Are we taking our freedom for granted? We all need to ask ourselves this question.

It’s the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan. Every year, we celebrate this day with zeal and zest. But it’s not just a day to celebrate — it’s also a day to acknowledge the struggles of those heroes whose names may not be recorded in history, yet it is because of their sacrifices that we now live freely in our own country. We are free to make our own choices — and that is something we should always be thankful for.

On this Independence Day, a question arises in my mind: are we taking our freedom for granted? At a time when so many countries are still struggling for survival, are we failing to value what we have?

Sadly, to some extent, this is true. We decorate our homes, streets and buildings with flags and lights — but at the same time, we dream of settling abroad. We pursue education not to serve our own country, but to find opportunities elsewhere.

We speak of environmental issues, but throw wrappers out of car windows onto clean roads — roads of the same country we claim to love. We ignore traffic laws here, but abroad, we become model citizens.

Still, despite these contradictions, we love our country with our heart and soul. Whenever we are abroad, our hearts beat for Pakistan, and our eyes long for our loved ones.

Just this May, the world witnessed the spirit of patriotism among Pakistanis. Every time an enemy tries to weaken us, we rise stronger and more united. No matter the challenge, when our country is in need, every Pakistani — whether Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi or Pakhtun — stands together as one. It is this unity that strengthens us.

So, this Independence Day, let’s be realistic. Let’s accept our flaws instead of blaming the system, as we always do. Change starts with us — with how we think, how we speak and how we act. We need to be more tolerant and responsible in our actions.

Let’s redefine independence: true freedom is the ability to flourish in the land where we were born and raised — the land of our ancestors. Let’s claim our right to make our own decisions and commit to working for the progress of Pak sarzameen — our Pakistan.

And let’s not forget Quaid-i-Azam’s timeless advice: “With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.”

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 9th, 2025