Changes that celebrities hope to see in 'Naya Pakistan'

'It's disappointing that we have wasted at least 30 years of our independence,' says actor Ahsan Khan

KARACHI/LAHORE: Celebrities all across the country are celebrating Pakistan's 72nd Independence Day with utmost pride and passion. Still witnessing the issues within our country, they're vouching to see a change in the nation this year around. The Express Tribune caught up with some local artists and asked them what change they would want to see in Pakistan now.

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Renowned folk singer Shoukat Ali hopes for equality. He said, "I want to see a Pakistan where justice and equality prevail. It's my dream and I am hopeful that it'll come true one day. I dedicated my entire life to the country and contributed to it's prosperity through my songs. In my old age, I still hum patriotic melodies."

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Hailing from Punjab, model and actor Diya Ali also shared her two cents. She explained, "Pakistan needs to become a stronger country. We need to find ways to help the less privileged people in our society who are dying because of hunger because they don't have means to earn a living. I hope the employment issues in the country are solved. I'm doing my part by competing in beauty contests held on a global scale that Pakistan on the world map."

PHOTO: TWITTER/DIYA ALI

Shabnam Majeed known for her iconic song Ayya Lariye which in recent times has been covered by many artists, was also adamant on expressing her hopes for the country. She shared, "Corruption is one of the biggest problems in our country right now and I would like to see a corruption-free Pakistan. In our times, artists such as myself have sung a lot of patriotic songs and we are still doing our best to help Pakistan reach soaring heights."

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Senior stage actor Shiba Butt stated that the most important thing the nation needs right now is unity amongst its people. "People should be encouraged to do good things for the welfare of the community without facing any criticism," she mentioned.

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Ali Gul Pir known for his tracks such as Waderai Ka Beta and VIP also had a lot to say. He shared, "I would like to see more tolerance in 'Naya Pakistan' - a place where all religions, sects and ethnicities are accepted. If we disagree with someone, it should be expressed respectfully and without calling the other person a traitor."

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Famed TV and film actor Ahsan Khan said that there is a lot that needs to be done to rebuild Pakistan. "We need to start from zero. It's disappointing that we have wasted at least 30 years of our independence and not grown in any way. We've only made things worse."

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He continued that nothing has been done for the common man or the upcoming generation. "Education and changing the mindset of the people is the most important thing for the country right now. It's something that we really need to succeed in any capacity." Agreeing with Ali, Ahsan then added that people need to learn tolerance and establish the concept of being just to others.

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