Pakistan turns 77

Today is Independence Day

Pakistan is all set to turn 77 as the people enthusiastically are going to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day today thanks to the continued blessings of the Almighty.

This is indeed a great occasion which the Pakistanis are going to celebrate within the geographical frontiers of the motherland and also abroad in foreign countries all over the world.

Kashmiris in the occupied territory and all over the world observed the second darkest day in their history as the black day Youm-e-Istehsal-i-Kashmir on August 5, 2024 which was also observed by the people and government of Pakistan in furtherance of their continued moral, political and diplomatic support because of their solidarity for Kashmiris just, fair and indigenous freedom struggle.

Besides expressing gratitude in all possible manners ‘to the Almighty, the people while celebrating the Independence Day should be paying homage to the leaders and forefathers of the Pakistan Movement whose struggle and sacrifices had resulted in the creation of new motherland, Pakistan, out of nowhere on the world map under the inspiring leadership and statesmanship of the great leader Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Pakistan is just 77 and this is no age for a country. With the blessings of the Almighty, it has to go a long way, long over the coming centuries and stay forever on the world map overcoming all its internal and external challenges and problems. It is a matter of record that Pakistan has already overcome many of its internal and external challenges quite successfully and its people are determined, united and committed as ever to continue facing these challenges steadfastly, boldly and courageously in future also.

This great occasion also calls for some soul searching and catharsis regarding how much Pakistan has given to us all these years and how much we are repaying these heavy debts in all these years and continue doing the same regularly   as long as we continue breathing in the free and independent atmosphere of our beloved motherland.

Our future generations must continuously be reminded that Pakistan had surfaced on the world map out of nowhere under the statesmanship and principled leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who had led the Muslims in an inspiring and determined manner to liberate them from the shackles of the British rule and the Hindu economic hegemony on the basis of the concept of a separate homeland for the Muslims presented by the great philosopher and poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Discharge your duties and obligations sincerely, honestly and objectively, be a good, responsible and patriotic Pakistani   This will surely and certainly go a long way in preserving, protecting and safeguarding our hard earned independence and ensuring much desired and needed national security, unity, solidarity and sovereignty no matter how much we suffer and have to sacrifice. We are free and independent because of Pakistan with the continued blessings of the Almighty. LONG LIVE PAKISTAN.

The Quaid-i-Azam had departed to eternity much sooner leaving behind his three golden principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline which need to be continuously remembered and practised in letter and spirit by all of us by sustaining  faith, maintaining unity in our ranks and files and adhering to and strictly observing discipline both individually and collectively while combating internal and external challenges squarely and loving forward and onward on the path of progress , development, prosperity and self-reliance and continue upholding national  solidarity and sovereignty at all costs.

The Quaid-i-Azam is on record having stated “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”.

For years together, Pakistan has faced menaces of terrorism, extremism and militancy threatening its security, solidarity and sovereignty directly and indirectly more than anything else.

People including men, women and children in pretty large numbers have lost their lives in terrorist attacks by hostile elements backed and sponsored from across the borders.

It is quite commendable that the officers and jawans of the Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy   and law enforcement agencies, fully backed and supported by the government, political leadership and the people at large have continued fighting the militants, terrorists and other anti-State   elements and ensuring national security and solidarity no matter how much sacrifices they have to offer.

The people should forge and maintain complete unity, discipline and faith   in their ranks and file, be above petty selfish personal, political and regional biases, prejudices and interests, keep the national interests supreme and uppermost in their minds, hearts and all activities, remembering all the time that they owe a lot to Pakistan for continuously breathing and flourishing in a free, independent and sovereign atmosphere.

Discharge your duties and obligations sincerely, honestly and objectively, be a good, responsible and patriotic Pakistani   This will surely and certainly go a long way in preserving, protecting and safeguarding our hard earned independence and ensuring much desired and needed national security, unity, solidarity and sovereignty no matter how much we suffer and have to sacrifice. We are free and independent because of Pakistan with the continued blessings of the Almighty. LONG LIVE PAKISTAN.

Muhammad Zahid Rifat
Muhammad Zahid Rifat
The writer is Lahore-based Freelance Journalist, Columnist and retired Deputy Controller (News) , Radio Pakistan, Islamabad and can be reached at [email protected]

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