We the Pakistanis have passed through rivers of blood, fought three wars imposed by the enemy, secured the position of sole nuclear weapon state in the Islamic Ummah and completed seventy years as an independent state to the utter disbelief of adversaries who were of the view that Pakistan would not last for even half a decade. This 400-foot tall national flag, unfurled by CoAS General Qamar Bajwa on August 14 at Wagha where the first-ever Pakistani flag was hoisted after Pakistan came into existence, is a loud message to the naysayers that Pakistan has come to exist, eternally. "We have rendered many sacrifices - we would never forget our martyrs.... I want to tell our enemies, whether in the east or west, that your bullets will end but not the chests of our jawans," he said on the occasion. He said the blood of martyrs - be they in Quetta, on the Line of Control, or somewhere else - has paid off in the development the country is witnessing. Obliquely hinting at what looks so much of political chaos today, General Bajwa was confident that "Pakistan is strong today and (is) on the path of law and constitution." This was one of the stage-setting highlights of the 71st Independence Day celebrations across the length and breadth of Pakistan. Freedom lies in being strong. Genuineness of cause and strength is always at the heart of freedom. A show of that strength was put up by the Pakistan Air Force in the Capital and Karachi as it carried out heart-warming, spectacular flypasts. What is happening with Muslims in India today, particularly in the Occupied Kashmir, is a vindication of the Quaid-i-Azam's quite timely decision to part company with Congress and work for an independent homeland for Muslims of the sub-continent. And our elders too deserve a lot of praise for turning Pakistan into a profound reality despite adversaries' utmost efforts to see the newly-created Pakistan disappears while still in infancy.
The occasion of Independence Day does underscore the need for making some solemn commitments. Now that the nation has gained enough of strength and confidence to protect its independence and sovereignty, it should think of raising its stature in terms of socio-economic prowess by setting out more ambitious goals. The first and foremost should be to make best use of our abundant human capital. And that is possibly only by educating the masses in the fields of engineering sciences and latest technologies. Given that Pakistan can exploit nuclear technology and become a nuclear power, it must strive to become one of the best in these fields. Given that Pakistan is uniquely blessed by nature is plenty of fertile, irrigable land and four-season favourable clime for agriculture, agriculture must get the required government patronage. Another area which deserves more cared and devoted engagement, is socio-cultural harmony and sectarian peace. In this very country, there was a time when people of all faiths and creeds lived in complete accord. There is no reason why we cannot bring back those times. Speaking quite frankly, it is a fact that the country has suffered more at the hands of sect-based terrorism than at the hands of enemy in three wars. These are of course daunting challenges, but a strong base available now has provided this nation with a new hope. There is, therefore, no reason why these challenges cannot be overcome in an effective and meaningful manner under the shadow of this towering national flag on our border with India, a country which is always skeptical or cynical about Pakistan.
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