That is the step in the right direction, and may I add that we (Overseas Pakistanis) should also teach the same things to fellow Pakistanis I commit my self to teach the drivers and Labour Pakistani staff in my company the same as one of my co-workers once said that I try to be in my best behavior when I am wearing Salwar kamiz.

There are many more word to capture in this box for the betterment of Pakistan, did we ever think about ourselves leave ourselves lets talk myself, what I gave to my country, and I want to give my country, is my working n' living style make proud for my country. inshallah I will do such a things / works which represent me as a good Pakistani in Globe. from now on i obey the Traffic Rules strictly, I manage thrash properly so no one get harm from it, I will do work so known as Pakistani not only but when ever , where ever I have been seen people look there the Great Pakistani is going. I am starting all habits right now. May Allah help me in this effort amin

gI think Faseeha Arjumand (above) said it all so well. Pakistanis need to change themselves fundamentally.

You have said it all and very much true. thanks

I agree, till you do not separate state from religion nothing will happen. Educate ,Open of there rights, sent them college and universities .reedom is an important word, and one that can be used as an ideal end to justify evil means. You could say 'freedom means something different to everyone', but we all have to live in the same society, so we're going to have to come up with some objective categories of freedom to make society work. Isiah Berlin wrote in 'Two Concepts of Liberty' in 1958 that there were two sides to freedom. He called these 'positive' and 'negative' liberty. Negative liberty is the idea of libertarianism as it is understood in the US, the idea that government has no right to interfere in the 'sovereign' privacy of individuals, primarily in reference to their private property. Most non-Western and European nations did not develop this individualistic idea of personal 'freedom from'. Which is why countries with greater 'group rights' retain a different idea of freedom, which Berlin called 'positive liberty', or 'freedom to'. 'Freedoms to' are a different kind of right held between people and state. They are an obligation on behalf of the state to provide groups with something they may not be able to provide for themselves, like education and healthcare. Look at an extreme example, Cuba. In Cuba there is very little negative liberty - freedom of speech, assembly and other 'political' freedoms that Americans and Europeans take for granted. But they have certain positive liberties, to education, and healthcare. I live in a European country where I am lucky to enjoy both positive and negative liberties, and appreciate that these are not rights that we are born with by dignity of our inherent humanity, but have been fought for for centuries. I hope we can all understand what freedoms we have and lack, and what progress there is still to do to give other people who still live in fear, or do not have the right to education and health care the freedom that they ask for.

best wishes to India and Pakistan for independence day...

Bravo Ms. Jahangir!

The same's true when that devastating earthquake had hit our country way back in '05....it was the youth only who had taken charge....and it's upto us only to save our homeland from disgrace..to all the pessimists out there I say not all is lost.

I read this poem way back in grade 6....it's by Sir Walter Scott...there'd hardly be anyone out there who hasn't come across this one I believe...but nonetheless I'd like to share it with everyone here.... Breathes there the man with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said, 'This is my own, my native land!' Whose heart hath ne'er within him burn'd As home his footsteps he hath turn'd From wandering on a foreign strand? If such there breathe, go, mark him well; For him no Minstrel raptures swell; High though his titles, proud his name, Boundless his wealth as wish can claim; Despite those titles, power, and pelf, The wretch, concentred all in self, Living, shall forfeit fair renown, And, doubly dying, shall go down To the vile dust from whence he sprung, Unwept, unhonour'd, and unsung. back in grade 9, I remember reading the constitution religiously and trying to undersatnd it was the norm for me and my friends....thanks to a highly motivational Pakistan Studies teacher....then those days passed and we grew up discovering each and every aim we had for Pakistan and Pakistan alone shattering as if there was nothing to begin with thanks to the games played by our politicians....each and every hope torn to smithereens... regardless of all this despair even now I believe that better days will come Insha Allah.... and that the same patriotism that ravaged in the blood of the Pakistani people and that same sense of dignity will take birth in us back again.

Dear All Please advice all the victims of flood (from all the four provinces) to move (A LONG MARCH) towards Islamabad so that the establishment of Pakistan come out of their comfort zone, and to me this is the only solution for the dirty and corrupt politicians and bureaucrats so that they would do something for the effected people of Pakistan. Ask the effectees to stay at parliament house, president & Prime minister house, MNA's & their respective MPA's. It will bring a chaos in the government machinery because it happened due to their own incompetency and that's why they should face it. The management of twenty million IDP's of Pakistan have a greater interest than management of twenty/thirty families of Pakistan. I am a big fan of Pakistan media and judiciary and would like to suggest that why dont you guys make your own political party and fight for the sake of Pakistan. I live in UK and really want to do something for our country.Nobody trust on current leadership of Pakistan either he is Nawaz, Imran Khan, Altaf Hussain or anyother, they all are useless(impotent would be the rite word). I cry when I see the conditions (poverty, ill-literacy, hunger, bad rule of law, mismanagement, corruption, bad governance and so many other things) of my country, I have really some good ideas for creating an independent, patriotic, democratic, visionary, educated political party but lacking funds. Right now you guys are the only hope and can act as a saviour for the nation. I tell you one thing announce a political party and claim that if we won, our president will be Dr. Abdul Qadir khan and then see the results. Last but not the least, I would also like to say that Pakistani Army & amp; ISI who considers themselves as the most strategic thinkers and well wishers of our beloved country. But today they are also responsible for the situation of the state. Nobody can deny their involvement in politics of Pakistan and to me they are equally responsible for the current Islamic Republic of Pakistan. They never breed or supported a true leadership in the country nor they have proved themselves as a great leaders. Hope we will keep awakening the sleeping nation of Pakistan. Sab ko Salam Pakistan Zindabad

best wishes to dear pakistani sisters.

May god bless the people of pakistan, Happy Independence day

There are two challenges that Pakistan faces today- in the near term protecting lives and property from ravaging floods and in the long term winning over militancy. Floods will come and go, but unless Pakistan learns to build tolerance in its society and wins freedom from militancy, Pakistan as a nation has a bleak future. I wish Pakistan good luck in winning over militancy. That will be true freedom for Pakistan and progress will start from there on.

Never mind, millions suffering, never mind if we lose few more ,never mind we are helpless, let us still buy few f-16 's few frigates ,few drones and then we can talk!!!

The land of Pakistan has given birth to great civilizations, they had the pride and self-respect to challenge the march of great Alexander, it was a great land of culture and education where 20,000 odd international students used to studied some 2500 years ago. They are probably the most beautiful, handsome people of this sub-continent. It

It is a vicious circle. Education is the key to future progress, but parents can afford education to their children only if there is control on population. Lack of good education results in lack of economic productivity, loss of job opportunities and then frustration of youth. Then they turn to crime and start listening to Mullahs who direct them towards the path of destruction of others. But who suffers the most. The People themselves.

Completely agree.

To reclaim our pride we must: *Implement true Islamic Shariah in Pakistan forthwith *Implement the Objectives Resolution and Islamic clauses of 1973 constitution in letter and spirit. The above may be asking too much from a disillusioned and lost nation, but their is no other way.

Shafi 14.08.2010. The motto of Mr. Jinnah 63 years ago was "unity faith and discipline". It got muslims of India a home land. What is he national motto of Pakistan society today? Please say. A well known columnist of "Dawn" news paper in his E.mail said to me, You cannot shame the shameless. I say you cannot restore the pride in the prideless society. You will have to generate it,before it could be restored. So please get on with the task

Going through the string was educative,presently there seems to be lot of gloom & doom in Pakistan, but please understand , this too will pass in due course, nothing is permanent only change is permanent.

We can all sit behind our computer screens and shower the board with rhetoric. Unfortunately we Pakistanis are all talk. THE only way to make a difference is to get our hands dirty, politically. Understandably, no one wants to delve into the dark world of Pakistani politics but it it is a step, the only step that has a remote chance of achieving lasting change.....

As many pointed out, we need leaders whose politics is about the well-being of Pakistan not certain ethnicity, who know to address issues faced by Pakistanis and do not use the "divide and rule" on their own people. As Pakistanis we can stop running after those who only talk about certain part of the country and let them know that we don't like it when they do that. It would be nice if the media could take a couple of minutes out of hours they spend every day talking about who plans to mary who in bollywood after five years, and use those few minutes to remind every one that how great it is to have a country of our own and show examples of those who don't have this blessing. We can start telling ourselves and those around us that we are Pakistanis first and Muslims, Punjabi, Pushtoon, Balochi, and Sindhi later. Finally, we can start by reminding every one in our home and neighborhood that as citizens of this great country we have some responsibilities towards our country and nation, and promise ourselves to teach our children about the greatness of our country and make them realize that we indeed are very blessed to be Pakistanis.

I have always believed that we would rise to the peaks and this belief is not based on emotional premises but on the fact that we are most talented and intelligent nation on earth. It is all the more that after so many trials we would emerge as diamonds. The world understands our potential and we should also believe in it instead of cyniciacl. Be positive and we would soon be on summit. Pakistan Zindabad.

Happy Pakistan Day to all my brothers in Paksitan. It was also a Pakistan day for us for 24 years. To reclaim your pride, admit to past mistake and confront extremist who are slowly destroying Pakistan. BEST wishes from Bangladesh. Sami

***** stars for a two starred comment !! Two difficult tasks, 'but there is no other way'. If the govt. and people of Pakistan make serious, vigorous and sustained efforts in this direction, Peace, Prosperity, and true Freedom will be there for ALL. "Awal Allah Noor Upaya Kudrat de Sab Bande .........."

Deen & Dunya gotogether in Islam Once Prophet said: Those who do Ibadat night and day will be in Heavon. It did not mean prayers day & night but doing things in a day(and night too)in ethical way as ordained for Muslims. Religion is a Way of Life....Not what we call Prayers only....Kindnesss Generousity & Humbleness.....Respect others views/beliefs.,whether you are Muslim or non muslim Jinnah said i am first Pakistani and then Muslim....faith is personal matter but Code of Conduct is for both and same. Complete submission & Unconditional Surrender to the Lord.

Happy Independence Day to all Pakistanis. I will like to quote Hazrat Imam hussain A.S "If you want to bring revolution , change yourself, it will bring revolution automatically". I will just request my lovely pakistani youth to see towards themselves for change not outwards. Because change always comes from inside. Let,s decide on this day that by the next independence day we will change ourself for the good of pakistan.

The unprecedented floods have caused a havoc in the country the repercussions of the floods are colossal as one can predict what amount of damage had been caused by flood to our agriculture sector as agriculture is the back bone of Pakistan the situation is ferocious people are starving to death there is no food no water situation of chaos this catastrophe has expedited the prior catastrophe that pakistan faced in past devastation is every where recently i read in Dawn that Hungry people attached the convoy carring edible things the concerned authorities should look in this matter as food is pre requite to live

Rituals like annual contemplation and resolutions are not going to achieve anything. We should teach our sons and daughters to question everything they are taught in schools and mosques and to verify those using internet, and then make a judgment for themselves.

We should unite and stand againts all evils i know easier said that done but some has to take initiative we need revolution and for that change in our attitude our thinking are pre-requisite we as a nation has the potential to turn all the odds that are against us we should try to be in lime light for all our activities we should follow on the footprints of our founder wake come guys only we can change Pakistan

On your 14th August, wishing you and countryfolk the best of wishes for rebuilding a nation which has been ravaged by a lot of things these 63 years. I wish you all the best from my heart and hope you and we can have good neighbourly relations sooner than later. This part of the world which has probably 10 - 14% of the world's population, cannot be help up by continued jingoism. Let us spread awareness that we all need to improve the future of the next and later generations from now on and I am sure we shall all do better than the last 6 decades. Wishing you a great day and better times ahead.

I am a Pakistani now residing abroad. My story is not unique. There are many others who left their motherland for similar reasons. I was registrar in a medical school when I went abroad on study leave for higher education. I acquired the postgraduate qualification with some working experience in the institutions abroad. Under usual conditions when a person goes on study leave he/she returns to the same post at the expiry of the leave. I wanted to serve my country and therefore I returned to Pakistan at the end of my leave. I was asked to report to the section officer of the health secretariat. On my first interview with the section officer I was asked whether I brought some neck ties for him as a little gift. Unfortunately I had not. I was told to return in a few days before an appointment would be made. I asked weather I was returning to my post that I left before going abroad. The answer was negative. I tried and tried to convince the secretariat that it was unfair as I was not asking for any promotion or other advantage. My requests fell on deaf ears. In the end I returned abroad, worked in a foreign country and became a consultant that is one of the top most appointments. I am proud to be a Pakistani who worked as some sort of ambassador for my country that rejected me. When such injustices are eradicated, Pakistan might recover its pride. Is any one working towards that goal? I doubt it!

As a pakistani we should promise that we will say no to provincialism, ethnicity, ethnocentrism...We will respect every culture, every tradition...we will stand as one nation....we will not divide ourselves on the name of punjab, sindh, Balochistan and KP. we are one nation.. The most important thing which is the need of time is that we should revive the spirit of 2005 earthquake, flood victims need our help, we should stand with them they need our help and support...youngsters its time to come forward and show the true spirit of patriotism........... Pakistan rockx.....Dont worry Pakistan, you will soon be included in the row of developed country who instead of begging for aid will provide aid to under developing countries and that time is not for far...for that the only thing we need is UNITY...

i agree.

I posted the message below and sadly just one person replied, a shame indeed. Once again I emphasise lets not be talkers - Be doers. Use this as a medium to establish a platform, I say again, we can do it. Lets do it. My Dear Pakistani, Its very nice and encouraging to see the passion for change. Cretainly its the Youth of Pakistan who need to actively be the change makers. However, we have had enough of discussions/forums/debates, and now is the time to act. I say this because its very easy to be passionate on the day of independence and forget the very next morning. To begin with, lets bring this change in our everyday life. Lets join hands and first establish a platform. Then make the same paltform our identity, identity of the change makers. Once this is done, then where ever we are and where ever we go we remind ourselves and each other of this identity. For instance, if I suggest the name

You can't be serious! You are making a joke, aren't you?

hi Amna - you are absolutely right. i have seen the same as u mentioned above that the roads were deserted. i saw the flood victims in the schools who were desperately waiting for donations and i was surprised to see that people were generously donating relief goods to the flood Victims. i had the tears in my eyes to see that helping passion of the people. we have been facing lot of tragedies in Pakistan for a long time but i think this dark era will be disappeared after some time. Our spirits are high and will remain till the death... Pakistan Zindabad

Thanks and also best wishes in advance as well.

Embrace the path of love,truth and peace god will have mercy on all.

An Excellent Opportunity for the Politicians Had Pakistan built some large dams in the wasted 10 years of Musharraf era, today the impact of floods would have been on a much reduced scale. These floods are an eye opener for those myopic politicians, who can't see beyond their nose. Today, Pakistan is economically standing, even behind the stage of 14th August 1947, where foreign exchange reserves are USD 15 billions against loans of about USD 60 billions. We always crib that dictators had no vision & they did nothing for the long term benefit of Pakistan. Now we must turn this crisis into an opportunity, by planning for at least 100 years ahead. The Prime Minister must immediately activate the parliament alongwith all the out of parliament forces, to jointly sit and agree on a 100 years growth and development vision for Pakistan. This vision should be divided into 20 five years plans on which all the politicians should agree. This planning will give a clear direction to the nation and also save the time and energy of the incumbent and ensuing political governments in useless debates of which dam or project is in the national interest, or against it. It must also be remembered that changing environmental conditions, are going to be the biggest challenge in very near future, for countries like Pakistan. And let there be no mistake that areas spared by floods this time may always be safe. The future environmental calamities may even be on a much larger scale, engulfing more than one nation. What recently happened in LEH (IOK), should be an eye opener for the entire SAARC countries. So any future planning, must also be in coordination with and take care of the interests of the neighboring nations, because no single country has the capacity to survive the adversities of the nature, alone.

completely disagree. to reclaim(claim) our pride we must; keep religion away from affairs of the state. build a society which is open minded and progressive. concentrate on development and education rather than india/kashmir.

Best wishes from across the border .... Let goodness betide us all.

As Darrow says

Unity, Faith and discipline was Qaid's motto. Do we see that in our nation? No. Do we see that in our self appointed leaders? No. There is no unity anywhere in Pakistan. Provinces are at loggerhead. There are sectarian fault lines. And there is a great division between rich and poor. rulers and ruled and landlords and peasants. There are divisions in our faith. We are Muslims only in name but not in deeds. People have lost faith in everything. Discipline is virtually non existent. One can see how people behave where ever there is need to form a queue. So is in life; everyone is for him/herself. Look at the politicians and their behaviour and you learn a lot about Pakistan.

Independance day mubarak to all. Though this is the day, when we got independance, but this is the time to think of what we have today and what we have lost. It is not time to weep and waiting for a miricle, but we have to be realistic, we have to act, we have to come forward, we have to change. We lost many things but now we should take a deep sigh and have a glance on our past, and then we have to act. We can not face and act against terrorism, flood, poverty, unemployment, corruption etc, by just criticising these problems but we have to take a realistic approach. Do not only that what this country has given to you, but think a while also, that what you have given to this country. Long live Pakistan. Pakistan zindabad.

My Dear Pakistanis, Its very nice and encouraging to see the passion for change. Cretainly its the Youth of Pakistan who need to actively be the change makers. However, we have had enough of discussions/forums/debates, and now is the time to act. I say this because its very easy to be passionate on the day of independence and forget the very next morning. To begin with, lets bring this change in our everyday life. Lets join hands and first establish a platform. Then make the same paltform our identity, identity of the change makers. Once this is done, then where ever we are and where ever we go we remind ourselves and each other of this identity. For instance, if I suggest the name ' Hamara Pakistan', then if you are shopping, in college, having meal with friends, driving, or in any office and should you notice something wrong and feel a need of a voice then you should ask each other if they are part of Hamara Pakistan. This will not only stop us from doing wrong but if we manage to increase the number of Hamara Pakistanis we can then stop others. Ask your friends, family members, colleagues and every other youth you see, are you Hamara Pakistani. Spread the word using all available social networks, technology, print and digital media. Come one guys lets do it. Time to act - Time to change. Its now or never. Let make 'HAMARA PAKISTAN'

Really much appreciating work. we surely should do something and put our hands together to make great efforts to help the victims.

Well, its independence day today but we first we should think that Are we independent in true sense? do we know and understand the importance of an independent nation. i really dont think so...Today on this independence day we should revive the true essence of independence and understand our ideology once again... make a promise from ourselves that we will stand together in ever difficulty with out any differences created on the name of ethnicity.. Its time to dissolve all ethnic barriers, its time to show unity for Pakistan and for its people... its time to stand against injustice, against corrupt people, corrupt governemnt and in all this youth can play a vital role ...

In these times, I believe we need the spirits higher than ever on any 14th August before. So instead of just being sad upon what happened or be indifferent for it didn't hit us, we should go out and make the effort to break away from our comfort zones and turn that passion, enthusiasm into something that drives us to help the flood victims. They're more than just the flood victims, they are our fellow citizens! They need more patriotism than our pity!

To reclaim our pride, I want to say that our cunning establishment and corrupt politicians must end their warfare and concentrate on the welfare of the people of Pakistan. They must realize, as blogger Habib R. Sulemani says, the whole world is watching, we can't hide anything anymore!

A New York based Pakistani photographer Natasha Jahangir (http://twitter.com/natashajahangir) has been mass tweeting celebreties across the US to create awareness about the Pakistan floods. Her tweet ""I don't hear anyone singing We Are the World for Pakistan" #pkfloods" has generated response from singers Michelle Branch and Adam Levine. Just goes to show what a little effort from someone who is not even in Pakistan can do in this time of need.

To reclaim our pride we must: * Separate state and religion; * Implement Jinnah's 11 August speech in its true spirit. The above may be asking too much from a disillusioned and lost nation, but their is no other way.

after seeing all these comments i thnk we ,the youth of pakistan ave an ability nd calibre to transform our motherland into the land of happiness nd peace bt we shud first of all identify our responsibilities regarding our nation nd country..nd try to fullfill our responsibilities faithfully nd wid devotion also........

Zeresh earlier wrote towards the end of her comment, "It was a very hopeful moment, like nothing was lost." Whether she realizes it or not - she wrote something powerful. And she isnt alone - moments like the work by the students being done today, helping the each other, and many other similiar experiences gives hope that Pakistan is not lost despite what every "genius" political pundit or something of that nature thinks - its not lost because people will help and continue to help. That is the nature of this country - innate. Helping each other is a great way to keep our spirit...

Eefa and Sadef, you're both right. I have seen at variouscamps people, setting aside clothes, food and people have donated money as well as their time very generously. There are numerous organisations that are traveling to different parts of the country with trucks full of relief goods. So all isn't lost, there is still hope...

I dont want to sound Obamaish but I probably will - nothing can happen by itself - no one and/or no other country can change what happens in Pakistan except for Pakistanis. No matter how helpless Pakistanis may or may not feel - they are the only people who can bring change in their land. To conclude I think Pakistanis are the key to bringing changes, not the army, not the government, not foreign countries, and whoever/whatever else.

It's about individual initiatives. Post-disaster burst of inspiration and patriotism is all well. But we need more long-term projects to instigate a true change. Education is the key and youth is the primary force which can drive the nation to such a change. When one is engaged in a process of change, albeit gradual and howsoever slow, there is always hope for him. We can keep our hopes rekindled by being part of the change.

I think the spirit is going to be there inshALLAH, all we need is the unity and passion for our country. I've been seeing so many independent org and youth getting up together and working for flood relief. It's a combined effort from all over the country, for our people from our people

To add to that I think it doesnt have to be money - I feel that a person can go into their closet and grab something they might not have worn for six months, for example and donate it to the nearest camp site. Or many just spend a day or even half a day helping the camps pack and organize the donated items. It makes a difference on the other end. And at the end of the day -thats the point.

It is Good to see Students doing something no matter how small, it is time for the educated people to get involved and do something constructive, please do not just complain do something positive every little thing counts. As long as there is life there is hope.

But again, is this just for August 14? Will this spirit die down only to resurface next year? How do we keep our spirits high after hearing bad news (violence, bomb blasts, natural disasters) each day of the week?

Seems like quite a few people came across the students collecting donations, kudos to them for coming out on the streets!

true.. because of lack of honest & patriot leadership no one will join politics....i think the that only youth of Pak can bring about the change...so what we need is a general platform to active the youth....

Happy Independence Day Pakistan :) I just came back from reporting on the students from Indus and Szabist collecting funds for the flood victims. They were so eager and hyped up - it was wonderful to see them with that spirit. I had to hold myself back from becoming physically involved because they had already gotten me emotionally. They were stopping cars, singing songs, and cheering everyone who could not give but showed some spirit - nothing was stopping them from making their goal. They had the right attitude for the job - they knew that the country is experiencing hardships - what better way to show your patriotism then help another fellow Pakistani. I wish them the best of luck.

Donations matter. Every penny is useful. It's the abit of giving that counts.

Hello all, I too witnessed students from various universities gathered around the doh talwar roundabout in Clifton, Karachi today, collecting donations for the flood victims. It was an extremely emotional experience watching these students run up and down the road, stopping cars, leaning forward with their donation boxes. It had been a while since I

Independence day celebrations canceled throughout the country http://bit.ly/bffnDZ

Hi Salman, thanks for joining us. I agree, we can't just sit back and criticise, we have to be part of the change. But the question remains - how? Honestly, no one I know has or will join politics - that's just the fact of the matter. But then, is joining politics the only way to bring about change?

In my opinion the key issue related to all our troubles is the lack of education in the general public. The literacy rate is quite poor and the problem is compounded every year when the government announced a paltry 2% of the budget or there about set aside for the educational development. With proper education (not just academic) people can regain their sense of civic duty and that further develop into patriotism and doing whatever that is necessary in the moment to protect our homeland. Happy Independence Day to All!!!

I particularly appeal to our intelligentsia and students to come forward and rise to the occasion. You have performed wonders in the past. You are still capable of repeating the history. You are not lacking in the great qualities and virtues in comparison with the other nations. Only you have to be fully conscious of that fact and to act with courage, faith and unity.(Quaid-e-Azam March 23, 1943) the above quote says it all....& it still stands true even today...

Pakistan Zindabad..(Independence Day 14th/Aug/2010)

I believe the loss in patriotism has stemmed primarily from the fundamental assumption that we(an individual) can not change anything. The blame-game, which has become an increasingly popular part of our culture, seems to have this direct consequence that we no longer want to shoulder responsibility, take initiative or to act at all. Wordy criticisms and fiery decrees and conspiracy theories suffice.

There has to be a reason why people like us are talking about this lack of visible patriotism. There has to be a reason why so many houses this morning had the flag waving out on their roofs. There has to be a reason why some of us still wear the flag pin on our chests and attach a small flag on our vehicles..... its still there, we've just forgotten how to show it, how to value sacrifices and take pride in identity.

The reason why we have opened this platform for discussion is to have your views and to debate on our loss of patriotism -- has it just come down to listening to patriotic songs and putting up flags? What about being patriotic throughout the year?

Hi Hafsa - You have a point but I do think people have been donating quite generously for the flood victims, from all I've seen so far. Case in point, what Eefa witnessed on the streets today. That is quite inspirational and very passionate. The mood is somber and for the right reasons, but at least our spirits are high and we are helping out fellow citizens in their hour of need.

Amreeka has become superpower after 230 years of independence, so what if Pakistan hasn't achieved much in 63 years of independence. After 63 years of independence Amreeka was going as worse times as Pak today. Times are much more challenging today, so have some patience till we become superpower. Pakistan Zindabad :)

The celebrations seem colorless and without any significant ardor this year. With the crisis, one after the other, that we face, the populace seems disoriented and needs a lead. Are there any real hopes?

Azadi Mubarak to all Amna i was thinking of the same thing as you mentioned the deserted streets and no vendor. But as my car came was near to "two swords" i saw 50-70 kids/students all dressed in GREEN with flags and donation boxes in hand. They were stopping every car passing by and were asking for money for the FLOOD VICTIMS. The weather is really hot today and the kids am sure are all fasting it was so great to the zeal and the passion that i almost had tears in my eyes. When my dad stopped the car to gave them donation they all started shouting Pakistan Zindabad and the spirits were so High, it was just too amazing to see them

Well it was pretty much the same on the streets but the midnight 14th August celebrations went off as per usual. Speakers blasting patriotic songs, huge flags and firecrackers were all there to mark the start of our 63rd independence day. I wonder if they could've used the same money in donations towards the flood victims.

Coming in to work today, the streets were deserted and it didn't really feel like it was August 14. Didn't even see many vendors selling flags and badges. Was it the same for all of you?

Happy Independence Day my co-workers and all of Pakistan!

I think Pakistan should think about what they have gained and what they have lost in these years after independence and take corrective steps. good luck Pakistan.

Love your passion. I would say the same to you what I said to Shoaib. Get more and more people and enhance the network. Take it seriously.

Great job Shoaib. Make sure you spread the word every where you go. Make everyone a Hamara Pakistani. Use it on social networks that you use. Text as many as people you can. Lets do it!!!! WE ALL CAN BE LEADERS, ONLY IF WE LEARN TO LEAD OURSELVES FIRST.

My Dear A A Khan we all are with you, strongly agreed and inshallah act upon it.

at kannan karthik.. I agree and i think things should be like this.. We, the people of each nation, should never think negative about other nation. Forget about what armies do, all we have to do is just stop blame games and give some respect to each other. Media can play a vital role to bring both nations in good and trustworthy relations but unfortunately the MOVIES and NEWS CHANNELS wont leave us come closer to each other.

I am from Indian Hindu, 23 years old and a software engineer. Weather its here, or over there, common people are so much obsessed about each other. For me, I don't give care about our military strength or Pakistanis. All I am concerned about, is making sure everyone lives peacefully and with mutual respect. This so called media propelled India Bashing happening in Pakistan, or the Pakistan Bashing happening over here should stop.We both have done things we shouldn't be proud of.

yes me,my family members,and my friends are Hamara Pakistani.yes its time to act its time to change.its my home land,its my country.lets thing about pakistan, thing about future.this is not important where we are tody the important thing is that where we will tomorrow.we have to do hard work and become sincere with work, don't cheat on anyone, follow the directions of MUHMMAD S.A.W.W. I LOVE PAKISTAN...... i am doing my best....... get up dears our future is in our hands.if don't do anything we will lose everything.... don't forget PAKISTAN HA TO HAM HAN........

I think pakistan needs a young blood who can take on the responsibilities and fulfill them. Now a days zardari group and nawaz group playing tag team against the helpless people of Pakistan. Pakistan get billions of dollars from all over world, but Pakistan still the same getting worse day by day. I think we should elect some one new and take care of the business. just get rid of all the current govt, all the mullahs etc and most important the people who run the country from abroad, we don't need them. Please GOD help Pakistan Pakistan zindabad

Deeds without truthfulness Dreams without sustainable efforts Visions without a clarity Thoughts without conviction Future without accepting past misdeeds All of them will not be a success You dont need to apologise to those who you have inflicted wounds. Apologise to yourself first and god will aplogise you.

We can all reclaim our pride and be successful. Our main aim should be that the aid that is coming must be utilized in the intrest of flood victims. U.S. has already given 77 million. Now it is time we show transparency in improving the infrastructure.