KARACHI:
As we celebrate our 75th Independence Day, I am compelled to think about how we define patriotism. Our sense of national pride is on display in an apparent race to prove one’s patriotism. But patriotism is different from mere sabre-rattling and chest-thumping.
Patriots do not need a certification. They are patriots by virtue of their conduct and character. Patriotism is not a hollow slogan of frenzied emotion but unconditional love for our country. Patriotism is not just limited to military service; it comes in different forms. We all have a responsibility to contribute to our community and society. We need to recognise and be grateful for the privileges afforded to us by the country and collectively work towards establishing a prosperous Pakistan. This Independence Day, we need to reflect on Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision. He would have every reason to deplore us — our unity has become a conformity; our faith has turned to extremism; and our discipline has crumbled before agitation.
It is tragic to see that not only have we forgotten Jinnah’s vision, but it is one that we no longer identify with. Not all hope is lost though, we can still work towards resurrecting Jinnah’s vision by realising that religion, caste or creed has nothing to do with the state. Instead of just preaching ‘unity, faith and discipline’, we need to practice it as well.
Salma Tahir
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, August 14th, 2021.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
