We use the words ‘freedom’ and ‘independence’ interchangeably. To be independent would mean to be able to direct one’s own affairs without the control of others. Freedom is a much more amorphous word. It can mean being unconstrained, but we also speak of academic freedom, freedom of expression, freedom of movement and, of course, the freedom movements of politics.

There is a causal relationship, as it was the freedom movement that led to Independence from British rule. For Pakistan it was a double independence — from British rule and from India.

It took 190 years of struggle — if we take the 1757 Battle of Plassey as the first resistance to foreign rule — and a huge loss of life, yet that struggle had definition, moral clarity and a clear objective. The struggle for freedom and independence that continues to define Pakistan’s internal and external socio-political structures, has far less clarity.

To give some structure to our concerns, we use terms such as feudalism, class, and the ‘big game’ of geo-politics. However, the elusive sense of freedom and feeling of independence are deeply internalised.

One can argue that no country is completely independent, nor are its people really free. At best they are ‘happy slaves’, as they willingly restrict their own freedoms and define their obligations in the larger interest of an orderly and peaceful society. They willingly follow the rule of law established by the state, religious ceremonies for weddings and funerals, social etiquette, even the minutiae of the principles of art and design.

An independent nation is self-confident, focuses on the needs of its people, protects its borders, is financially self-sufficient, and plans for the next generations by developing a strong education system.

Pakistan came into existence financially disadvantaged, with a smattering of industrial units, a handful of qualified civil servants, an ill-equipped army. The exodus of Hindus and Sikhs who controlled the markets and institutions left a vacuum. Yet the first decade saw unimaginable progress. The country established its own airline, PIA, which rapidly became one of the best in the world, National Motors started assembling vehicles. The Pakistan Industrial and Development Corporation was established. The Memon community put all its wealth into establishing industries. Urban planner Ahmed Ali developed an ambitious master plan for Karachi. The next decade saw even more development projects, agricultural growth, effective international diplomacy and even a Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission.

The Pakistan of my parents was full of hope, progressive, with high quality educational institutions, art, music, film and entertainment. Parsis, Christians and Hindus were part of the mainstream of Pakistani society, and held prominent positions in education, the armed forces and the judiciary.

Much has been written about the unravelling of this era. Hiraeth is Welsh word for the longing for the lost places of our soul’s past and our grief for them. However, much nostalgia we feel for the past, we are here now and must fix our attention to the future. While we may feel let down institutionally, socially there has been dynamic change.

Increasing numbers of blue-collar workers are ensuring their children get college and university education. Young professionals are achieving international recognition in art, music, film, digital technology and sports. The textile industry, sports equipment and Pakistani mangoes have an international market. Neo-miniature painting originating in Lahore’s National College of Arts has created a new chapter in world art history. Truck decoration from the streets of Karachi has fans all over the world.

Before we pat ourselves on the back, we should recognise these are the result of individual efforts. The quality of education so many desperately seek, is at an all-time low. Few institutions provide the infrastructure where our talented youth can reach their potential, resulting in the inevitable brain drain.

There is no arts funding, no international level sports facilities. Moral policing and authoritarian monitoring constrain dialogue and discussion. Pakistan has become a country held back by its own. We may have achieved freedom, but the journey to independence still lies ahead.

Durriya Kazi is a Karachi-based artist. She may be reached at durriyakazi1918@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, EOS, August 22nd, 2021