The nation is celebrating yet another Independence Day on August 14, 2018 with the continued blessings of Almighty Allah. Quite obviously this is a very happy and joyful occasion for everyone living within the geographical territory of Pakistan as a proud, free and independent Pakistani to celebrate individually, as well as collectively.Besides expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah,remembering our forefathers whose struggle and sacrifices resulted in the creation of our new motherland under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The great occasion of celebrating yet another Independence Day also calls for some soul searching and catharsis. The Independence Day celebrations will be followed by some developments of great national importance. All is set for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) to make its maiden entry in the corridors of power, and its chairman Imran Khan will take his oath on August 18, 2018 as the twenty-second Prime Minister of Pakistan . Pakistan is just seventy-one years old with the blessings of Almighty Allah it has a long, long way to go in the coming centuries. Pakistan has overcome many of its internal and external challenges and its people are as committed as ever to continue facing any challenges steadfastly, courageously and determinedly in future also. The valiant soldiers of the country’s armed forces are laying down their lives for national security. With every sacrifice, they are becoming all the more determined to eliminate terrorism, militancy and extremism in all their manifestations at their roots The Quaid-i-Azam has left behind three golden principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline which need to be continuously remembered, practiced in letter and spirit by having faith. We have to forge unity within our ranks while moving forward on the path of progress. In one of his historical speeches, Quaid-i-Azam had also quite categorically stated that now that Pakistan has come into existence, every person living within the territories of Pakistan, be he/she a Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Christian or professing any other faith, he/she is a Pakistani as religion is an individual’s personal belief and the state is a collective obligation of all Pakistanis. Ever since the early departure of the father of the nation, Pakistan has been facing and overcoming a host of internal as well as external problems. But the challenges it has been facing for the last decade in the form of militancy, extremism and terrorism are of a serious nature threatening Pakistan’s security. The Muslims of the sub-continent had suffered, struggled and offered great sacrifices for securing a separate, independent and sovereign motherland of their own. Now, they are offering even more sacrifices to preserve their solidarity while combating various menaces. It is quite commendable indeed that all three Armed Forces of Pakistan i.e. Army, Air Force and Navy, as well as Rangers, Police and law enforcement agencies are fully backed and supported by the government and political leadership. The valiant soldiers of the country’s armed forces are laying down their lives for national safety. With every sacrifice, they are becoming all the more determined to eliminate terrorism, militancy and extremism in all their manifestations from the roots. It is also desirable that the people of Pakistan rise above petty selfish personal, political and regional interests and keep national interests supreme in all their acts. We should all discharge our duties and obligations sincerely and honestly. If only we can become punctual, avoid the wastage of time, misuse of public money and try to do something good every day towards our community then a lot of our problems would be solved amicably. A number of organisations and artists are already engaged in educating the youth about the Pakistan Movement. But much more is needed in this regard. Not only does the younger generation have to be educated, it also has to be warned against the hostile propaganda being carried out by forces inimical to the continued existence of Pakistan At the same time, it is also imperative that all possible steps and measures are taken in an effective manner to ensure that the future generations are educated, informed and apprised about the Pakistan Movement as well as the sufferings of millions of Muslims who migrated. A number of organisations and artists are already engaged in educating the youth about the Pakistan Movement. But there is a dire need for doing much more in this regard. Not only does the younger generation have to be educated, but also has to be warned against the hostile propaganda being carried out by forces inimical to the continued existence of Pakistan. Furthermore, it is also essential that in the wake of hostile propaganda, a moderate, forward looking and progressive image of Pakistan and its people be promoted and projected through all possible means before the world. Every Pakistani going abroad, either on an official or private visit, should ensure that in their interactions with foreigners, we emphatically tell them that Pakistan is a peace loving country and its people believe in peaceful co-existence with everyone, including our close neighbours. While celebrating Independence Day please do always pause and ponder over what you have done in the service of Pakistan throughout the year. The writer is Lahore-based Free-Lance Journalist and Columnist and retired Deputy Controller (News) Radio Pakistan Islamabad and can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail.com Published in Daily Times, August 16th 2018.