Thank you, Pakistan: 70 years later, the good in this great country still trumps the bad

“You are a nation whose history is replete with people of wonderful grit and character. Live up to your traditions.”

On Pakistan’s 70^th Independence Day, I would like for us to take a moment to remember all those who have lost their lives in fighting for our motherland. We owe our freedom, gratitude and respect to them. Had it not been for their ultimate sacrifice, we may not have had a country to call home.

To all those who currently serve in our armed forces, the police force, the Rangers, the Frontier Constabulary, the Levies force, the intelligence agencies and more – we are thankful to you for your services and grateful to you for your continued commitment towards our country. It is these individuals who protect us and keep us safe. The courage of their families and loved ones also needs to be appreciated for they don’t know if they will ever see them again.

Our teachers, our doctors, our nurses, our judges and even those working in the public sector deserve every bit of our appreciation. They play an important role in providing essential services on a daily basis which are fundamental for our well-being.

To the businessmen who invest in various ventures, we thank you for having faith in our economy and contributing to our exchequer. From manual labourers to the cleaners on the streets, to those in the micro-enterprise sector to the professionals working in the corporate sector, they contribute to make Pakistan prosperous in their own unique ways and we thank them for their limitless contributions.

All the expatriate Pakistanis living abroad, you love and cherish Pakistan more than we do. Your love, support, commitment and passion for Pakistan means the world to us.

To our political leadership, we thank you for your continued commitment and contribution towards the democratic process. Despite some differences, there is a growing culture of debate and a general acceptance of the supremacy of the rule of law. The smooth transition from one prime minister to another after the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision is an example of this.

Pakistan came into being as a result of our forefather’s sacrifices and has proved to be a resilient nation over the course of time. Despite numerous prophecies over the years, Pakistan has managed to survive and evolve into what it is today.

Yes, we have our problems, yes the situation can improve, yes we can treat our minorities more fairly, and yes, our institutions can function better. For that matter, we should have across the board accountability, and yes, we need to invest more in education and health sectors, but I feel that the good in Pakistan still trumps the bad.

We are the nation of Abdul Sattar Edhi, a saint who served humanity and chose to die in Pakistan rather than travelling abroad for medical treatment. He may no longer be with us, but his work continues in the form of the Edhi foundation.

We have women like Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy who has achieved international recognition on the basis of her hard work and dedication. Her achievements are exemplary and a source of pride for Pakistanis.

Who is a better example of bravery than the 15-year-old Shaheed Aitzaz Hasan? He died saving the lives of his fellow students when he singlehandedly overpowered a terrorist and restrained him from entering the school premises.

Our musicians are brilliant and our athletes keep succeeding on the international front, despite the lack of facilities and training. Our hospitality is appreciated and praised by everyone, our civil society is always fighting for a good cause and our people are always there to help each other, especially in times of need.

We have a lot to be proud of. The key is to remember our history, learn from our mistakes and strive for excellence. As Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah said in one of his speeches,

“You are a nation whose history is replete with people of wonderful grit, character and heroism. Live up to your traditions and add to it another chapter of glory.”

He then asks us,

“To do our duty and have faith in God.”

And goes on to tell us,

“There is no power on earth that can undo Pakistan.”

Let’s live up to Jinnah’s words and make Pakistan great once again.

#PakistanZindabad