As soon as August rolls around, the streets turn green. Shops start selling green and white dresses, kids get their faces painted and buses blast national songs to create a festive mood.

However, as we celebrate our independence, there are still those in this world who are constantly fighting for it. Let’s explore what it is that we actually celebrate and what others are still struggling for.

What is independence?

Independence is one of God’s greatest gifts to us and our country. It is the idea to live in your own country, safe from any oppression, free to do whatever you wish to, among other things.

The struggle for independence is a defining part of Pakistan’s history; hence, we celebrate it enthusiastically year after year. Our forefathers struggled and strived to achieve this freedom for us at a time when a country where people could live with justice, equality and peace was only just a dream.

Why independence matters?

Imagine waking up and not being able to choose what to do, what to wear, what to say or even where to live, where to work and where to go. Imagine not having the permission to go to school, hang out with your friends, or just talk with your family. Imagine not being sure of what tomorrow brings… that’s what happens when there is no freedom.

We live in a free country, where we can decide how to live our lives. We can speak freely about our thoughts and dream big. We can practice our faith and traditions openly and with freedom. And these are just some of the reasons we must protect and value our independence every single day.

Just a dream

However, this Independence Day, we need to remember others in other parts of the world, our fellow human beings who deserve to enjoy all the rights we have, and for whom, freedom is still a dream. As we celebrate the day of our independence, there are children out there in this world who have lost their homes and loved ones, who can’t go to school and can’t even move around safely and freely.

This is a clear reminder to all of us that independence is truly a gift and should not go unappreciated. While we celebrate, we should remember and support those who are facing conflict, civil war and are still struggling for their freedom — be it the people of Palestine, occupied Kashmir, Ukraine, Sudan or somewhere else.

To honour our independence, we need to help others gain theirs

Independence should not be treated as a luxury — it is a basic human right, for all of us, to be able to freely live in our country, without any prejudice and fear of any kind. The least we can do, as those lucky enough to be free citizens, is to raise our voices and try to spread kindness; thereby, not only making us better Pakistanis but also better humans.

What freedom lets us do?

Freedom lets us go to school, learn new things, read whatever books we want to read and play whatever games we want to play. It allows us to explore our hobbies, use the internet and even choose what we want to be when we grow up. We can speak up when life seems unfair and we can express our joy wholeheartedly.

They may all seem like simple things, but in many parts of the world, children can’t enjoy this freedom. What we take for granted is considered a luxury to them. That’s why we need to value our independence, as it gives us the power to grow, thrive and help others.

What can we do?

Independence is not just waving around flags and wearing badges; it is the act of being kind. To speak up for yourself and others, to help others and to fight for what is right, is to have independence.

Every small act counts in the larger picture — speaking up against injustice taking place anywhere, sharing awareness, donating or raising funds for kids in need, volunteering in the community, supporting different causes, and so much more can be done by anyone, even kids.

Celebrate with purpose

This August 14, we need to not just value our freedom, but remember, in our thoughts and prayers, those who do not have it yet. We can all do our part to raise awareness.

You can make a poster with your friends to spread the message, talk about this issue with your friends and family, start a fundraiser to raise money, or just plant a single tree, as a symbol of peace. Every good deed matters.

Our gratitude for our freedom and our country’s independence can be expressed by desiring the same for others and making sure to use our freedom to help them achieve the same. We have the power to make the world a better place, not just for us, but for our future generations.

Imagining a better tomorrow Imagine a world where you aren’t afraid of your actions, where every child can go to school safely and where every country can celebrate their day of independence, of freedom.

This dream can become a reality for everyone if we, those who enjoy freedom, work together to make this dream come true. As proud Pakistanis, let’s not just celebrate our freedom, but work towards a world where everyone can have live in their homes with peace, freedom and security.

To honour independence, we need to help others gain theirs. Happy Independence Day! n

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