Pakistan :64 years of independent mess.

'To celebrate or not to celebrate' Pakistan's 64th anniversary

By Fiaz Akhtar On 14th August 2011 many in Pakistan will be celebrating Pakistan Independence Day, no-doubt this will be a welcome distraction from the dire situation Pakistan is in. The dream to live by Islam that many sacrificed their lives for has never been fulfilled. How significant is Pakistan Independence Day to the Pakistanis residing in London young and old? As always 14th August celebrations mark a symbolic and celebratory occasion as appose to assessing Pakistan’s situation over the year, analyzing the crisis and the response so that those who hold Pakistan dear to their hearts and profess a love and attachment to the land and people can affect change and undertake meaningful work in order to transform the image and situation of Pakistan. London has a huge ex-pat Pakistani population where a number of events and activities are organized every year marking Pakistan's Independence Day, providing them with an opportunity to relive their homeland's festivities and for everyone else to enjoy the vibrant culture and a variety of dance and music at venues such as Trafalgar Square. Many Pakistanis attend with their families from various towns and cities dressed in the traditional colors and the Pakistan national flag painted on their faces. The High Commissioner to Pakistan is accustomed in carrying out his ritual flag hoisting, reading the prime minister and presidential addresses, followed by a programm of "qaumi naghmae" by young children before cutting the Independence Day Cake. Having spoken to a number of Pakistani youth in London in relation to what Pakistan Independence Day meant to them, many portrayed a dismal picture where some were indifferent and possessed little knowledge as to the history and significance of this important date, whilst others strongly felt that there was no reason to celebrate with the current crises facing Pakistan. A number of youngsters highlighted a multitude of problems linked to Pakistan, such as corruption, political unrest, social and economic deprivation, energy crisis, breakdown of law and order, target killings, bomb blasts. Moreover some condemned American intervention openly challenging Pakistan’s sovereignty which puts a question mark on whether Pakistan is really independent or just symbolic. The level of thinking, interest and passion many of the youth held towards Pakistan was quite remarkable to see. The zeal and quest of the Pakistani youth for a better Pakistan needs directing and nurturing to ensure that they are a part of the struggle and at all levels are encouraged to rise up to the challenges that Pakistan faces today. They need to be given a deep and far reaching political vision for Pakistan to lead it out of this problematic time and feel connected. The elders, parents and the Pakistani community by large has a responsibility to instil the true essence of why Pakistan was created, the sacrifices made by many in its creation, particularly for those youth who are detached from their ties and history to Pakistan. The youth of today need to realize that Pakistan Independence Day is not just about flag bearing, hooting, revving the engines of their cars driving around Asian populated areas with music blasting out of their cars. With Pakistan being declared a failed state by the international community what will be left to celebrate if Pakistan is no more. For this reason our youth today need to understand that their Pakistani identity is not merely linked to a geographical entity rather it is linked to an ideological state under the shade of the kalima on the 27th night of Ramadan, a separate homeland for the Muslims. They need to work diligently for Pakistan’s success and prosperity which lies firmly rooted in upholding the sublime principals of Islam in all affairs not just morals and worship but forming a constitution for Pakistan with its ruling, education, economic, judicial, social systems and foreign policy in line with Islamic principals. As the popular slogan goes"Pakistan ka matlab kya! La ilaha illa Allah" ================================================ thenews.com.pk/blog/blog_details.asp?id=1368