There isn’t much left to say except what has already been said by the young boys and girls for our Special Report. When they talk about what Pakistan means for them, there is unmistakable hope that the older generation has almost lost. There is awareness of another kind.

This is a generation that has grown under the shadows of terrorism, and terrorism of a kind that rendered the state and the government machinery dysfunctional at one point. It slowly and gradually reclaimed its physical and ideological territory. But the threat still lingers and is actuated persistently, even if less frequently.

Their accounts betray that these young people have been keen to look at why we got to this stage. There is a tinge of cynicism that mixes rage with sadness; yet they don’t tend to lose hope. Each time they mention the turmoil, the differences, the violence, they are quick to recount the warmth and the blessings this land holds.

We have tried to get as many voices as we could from all across the country including a Hindu boy from Karachi and a Pakhtun from Balochistan who is studying in Lahore, a girl who is part of the Pakistan Debating Team, a swimming champion from a mainstream college and an undergrad studying abroad.

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These can be read as honest and critical reflections of young people about their country around its independence day. These can also be read as a commentary on what kind of education they are being imparted at various institutions since the distinction between indoctrination and critical thinking is clearly visible.

That they all seem optimistic about the future of Pakistan in their own ways is what is special. As Aamnah Khalid says "the dream is still alive".