Daily Times

A simple look at history tells us that Muslims have fought for their rights multiple times. This struggle was much harder when they were fighting for a separate homeland with Mohammad Ali Jinnah. In his first speech, Jinnah outlined his vision for the newly made country.

“You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan … Now I think we should keep that in front of us as our ideal, and you will find that in course of time Hindus would cease to be Hindus, and Muslims would cease to be Muslims – not in the religious sense, because that is the personal faith of each individual, but in the political sense as citizens of the State,” he said.

A long struggle for freedom carried out by Indian nationalists, who were mostly Hindu laymen had become inevitable after the depletion of Britain during World War II.

Jinnah and the All India Muslim League had joined Muslim elites behind a movement that had first sought an Indian federal semi-autonomy, which guaranteed the rights of Muslims. The Congress Party of India rejected the idea of sharing power, and finally agreed to divide the subcontinent into two states.

It is necessary to develop narratives that are contrary to what the enemies of Pakistan have been spouting for the last two decades

The resolution of Pakistan (Lahore Resolution, 1940) was a milestone that opened the way for a Muslim homeland. Pakistan was to later become home to Indian Muslims living throughout the subcontinent. Seven years after the Lahore resolution, on August 14, 1947, Pakistan became a reality. In fact, it was the result of the intense effort of our ancestors and the painful history of Muslim discrimination.

Today, after 71 years of independence, Pakistan faces a series of challenges. The challenges are even more critical and dangerous than what our ancestors faced during the Pakistan movement.

Today, the anti-Pakistani connection is more important and deadlier in terms of cause and effect. The elements of extremism, radicalisation and terrorism are the only tangible forms. Our old rivals of are regrouping themselves in a series of new forms and formats.

Our society has been radicalised by people who have chosen to use Islam for a great conspiracy. Foreigner forces have sponsored people such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and many other militant groups. These groups have been created to malign Pakistan. They get endless funding for their twisted brand of Islam.

Military actions, such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, only destroy the organised base of militancy. However, these groups still find a way to provoke a bomb blast. The most recent was in Quetta, where an attack on a military vehicle left 15 dead, including eight army men.

The security forces, especially the army, deserve special recognition for their achievements. Since the Pak army and other security forces have played their role, it is necessary that political, religious, scholarly groups, and the Pakistani society play their part.

It is necessary to develop narratives that are contrary to what the enemies of Pakistan have been spouting for the last two decades. The media should play a role in developing this counter narrative. In addition, we should strengthen national integration and social cohesion, to transform society for peace, harmony and political stability, for an economically prosperous and strategically secure Pakistan.

Every Pakistani needs to review their priorities. Accelerating educational development and strengthening the democratic process will surely yield more than we expect to be done in the coming years. There is no denying that if we work hard and change our perspective towards the main problems, the day is not far when we will feel proud to have a green passport.

All we must do is unite, at least for our future generations.

The writer is a Quetta based columnist and independent researcher. He can be reached at Asadhussainma@yahoo.com

Published in Daily Times, August 14^th 2018.