From among the interplay of multitudes of ideologies in the post 9/11 Pakistan, patriotism is surely on a steady decline while that of extremism, intolerance, materialism, individualism etc are gathering momentum with each passing day as more and more adherents of such philosophies can be observed. This spells for the need to stop and think where we have gone wrong.
Growing up listening to national songs and heroic tales of our brave heroes had made it very easy to perceive my country as my only haven where the eye could see nothing else but beauty and serenity spread across the landscape taking my breath away with every loving glance.
The post modern chaos and breaking of all boundaries has done a lot of harm to our patriotic sentiments as the young generation remains unable to choose for themselves a single philosophy to adhere to wholeheartedly thus fuelling instability in their personalities. This can be exemplified by the characters adorning the national flag that one buys from street vendors on every Independence Day. Hardly can one find a flag without the faces of people and cartoons embellishing the green fabric that corrupts the symbolism inherent in the distribution of colour.
This cultural invasion has robbed us of our identity, the purpose of our existence, significance of our own culture and an independent indigenous thought process. There is a great need to reintegrate the patriotic mindset that allows us to develop the love of our country that compels us to keep the interest of the nation central in our lives. That allows us to consider our country as our only home and not a stepping stone in quest of greener pastures elsewhere.
In order to make our existence worthwhile one needs to adhere to some beliefs around which our lives come to revolve. I find patriotism a much better and enriching experience that can lend direction to our existence in comparison to other prevalent newly emerging ideologies that have turned our societal mindset into a cocktail of ideas thus losing the ability to converge on any single unified standpoint.
LUBNA UMAR
Islamabad
(II)
The way our youth and youngsters are out on the streets to celebrate Independence Day is not, in any way, in accordance with the spirit and aspirations, and in valuable sacrifices of life and property, on the basis of Pakistan Resolution of 23 March, 1940.
Islamabad the beautiful is also in the grip of the azadi. We often hear about ban on fireworks which never work and the teenagers are left scot free to indulge in openly harassing people by fireworks and crackers etc even in their residences due to smoke and noise thus created. Late into the night the jubilation mood goes on and on, without caring the sanctity of the holy month of Ramzan.
If we continue marking this day with fireworks, crackers and hoisting the flags with no respect for the independence, fellow countrymen and the purpose for which this country was created we will continue to be losers and paupers and enjoy no respect as citizens and as a country, anywhere in the world.
TARIQ ANWAAR
Islamabad
(III)
Dear countrymen,
Birthdays are special occasions when all the family members gather to express their love, concerns and best wishes for the one who is important to them. It makes everyone happy and strengthens the bond of love among the family. On my birthday, I also want my elders, young and children to celebrate my birthday by showing their love and sincerity. You are all buying my flags, displaying badges and decorating places. My flag is a symbol of unity, faith and discipline. I want you to forget the differences created by provincialism, ethnicity and linguistic issues. I want to see you all united as one family. I want you to have faith in Allah Almighty, faith in me and faith in yourself that we are capable to handle our problems.
We have the potential to rise to the glory, to set an example for others. I want my family to follow the true principle of discipline. Do not give me slogans as I have already heard them before. If you really love me, care for me, want me, believe in me then give me the perfect gift today. Prove your love by uniting, working hard to bring prosperity and protect me from all those who have ill intentions. Today, I need you more than ever. Are you there for me?
Yours truly,
Pakistan
ANWAR PARVEEN
Islamabad
