boundaries between the human and non-human worlds.
Posthumanism in Urdu literature also challenges the idea of the human as a fixed and stable entity. Writers are exploring the idea that human identity is not predetermined but is constantly evolving and changing in relation to the environment and the other beings that inhabit it. This idea is reflected in the works of contemporary Paistani anglophone writers like Uzma Aslam Khan, who explores the intersection between human and non-human identities in her novel “Thinner than Skin.”
We can also detect the very same idea in celebrated novelist Mohsin Hamid’s novel “Exit West,” which explores the idea of migration through magical doors that transport people to different parts of the world. The novel suggests that the human body is no longer a fixed entity and that the lines between different cultures and identities are becoming increasingly blurred.
Prolific Pakistani novelist Nadeem Aslam who has authored half a dozen acclaimed novels explore the idea in his “The Golden Legend,” which is set in contemporary Pakistan and tries to probe themes of violence, religious extremism, and the impact of technology on human relationships.The novel suggests that the internet and other forms of technology are changing the way we interact with each other and blurring the line between the physical and the virtual.
Bilal Tanweer,author of acclaimed The Scatter Here Is Too Great delwes deep in this pursuit in his short story “Eternal Life” imagines a future in which technology has allowed people to live forever. The story suggests that the desire for immortality is ultimately futile and that the pursuit of eternal life can lead to a loss of humanity.
In conclusion, post-humanism is an idea that has been explored by several writers in Pakistani English literature. These writers have raised important questions about the ethical implications of creating a new kind of post-human being and the impact it could have on society. By exploring this theme, they have opened up new avenues for literary exploration and expanded our understanding of what it means to be a human being in the 21st century.
