Every year on August 14, my heart swells with pride as I see the green and white flag dancing in the summer breeze. Streets fill with the sound of patriotic songs, children wave little flags, and the air carries a feeling that is hard to describe — a mix of joy, pride, and deep reflection. But behind the celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day lies a story that is both inspiring and sobering.
The Birth of a Nation
In 1947, the world saw the creation of a new country carved out of the Indian subcontinent — Pakistan. It wasn’t just a change on the map; it was the realization of a dream for millions of Muslims who longed for a homeland where they could live with dignity, practice their religion freely, and shape their own destiny.
The journey to independence was not easy. It was marked by decades of political struggle, intellectual awakening, and unimaginable sacrifices. From the streets of Lahore to the halls of British power, the demand for Pakistan grew stronger each year until, finally, on 14 August 1947, the dream became reality.
Quaid-e-Azam – The Architect of Pakistan
No story of Pakistan’s creation can be told without the towering figure of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Known for his sharp mind, unshakable determination, and unmatched integrity, Jinnah was the driving force behind the Pakistan Movement.
He was not just a politician; he was a strategist who could see beyond the noise of the moment. Through tireless effort and a masterful command of law and politics, he united the Muslims of India under a single vision — that they deserved a homeland where their political, religious, and cultural rights would be protected.
Even as illness wore him down in his final years, Jinnah never wavered. His famous words still echo in my mind: “Pakistan not only means freedom and independence, but the Muslim ideology, which has to be preserved.”
Allama Iqbal – The Visionary Poet
Long before the political map began to shift, Allama Muhammad Iqbal planted the seed of the idea that would one day become Pakistan. In his famous Allahabad Address of 1930, Iqbal spoke of a separate state for Muslims in northwestern India.
But Iqbal’s role went beyond political thought. Through his poetry, he stirred the sleeping soul of the Muslim community. His verses were not just literature — they were a call to action, a reminder of a glorious past, and a push towards a self-determined future. For many, his words became a source of courage during the darkest days of the struggle.
The Many Unsung Heroes
While Jinnah and Iqbal are rightly remembered as central figures, Pakistan’s independence was the result of efforts by countless others — political leaders, scholars, journalists, and ordinary men and women who marched, protested, and even gave their lives. Leaders like Liaquat Ali Khan, Fatima Jinnah, and Choudhry Rehmat Ali, along with thousands of unknown faces, all played their part in this remarkable journey.
The Value of Independence
For the people of Pakistan, independence was not a luxury — it was a necessity. Living under colonial rule meant decisions about their lives were made in far-off halls by people who neither understood nor valued their culture, religion, or aspirations.
With independence came the right to govern ourselves, to make laws that reflected our values, and to preserve our identity. It gave us the power to dream on our own terms. For generations born after 1947, it’s easy to take this for granted. But for those who lived through the partition, independence meant dignity, safety, and hope.
The Unfinished Work
And yet, as I stand today in 2025, waving the flag with pride, I cannot ignore a painful truth — Pakistan has not yet become the great country it was meant to be.
One of the biggest reasons is that we have not achieved true independence. Yes, we are free on paper, but our policies, economy, and politics are often influenced — sometimes dictated — by outside powers. Our democracy, too, remains fragile. Instead of a government truly accountable to the people, we’ve seen cycles of weak democratic institutions, political manipulation, and the shadow of undemocratic forces.
We have also failed to uphold the very principles we once demanded for ourselves before independence — especially the equal rights of minorities. One of the primary reasons for our struggle was the fear of being denied equal rights in a united India, yet now, as an independent nation, we still fall short of giving our own minorities the respect, protection, and equality they deserve.
We dreamt of a country built on justice, merit, and equal opportunity. Instead, corruption, inequality, and short-term politics have slowed our progress. This is not the Pakistan Jinnah envisioned. This is not the Pakistan our elders struggled for.
A Call for Renewal
Independence Day is not just about looking back; it’s about looking forward. The green and white flag should remind us of both our achievements and our responsibilities.
We need to work towards:
- Strengthening democratic institutions so that people’s will is truly respected.
- Building an economy that stands on its own feet instead of relying on foreign aid.
- Ensuring justice and equality for all citizens, regardless of class, religion, ethnicity, or gender.
- Reviving the spirit of honesty, hard work, and unity that fueled the Pakistan Movement.
- Our elders gave us a country. Now it is our duty to give that country the greatness it deserves.
Final Thoughts
As the sun sets on another 14th of August, I feel both gratitude and urgency. Gratitude for the sacrifices that gave us Pakistan. Urgency because the journey is far from over.
The flag we raise is not just a symbol of the past — it is a challenge to the present. It asks us: Will you keep the dream alive? Will you make Pakistan what it was meant to be?
This Independence Day, I say to myself — and to every Pakistani — let’s not just celebrate our freedom. Let’s complete the mission of achieving True Independence that we call ‘Haqiqi Azadi’
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