Pakistan came into being on August 14, 1947. We mark the day by not only celebrating our independence but also remember the struggle that led to getting our own homeland. This fight was not only for the sake of religious freedom but also to ensure our next generation has a prosperous life. After the War of Independence, the British tried to keep Muslims under their control by taking over every aspect of their life. The right to get an education, be employed and have religious freedom were all rigidly watched over, all to keep their freedom restrained. So, the Muslims of the Subcontinent had to undergo a hectic struggle for the sake of getting a prosperous life.
Those who travelled to the new country witnessed bodies lying on the streets. Corpses were scattered around like leaves falling from a tree, and blood oozed from them like the River Ravi. These people were scared about beginning their life again. Should we leave our houses and birthplace to travel to an alien land? But they did it for the sake of their next generations. Millions of children who took the risk and travelled barefoot on their way to Pakistan, just for the sake of a prosperous life.
Pakistan, 76 years of independence
The celebration of the creation of Pakistan is a joyous occasion. On this day, people fly the national flag on the roof of their vehicles, streets, markets and even their houses. Children also paint the Pakistani flag on their faces. National songs play loudly in streets, shops and cars. The national spirit comes alive in heart and mind. The one thought that plays over and over in the mind on that day is: “Pakistan Zindabad”.
Unity is visible in the congested streets where people from different cultures and traditions live together. On August 14, they are confirming that we are not Pashtun, Punjabi, Baloch, Sindhi, we are only called Pakistani.
The enemies of Pakistan have tried to break this unity but we have always remained united. Just like during the earthquake of 2005, the massive floods in 2010 or the war against terrorism.
The landscape of Pakistan represents our beauty. In the southwest lies Balochistan, the land of barren mountains and rich mineral resources. Moving toward northeast is the land of heaven, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, an emerald green gem.
Political differences divided us. Many problems emerged, like suppression of freedom of speech through Article 124 (which emerged during the colonial era for the British to arrest opponents), inflation and poor economy has created uncertainty in the country.
But regardless of all these issues, Pakistan remains a united nation to this day. We always remain prepared for the worst to keep our garden safe from harmful parasites. It is our duty to keep it clean and green. The dream of our leader was to create a nation like Pakistan where every generation will be celebrating the birthday of Pakistan with incredible enthusiasm because they remember the struggle it took to reach to this place.
The writer studies at NUML
