Sumyya Zulfiqar - As the country hits its 68th year today on 14th august, the Independence Day! We feel an aura of national pride in the wet monsoon air, again we will see flags and nationalistic emotions everywhere as people once again prepare to celebrate their independence, the spirits of many are seen lifted; living and breathing green. The stalls selling flags and badges on the streets, clothes and other accessories specially designed to set the mood, walking the parade where many may even sing the national anthem after a year. The heart of every Pakistani is brimming with respect, pride and unity.  On social media there will be feeds and tweets on Facebook and Twitter and most of the DPs will be of Pakistani National Flag or a ‘Happy Independence Day’ .Pakistan becomes an independent state on 14th August 1947 by the hardworking and true leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It was the month of Ramadan and night of Lailat-Ul-Qadar when it is declared by the Great Britain that Pakistan and India are now become independent states. We live in independent state! Are we truly free? Remaining 364 days are totally different. Nobody remember any leaders, the patriotism and everybody lives their life as if nothing ever happened. From childhood, we had been reading that with the creation of Pakistan, Muslims of India got rid of British oppression along with the Hindu culture. Let’s remember, think about Quaid –e- Azam’s 11th August 1947 speech, with the comparison of present day situation. He said, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State. We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens and equal citizens of one State.”
We have to make some promises this Independence day. Everyone should pledge to work towards the development of Pakistan in a true sense and make Pakistan a place full of love and happiness and mark it as a successful nation on world map. n