THIS March 23, I want to share a morale-boosting news report with my countrymen which I read in the Dawn issue of March 21.

According to the World Happiness Report 2017 produced by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, a global initiative launched by the United Nations in 2012, Pakistan ranked much higher in the Happiness Index compared to our neighbours.

Pakistan is ranked 59, while India is at 95, Iran is at 108, Bangladesh is at 110, China at 120 while Afghanistan is at 141. One can find more details of the report on the SDSN website.

So this March 23, we must bow our heads in gratitude before Almighty Allah for having given us such a great land. Pakistan is a great country and we are a brave and resilient nation. Shed despondency if any and let us unite and strive to make our country a land of peace, plenty and prosperity. Pakistan Zindabad.

Niaz Kaim Khani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2017