This Independence Day

The basis of a democratic State is liberty. These deceptively simple words of Aristotle enshrine the very essence of a true democracy. An egalitarian society, committed to achieving, nourishing and safeguarding the liberties of its populace. It was this ideal that over six decades ago, ignited the fires of our freedom movement.
"We should have a State in which we could live and breathe as free men" was the belief with which Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah grasped the mantle of the struggle for Pakistan's creation - the thought with which he lay the foundation of a State where people would be free to think, speak, write and worship as they wished, not as the Government commanded.
And through sheer determination, he managed to carve out a piece of land dedicated to liberty, to freedom, to independence. This Independence Day, 63 years after the Quaid-e-Azam entrusted to us this nation, his dream - we must re-evaluate our roles in the safeguarding of it, and reaffirm our commitment to his vision of Pakistan . A responsibility not limited to any one institution, or individual, but falling upon each and every Pakistani, irrespective of religion, gender, and political beliefs.
Pakistan today, is gripped by the worst natural disaster. As we celebrate independence day, we mourn the deaths of our brothers, sisters, and children across the country, at the hands of nature. But as floods race through the country, so do hands to help. The spirit that rises in every Pakistani in the face of such disaster in truly the essence of Pakistan . But the damage being wrought is unprecedented, and so must be the assistance. It is at such times that the people must step in to help their Government so that together, we can fight this catastrophe.
The past year hasn't been easy. In fact, at times it may have seemed like an uphill climb with no end in sight. But lasting changes demand heavy sacrifices, as nothing comes without a price. Every decision that the Government took, was after weighing the consequences. A case in point being the Taliban - It would've been easy for the Government to turn a blind eye towards the havoc being created by the Taliban. After all, the previous Government had perfected this very art. In fact, by its consistent disregard for the threat posed by the Taliban, it had in effect, propagated their agenda, furthering their twisted plans. The present Government however, chose not to take the easy way out, but to stand up and protect the sovereignty of Pakistan , and the liberties of its citizens, as is its responsibility. And the result is a concrete leap towards the dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who said "my dream is for my land and my people to cease fighting and allow our children to reach their full potential regardless of sex, status, or belief."
Pakistan, I feel, has been particularly fortunate in its leadership. How many nations can claim to inspire such irrevocable passion in its leaders that they have taken pride in shedding their very blood to nourish the soil? Can any other lands allege to have seen leaders the likes of Quaid-e-Azam, Quaid-e-Awam, and Quaid-e-Jamhooriat? No Pakistan is singularly honoured as such. And today the Government, in keeping with their commitment, and ever mindful of their inimitable sacrifices, is working ceaselessly towards the fulfilment of their vision. But is the onus of this task only upon the Government? Is the job of the citizens over, once they elect their representatives? Has our civic sense deserted us completely? Have we relegated patriotism to 14 th August and 23rd March? Is the progress and development of Pakistan a joint responsibility or a case of passing the buck? And where exactly does this buck stop? Today, for each and every one of us, it is beyond time for introspection.
This Independence Day, we need to look at ourselves and our 'Pakistaniat' - Our role, our responsibilities. To understand exactly where we fit into the mosaic that makes up Pakistan . We need to rekindle the feeling of belonging - of ownership. Today, as the nation faces floods the likes of which we have never witnessed, I am heartened to see the spirit shown by so many, to help their brethren in need. But this spirit must not wane. The repercussions of the floods are disastrous, and shall continue for many years. So must our efforts for the brothers affected by the floods. At the end of the day, we must remember, that together, WE are Pakistan .
"Leadership," said Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, "is the commitment to an idea, to a dream, and to a vision of what can be." This Independence Day, let each man, woman and child living under the green and white flag, awaken the leader within. Let every individual reaffirm his commitment to the vision of a democratic, egalitarian, progressive, and peaceful Pakistan . Let the rising voices be of encouragement not of disssent. Let the raised hands be of help not of violence. Let our strengths combine and our paths merge. Let us together, take Pakistan towards the future.