One nation, one resolve

As the nation celebrates its 74^th Independence Day anniversary, it is time to laud the indispensable services of the founding fathers; and to reiterate the resolve to scale Pakistan to new heights of successes. Today is the day to pay our homage to the freedom fighters who sacrificed everything within their means so that the coming generations could live a life free from foreign tutelage. And, of course, a standing ovation and salute to Father of the Nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, whose vision foresaw the Hindutva’s otherness a century ago, and carved out a separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asia. Thus, the best way to cherish freedom is to work selflessly and rebuild Pakistan as a modern welfare state, a place free from prejudice, hate and intolerance.

Pakistan is blessed with enterprising people; it is rich in natural resources, impregnable in terms of defence, and socio-culturally harmonious. All it needs is to work on the vision of Mr Jinnah, wherein he dreamt of a society where caste, creed and religion do not matter. This is what Pakistan is in need of today — to erect a pluralist society. There isn’t any external threat to the homeland, as the armed forces and the nation are united. This unity should be transformed into a renewed determination to beat parochial sentiments and further cohesion. It’s time to realise the sense of freedom in all sincerity, and ensure that due constitutional, civil, economic and political rights are enjoyed across the board. This is how the nation can strengthen civil supremacy, boast sovereignty and bring people from all walks of life on one page: One Nation, One Resolve.

As a forward-looking elected government endeavours to accomplish the task of nation-building, today we all should unite for a cause: shun petty interests and uphold nationalism. Millions of Pakistanis still long for potable water and basic civic amenities of life, including medicare and education. This is where our focus should be. A nation of 220 million sitting on the crossroads of an irresistible geography has a glorious future. The new national narrative of self-reliance is the way to go. Rise to the occasion and rebuild Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2021.

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