Candlelight Vigil: Saying a little prayer for Pakistan

Lighting firecrackers and running around town, wasting fuel is no testament for the love you feel for your country

ISLAMABAD: With the ongoing tributes to the nation, the youth of the capital turned to a rather unique celebration for Independence Day this year. Rather than going out and lighting firecrackers, this group made the conscious effort of keeping it low-key by lighting candles and sending out prayers for the betterment of the country. ‘Lighting firecrackers and running around town, wasting fuel is no testament for the love you might feel for your country,’ said a student.  “Today we make a pact to bring about change, stand-up to injustice and own this land,” said a student. The patio near two ice cream shops in F-7/3 saw youngsters coming and going as they lit their candles, made a wish for the country. Nadeem Chawhan of Navitus said, “One push is all this wall of corruption in the country needs to crumble down.” Master Ayub, a man running a pro bono school in F-6 park for the past 26 years, told the students that to bring change, it is important to fight the good fight. The evening concluded with the national anthem and a communal prayer for the country.



Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2011.