Sir: Pakistan came into existence on August 14, 1947. The birth of this country was the result of selfless sacrifices by the Muslims of the Subcontinent and the tireless efforts of our dynamic leader Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. We are now in 2018, 71 years have passed since we became an independent state. During our time as Pakistanis, we have often said “hum zinda quom hain”, but is this really true?
Today, after 71 years of independence, Pakistan is facing a number of existential threats. If we compare todays Pakistan to that of 1947, we find that though we have made some achievements we never accomplished any of the most important goals. We are the only Muslim state with nuclear weapons, but the state of human rights and human development in this country is pathetic. It seems the laws in this country only apply to the weak and impoverished commoners, and the rich and powerful can do what they like. The Quaid called for a Pakistan with “unity, faith, and discipline” but we are divided and discriminate against each other on the basis of caste, language and monetary status. Punjabis do not like Sindhis, Sindhis do not like Urdu speakers and in all this hatred, we forget that we are all Pakistanis. Our politicians make numerous promises when the elections are near but once they gain power, these promises are forgotten. One third of Pakistan’s population is living below the poverty line and is deprived of basic living needs and the country is also buried under heavy debt. Our economy is deteriorating day by day. It is also being said that Pakistan will be out of water by 2025. This is an incredibly sad situation.
To bring real positive change, Pakistanis need to take the country’s problems seriously. Every Pakistani needs to review his or her priorities and be the change they want to see. Accelerating educational development and strengthening the democratic process will surely yield more than what we expect to be done in the coming years.
If we work hard and change our perspective toward major issues the day is not far when we will feel proud of having the green passport and this pure land of Pakistan will be among the major world powers.
MUHAMMAD ALI QURESHI
Karach
Published in Daily Times, August 7th 2018.