Indeed, independence is a great benediction with 14 August being a landmark day for each and every citizen of Pakistan. And while its importance in forming our identity cannot be gauged in words, history reveals the many sacrifices our forefathers made in giving birth to this beloved country.
Pakistan was carved out on the map of the world to end the atmosphere of hostility and suspicion. The founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned the country as an inclusive and progressive state that would protect not only the social but also the religious and political rights of all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Being independent, as we all expect, means living in peace and tranquility. Regrettably, we are wandering far away from the vision of our founding father. Religious extremism, political maneuvering, centuries old feudal system and rampant corruption have replaced the ideals of peace, democracy and co-existence. Soon after the independence, the British were replaced by feudals and bureaucrats. Today, they still remain at the helm of all affairs while minorities, despite all constitutional safeguards, are time and again being attacked by religious bigots. The self-appointed custodians of our religion are damaging the true spirit of mutual existence. This is a threat to the very social fabric of country. Further, the gap between the rich and everyone else is widening owing to persistent corruption and nepotism.
Morality is a quintessential part of culture; therefore, its decline is too great a burden to bear. These shambolic states of affairs call for extraordinary measures and drastic changes. This is a good time to return to our ideals of inclusiveness and progressiveness.
Ahmad Waqar Shahid
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, August 17th, 2020.
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