If we recollect history, before independence in 1947, the Indian Subcontinent was a British colony, then known as Hindustan. The British had ruled India since 1858. The All-India Muslim League, under the wise and determined leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was instrumental in floating the concept of a separate homeland for Muslims.
The first clear call came in 1930, when discrimination against Muslims was becoming widespread and it was evident that this trend would only intensify. It was Quaid’s simple but firm stance – “Courage is all that matters” – coupled with his determination that turned the idea into a movement, eventually becoming reality after years of struggle. Allama Iqbal also lent his powerful voice, along with many other leaders and the masses. Thousands of unsung heroes gave not only their time and effort but also their lives for independence.
The Pakistan Resolution of 1940, passed in Lahore where the Minar-e-Pakistan stands today, laid the foundation for the creation of Pakistan.
The purpose here is not to recount the entire history – that is well recorded – but to remind ourselves that independence came at a heavy cost. It demanded sacrifices, blood, and hardship.
Our 78-year journey since independence has been full of challenges and unexpected turns. Yet, as a nation, we have endured. Perhaps we are a little bruised, but we remain determined to make the future brighter. The way the entire nation united during the recent conflict with India is proof that when we stand together, our future shines with promise.
As Allama Iqbal beautifully wrote:
“Zara num ho to yeh mitti, bohat zarkhez hai saaqi.”
Today, what we need most is to rise above political, religious, sectarian, and regional differences. Let us learn from the lessons of the past 78 years, correct our mistakes, and move forward with positivity and a clear roadmap. As Abraham Lincoln wisely said: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
It is our misfortune that we lost our founding leaders too soon. Quaid-e-Azam, already unwell, passed away within a year of Pakistan’s creation. Only a few years later, Quaid-e-Millat Liaqat Ali Khan was assassinated. Recently, I came across Quaid’s 1948 interview in Life magazine, where he outlined the challenges Pakistan faced at the time. The sad reality is that most of those issues remain unresolved even today.
In the early years, progress was made under Field Marshal Ayub Khan’s 11-year rule. Pakistan earned international respect, the “Green Revolution” boosted agriculture, industry advanced, and PIA became a world-class airline. The banking sector also flourished.
However, differences between President Ayub Khan and his foreign minister, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, led to political turmoil and Ayub’s eventual downfall. General Yahya Khan’s brief rule is remembered as one of the bleakest, culminating in the tragic separation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.
Bhutto’s subsequent nationalization of industries and banks, though intended as reform, crippled growth and discouraged enterprise. General Zia-ul-Haq’s era brought little economic benefit; his involvement in the Afghan war put additional strain on Pakistan and fostered the rise of the “powder culture.” Later, during democratic governments, repeated instability, short-lived tenures, and poor economic policies – such as the freezing of dollar accounts – eroded public confidence. International sanctions followed Pakistan’s nuclear tests.
While General Pervez Musharraf’s rule brought some stability, long-term, sustainable reforms remained elusive. Most elected governments since then have struggled to complete their terms, leaving a legacy of unfinished agendas.
If progress is to be achieved, we must analyze past events honestly and learn from them. Mere flag-waving and celebration are not enough. As Allama Iqbal reminded us:
“Khuda ne aaj tak us qaum ki halat nahin badli,
Na ho jisko khayal apni halat ko badalne ka.”
Among the pressing challenges we face are a booming population, scarcity of clean water, and underdevelopment in critical sectors such as education, health, industry, and infrastructure. These demand urgent attention.
We must also revisit Quaid’s speeches and Allama Iqbal’s philosophy. Quaid-e-Azam firmly declared: “No struggle can ever succeed without women participating side by side with men.” That principle remains vital for our progress even today.
The bottom line is that we must not lose sight of the blessing of independence. We are a free and sovereign nation. Let us celebrate Pakistan not only by remembering its ideology but also by truly living it. True patriotism requires us to look at the bigger picture, rise above personal interests, and work with the same zeal and unity that Quaid and Iqbal envisioned.
Let us resolve this year to let go of divisions, correct our mistakes, and move forward with positive energy and careful planning – for only then will Pakistan fulfill the promise of its creation.
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