WE have drifted quite a way from Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan; there has been no shortage of commentary reminding us of this over the past many years. Yet just how far we have moved from the Quaid himself only became clear this Independence Day, when, in the enthusiasm to celebrate the occasion as a military victory parade, the government ‘forgot’ to picture Mr Jinnah and other national leaders on an official advertisement issued to commemorate the event. The law minister, who said he had been ‘heart-afflicted’ by the oversight, was himself unaware of the omission until the opposition raised the matter in the Senate on Friday. Had the omission of the nation’s founding father from an Independence Day communication been so inconspicuous? The government, together with various state institutions, should introspect. Cities nationwide were plastered with banners and posters honouring and congratulating the present-day leadership on the occasion. The politicians could have done much more to highlight the contributions of the founders of the nation.

Independence Day was traditionally an occasion to celebrate the country and its freedom, and its spirit should remain dedicated to the country’s founding vision, and to the people whose sacrifices made Pakistan possible. Our armed forces did indeed achieve commendable results in the recent conflict with the country’s eastern neighbour. However, a celebration of these should perhaps have been left to the upcoming Defence Day, which would have offered a much more suitable occasion. One is also compelled to comment on some of the national awards and accolades that were conferred on Independence Day. Is it suitable that, year after year, exclusive honours are distributed freely among political loyalists rather than genuine achievers? According to the law minister, the prime minister’s entire war cabinet received awards because they ‘spent many sleepless nights to remain available for emergency decisions’. Eight more allied lawmakers, also from the ruling parties’ camp, received awards for travelling around the world as part of a post-hostilities diplomatic offensive. It is a mercy that the prime minister turned down an award for himself. One wonders what need there was to celebrate politicians in this manner. This Independence Day might have been remembered as a moment to reaffirm Mr Jinnah’s vision. Instead, it became an occasion for the powerful to honour themselves.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2025