Growing up in Pakistan, Independence Day on August 14th was always a day of celebration and pride...
opinion
Growing up in Pakistan, Independence Day on August 14th was always a day of celebration and pride. But as I have grown older, the excitement I once felt has been replaced by a sobering realisation. Are we truly independent when so many of our basic necessities remain unmet, when the prices of everyday items continue to skyrocket, and when street crimes plague our cities?
As a child, the patriotic songs and the sight of the national flag fluttering in the breeze filled my heart with joy. I remember waking up to the sound of patriotic songs blaring from every corner of the neighbourhood. My siblings and I would rush to the balcony, our eyes wide with wonder, as we watched the streets transform into a sea of green and white. The sight of the national flag fluttering in the breeze filled our hearts with an inexplicable joy. I remember my grandfather sharing stories of the sacrifices our forefathers made for our freedom, instilling in me a sense of deep respect and gratitude. However, as I look around today, I can’t help but wonder if we are living up to their legacy.
The streets of Karachi, once alive with the spirit of celebration, now seem overshadowed by the harsh realities of daily life. Children who used to run around with miniature flags now stay indoors, their parents fearful of the rising crime rates. The city’s lights still shine, but they do little to illuminate the struggles faced by its residents. In the neighbourhoods where festivities used to bring people together, there is now a sense of anxiety and disillusionment.
A friend of mine shared her thoughts on the situation. “Independence Day is now bittersweet for me,” she admitted. “On one hand, I am proud of our nation’s resilience. On the other, I am disheartened by the daily struggles we face. High prices, electricity shortages, and lack of support make it hard to celebrate freedom when you feel trapped by circumstances.”
All across Pakistan, families are grappling with inflation that seems to have no end. The cost of basic necessities like flour, sugar, and cooking oil has soared, putting immense pressure on household budgets. The disparity between income and expenditure is growing, leaving many feeling that their independence is nothing more than a cruel illusion.
For many, Independence Day is a painful reminder of unmet promises. Another friend voiced her concerns. “This day now brings tears to my eyes,” she said. “Not because of pride, but because of disappointment. Our children deserve better. They deserve a country where they don’t have to worry about their next meal or their safety on the streets.” Her words are a stark reminder that true independence is about more than just political freedom; it’s about ensuring a decent standard of living for all citizens.
The challenges extend beyond economic hardship and personal safety. Pakistan is also grappling with environmental issues, health crises, and educational disparities that further compound the difficulties faced by its people. The effects of climate change are becoming more apparent with each passing year, from devastating floods to extreme heatwaves, impacting agriculture and livelihoods. Access to quality healthcare remains a distant dream for many, with inadequate facilities and a lack of trained professionals. The education system, plagued by underfunding and inequality, fails to equip the younger generation with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
In the heart of every Pakistani, there is a deep-seated love for the country, but also a growing discontent with the state of affairs. The sense of community is overshadowed by the collective struggles faced by everyone. The dream of a prosperous and thriving Pakistan feels increasingly out of reach for many, as they contend with the everyday realities of survival.
Independence Day should be more than just a commemoration of the past; it should be a celebration of the present and a pledge for a better future. But as we wave our flags and sing our anthems, we must also acknowledge the harsh realities faced by millions of Pakistanis. Are we truly independent when so many are left behind? The contrast between the celebratory spirit of the day and the struggles of daily life raises important questions about the true meaning of freedom and independence.
In the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, “With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.” This Independence Day, let us reflect on these words and strive to build a nation that stands tall not just in the face of challenges, but in the face of our responsibilities to each other. A much-needed effort that can be done is by planting trees. Doing so on Independence Day symbolises a commitment to nurturing the nation’s environment and securing a greener future for coming generations. As we celebrate our freedom, this initiative not only pays homage to our homeland but also addresses critical issues like climate change and deforestation. Through these efforts, we aim to create a legacy of sustainability and environmental stewardship, ensuring that our beloved country thrives in harmony with nature.
Let us work together in any way we can to ensure that the promise of a better tomorrow is fulfilled for all Pakistanis, not just a privileged few.
The writer is a sub-editor at You! magazine.
She can be reached at wallia_khairi@hotmail.com
