THE Rawalpindi cantonment, once known as the ‘best’ one in the country, though not what it used to be, is still a comparatively cleaner and better place than the city. Attempts at bringing the cantonment back to its former glory are made every now and again. In this regard various steps have been taken, one being the huge roundabout built at the main crossroads in Chaklala to ensure an even flow of traffic.
The crossing used to be a bottleneck, where vehicles remained stuck for a long time. So the commuters breathed a sigh of relief when the roundabout was completed. Now passing by here is ‘smooth sailing’ as they say, and the hassle of yesteryear has been forgotten.
The roundabout looks very nice these days as the plants are in full bloom, the grass is nice and green and the whole area is kept neat and clean. There is an impressive ‘sculpture’ in the centre of the roundabout, with brass calligraphy on all four sides, around which a fountain has been built and in these hot summer days its high reaching sprays of water provide a cool spectacle.
On special days like the Pakistan Day and Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi, the place is decorated with coloured bulbs and light sculptures which give a celebratory look and attract many people.
The roundabout has become a landmark and has been named Ammar Chowk in memory of Capt Ammar Shaheed (Sitara-i-Jurrat).
That was the right thing to do, but who is Capt Ammar? He is obviously a national hero who gave his life for his country and it is befitting that such a prominent place should be named after him. But we need to know more about this gallant son of the soil.
There should be a plaque with more information about his life and martyrdom, displayed prominently so that those who pass by can stop and read it and feel a sense of pride.
Another similar example is at The Mall-Murree Road crossing. This used to be known as Victoria Crossing because a statue of Queen Victoria existed here many years ago but it was renamed some years after partition.
Recently, this crossing has been named TM Chowk. Those who have a military background know who TM was, another brave soldier, but what about the general public? TM could mean anything as far as they are concerned.
Another aspect about the names of these places which boggles the mind is that the signs are only in English. There should be signboards in Urdu as well, not only for the convenience of those who don’t understand English but also because we should show some pride in our own language.
There may be other such signs all over Pakistan, probably put up in the same manner, without anything to indicate who the person is.
It is hoped that someone in authority will take notice and do the needful, not only here but wherever a public place has been named after a national hero, and ensure that plaques are put up in their honour.
Heroes are emulated by young people, especially if they are inspired by their deeds and a little bit of encouragement on this front could go a long way in producing more heroes that the coming generations can be proud of. After all, if we do not bother to get to know our heroes, who else will?
In the Western countries, even when local heroes are honoured in small villages and towns, visitors to these places can read all about them and their achievements. Let us too give our heroes the recognition they deserve.
THE Rawalpindi cantonment, once known as the ‘best’ one in the country, though not what it used to be, is still a comparatively cleaner and better place than the city. Attempts at bringing the cantonment back to its former glory are made every now and again. In this regard various steps have been taken, one being the huge roundabout built at the main crossroads in Chaklala to ensure an even flow of traffic.
