I have a dream

KARACHI: I dream of the day when Pakistani politicians and ministers live next door to you without barricading entire towns, employing an army of men to protect them and stopping traffic just so they can roam around.

I dream of the day when every citizen would use electricity and water 24/7 and be able to pay for it too.

I dream of the day when people actually get to travel from Murree to Thar via mass transport, low-cost trains and buses.

I dream of a time when we’re less suspicious of foreigners in our cities and they’re less suspicious of us in theirs.

I dream of the day when I can walk out of my home, dressed in whatever way I liked, burqa or miniskirt, without random men lecherously fantasising about me.

I dream of the day when we don’t categorise citizens as Hindus, Ahmedis, Shias, minorities and simply call them Pakistanis.

I dream of the day when the above Pakistanis are not mentioned in newspapers with the word “persecution”.

I dream of the day when every necessity is affordable for not just me and my friends – but for every other person in Pakistan.

I dream of the day when education is free for all in Pakistan. And good schools are everywhere.

I dream of the day when every Pakistani child gets to have a proper childhood, which is free from poverty, begging, eating scraps, being abused or even trafficked.

I dream of the day when leaders mean what they say – and do what they say.

I dream of the day when there is no fear for bomb explosions, target killings and your loved ones coming back in a box.

I dream of the day when mothers are respected – and not sold off as property in a game of chance.

I dream of an Islamic state – where religion is not used as an excuse for intolerance and extremism.

I dream of a clean Pakistan – where the skies are still blue, the roads are free from litter and the hearts of people are pure from corruption, lying and bribery.

I dream of artists walking on the street, singing, dancing, living and breathing without being shot.

I dream of a Pakistan which is not part of any proxy wars for the United States, Iran or Saudi Arabia.

I dream of a Pakistan where India is considered an ally, friend, and confidante.

I dream for a time when I have enough hope in my heart for these silly dreams to come true.