Every year, March 23 is marked as an event of national significance followed by vivid ceremonies, military parade, patriotic songs and the retelling of history. Today we need to introspect on whether we are following the code of conduct that our Quaid framed. Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan was to establish a progressive, democratic and inclusive country. A modern Muslim state based on the Islamic values such as integrity, justice, equality and the rule of law. These were the guiding principles to build national identity, moral character and collective responsibility.
The Lahore Resolution of 1940 was decisive and a turning point in the history of the subcontinent, a moment that set the foundation for the separate homeland. Regrettably, our core values have disappeared from society. Today we live in a country where transparency and democracy are limited to just papers. Institutions of Justice have become puppets. The economy is struggling and commoners are suffering, carrying the baggage of foreign aid and taxes. Corruption is fueling every developmental project; individual right of protection is violated on an everyday basis. Today’s youth, instead of serving their homeland, want to escape abroad to seek opportunities.
The difference between promise and practice is increasingly evident. Economic uncertainty is widening the social divide. Access to quality education and healthcare is a dream for many. Today, beyond performative expression of patriotism, nations and institutions need to act on the forming principles to bridge this gap. The real spirit of resolution day lies in revisiting the ideology and building the prosperous Pakistan that Jinnah envisioned. Only then, Pakistan can reflect the dream upon which it was founded.
Maria Imran
Sukkur
