No power can undo Pakistan
Watching my grandparents’ faces glisten with tears of joy as they watch the Independence Day parade on television — this is the spirit of August 14. It is a day where we celebrate the beautiful chaos that is Pakistan. As a third generation Pakistani and living overseas, we tend to distance ourselves from our identity. But, this day poses as a reminder to embrace our true individuality. Whether it is wearing shalwar kameez, raving about biryani or watching an intense cricket match, we must learn to love our culture. No matter how much we try to submerge in another society, at the end of the day our blood is still Pakistani. The stories of the sacrifices our elders made and their endurance during the migration to Pakistan carry a sense of respect and patriotism for the faith, unity and discipline that our forefathers laid a foundation for. Like Mohammad Ali Jinnah said, there is no power that can undo Pakistan!
From Ms Ameera Khan
Abu Dhabi
Freedom to live
For me, independence means when an army officer at the border doesn’t feel that he is at war, when there is no corruption in the country, when the poor get justice just as the president of a country does and when a girl can go out of her home without fear that someone will harass her. When I was in Pakistan, I would celebrate this day by putting flags around the house, lighting candles and distributing food among the needy to thank the Almighty for our country’s independence.
From Mr Adnan Ali
Abu Dhabi
Facebook comment
A brighter future
August 14, 1947, was the day that changed many lives! It meant leaving your loved ones and sacrificing, but once these people reached the new land called Pakistan, all the pain was gone. It was transformed into hope and a new life. As for us expatriates, many of us are born away from our homeland and live away our whole life. But, we make sure to celebrate wherever we are. Pakistan, since its existence, has been in a state of turmoil. There have been good times, but unfortunately it’s mostly under the radar. I pray that my country comes out of all that is bad and blooms like a flower into this world full of thorns.
From Ms Syeda Maheen Jafri
Dubai
Have we progressed?
Over the past 70 years, neither India nor Pakistan developed like other independent nations in the world and relations between both the countries have been plagued by hostility and suspicion. On one occasion, Indian veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar said that it is important to have friendship with Pakistan. People want to meet each other. They share the same language and culture. The imperial line drawn in blood between the two countries was the outcome of divide and rule policies of the British. Regretfully today’s leaders on both sides are still refining on this evil practice.
From Mr M. Mumtaz Hussain
Dubai
Magical atmosphere
Pakistan is a blessed country. There is a feeling of gratitude towards the late Mohammad Ali Jinnah who believed that the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent should have their own state. On August 14, I try to incorporate the green colour into my outfit, even though I wear an abaya. In Pakistan, the whole population participates. From fireworks to flags, the atmosphere does the magic. I hope one day Pakistan would become such a country that every citizen would skip the thought of leaving home to earn a living elsewhere.
From Ms Sumera Malik
Sharjah
An eternal bond
Independence Day makes one understand the true meaning of freedom. Freedom of living with our own style, practicing our religion, following our culture and traditions and being called a national of that country. For me, Pakistan is everything. No matter where I live, going back to my own country is the best feeling. The smell of the soil, the strong family bonds, the patriotism, national songs, putting up lights and flags and wearing badges is what makes me nostalgic when away from the homeland. I love my country and everything about it.
From Ms Sabeen Ahmad
UAE
Good leadership needed
I miss the days when we used to participate in annual programmes like singing patriotic songs or wearing the national dress with flags painted on our faces. We still have the same passion to celebrate the day, but staying out of the country limits your activities. Freedom is not easy and is pegged with a lot of accountability and responsibility. The entire nation is responsible to build the character and image of a country, without any discrimination of cast, culture or creed. Existing generations have to cascade their valued skills, knowledge and expertise to the next generation. The nation also needs to produce quality leadership that can navigate the country with honesty, wisdom and intelligence.
From Mr Saadat Khan
Sharjah
Feeling at home
August 14 brings back thoughts of how things would be prior to this day in 1947. It has an irreplaceable significance in the hearts and minds of all independent people, and a feel of patriotism. Here in the UAE, we feel at home as we see our people all around us. On Independence Day, we wear green, we take green sweets to work and there is a green flag on our tables. Our families in Pakistan do enjoy more as it is a national holiday. There’s a lot of home decor, everyone has a flag in their hands and national songs are played out loud. All of this depicts positivity and we all have positive hopes for a prosperous Pakistan.
From Mr Muntazir Haider
Dubai
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