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A quick stroll through opinion pieces routinely shows a defeatist and perpetually critical attitude. Even August 14 is not spared, with recurring themes such as "what is there to celebrate?" Is it any wonder that people are depressed? At least for one day, let's have the audacity to celebrate our nation and our identity, and motivate ourselves to move forward even stronger.
Without regressing into a history lesson, it is important to remember how Pakistan fared at its dawn. While India inherited much of the colonial infrastructure, Pakistan was left to fend for itself in setting up the economy. Even food had to be imported as Pakistan lacked the capacity to feed its own people. Rather than drowning in despair or second-guessing their new homeland, Pakistanis were endowed with a sense of purpose, passion, and dedication.
Defying the odds and the naysayers, manufacturing industries were established. Agricultural output exceeded local demand and exports of textile, sugar, milk, and other farm products bolstered Pakistan's foreign trade. Despite the turmoil in the decades since, the road network has been expanded over 500 per cent. Irrigation has doubled the area of arable land. Much to the delight of expatriates and farmers alike, Pakistani produce is now making a splash in the American market. It was only a few short years ago, before the restoration of "democratic" rule and the impending mis-governance, that Pakistan also sat on one of the highest performing stock markets and a booming economy. On a personal level, Pakistan continues to be one of the most charitable nations. Pakistani men and women alike are second-to-none in the IT market, and the prevalence of electronic media is creating more opportunities for awareness and empowerment.
It is a misnomer to talk of Pakistan's "creation." Creating implies that something comes to being which would naturally not exist otherwise. Yet, Pakistan is the realisation of the dreams and visions seen by spiritual masters such as Shah Waliullah and Naimatullah Shah who foresaw a citadel for Muslims. Sixty-four years after independence, Pakistan is an evolving force. Despite the misdeeds of its citizens, leaders, generals, and enemies alike – it moves along.
Pakistan is a divine gift, a mission, and a vehicle for prosperity. The only 'failed' aspect of the state is the loss of direction. A driver with bad directions does not devalue the priceless car being driven. Politicians and the elite who empower themselves are missing the opportunity to guide Pakistan towards its destiny as the model Muslim welfare state which it will undoubtedly become. Pakistan will reach the stature destined for it.
Turmoil and upheaval mark many developing nations, and no nation can rise to greatness without this experience. The states that rise up and prosper are those which boldly march ahead with a collective identity, much like Pakistan at its infancy. The youth has a clear choice: continue to lament over all that is wrong and squander their chance at destiny, or have the resolve to move forward with courage. Rather than being disheartened at seeing problems, the leaders of tomorrow should appreciate that the task before them has been presented, and they must seize the opportunity to cultivate success. Allama Iqbal, in his spiritually inspired wisdom, offered the following words for those who will lead the change:
Let not the sorry plight of the garden upset the gardener;
Soon buds will sprout on the branches and like stars glitter.
Weeds and brambles will be swept out of the garden with a broom;
And where martyrs blood was shed red roses shall bloom.
Look, how russet hues have tinged the eastern skies!
The horizon heralds the birth of a new sun about to rise.
The writer is a software developer and blogs at www.sarmad.pk
