The 64th anniversary of Pakistan reminds us of the momentous struggle and sacrifices that were made during the independence movement. Pakistan was created through democracy and hence, there was a need to evolve and nurture a strong democratic culture in the country.
Pakistan was meant to be a homeland wherein we could live in freedom and thus, shape our lives while determining our own destiny. The country was envisioned by Jinnah as a society based on democratic values, constitutionalism and equality. Tremendous sacrifices were made to fulfill the dream of having an independent state.
The first directly elected prime minister late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto sacrificed his life during his struggle to safeguard the rights of people. Later, his daughter and the heir of her legacy, late Benazir Bhutto also laid down her life as continuity of the same struggle. Today, the democratic government of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is striving to complete the mission of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.
PPP’s struggle is similar to the fight of farmers, labourers, teachers, doctors, intellectuals, students and minorities. It is a struggle to protect the dignity of every Pakistani and to provide opportunities of an honourable livelihood.
“We must work our destiny in our own way and present the world an economic system based on true Islamic concept of equality and social justice. We will therefore fulfill our mission as Muslims, giving humanity the message of peace which alone can save it and secure the welfare, happiness and prosperity of mankind,” Jinnah said in one of his speeches.
These words of the founding father of Pakistan clearly reflect that he envisioned Pakistan as a modern democratic and welfare state established on the basis of principles of fair-play and justice. Today, the same vision needs to be applied at every level to confront the daunting challenges and combat external and internal threats, as well as the growing militancy and poverty.
While the nation today is confronting unprecedented challenges, it is a high time for us to revisit the idea behind the demand and creation of this great nation. Fortunately, the pursuit of materialising this vision in to reality has not forsaken. The present democratic government, under the unwavering resolve of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, is committed to make Pakistan a welfare state as dreamt by Jinnah and to stick with the notion of national reconciliation as envisioned by Benazir.
The democratic government, with regards to the concept of a nation state and empowering people of Pakistan, has taken numerous significant steps. As a comprehensive social safety net, Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has also been established in accordance with the vision to empower poor.
Moreover, as a result of the transparent and efficient mechanisms adopted by the BISP, the programme has emerged as the first ever such initiative in the social sector of the country, which has gained support and trust of various prestigious international organisations.
The programme, besides attaining global appreciation for transparent and efficient mechanisms it has adopted, has achieved several milestones i.e. in the arena of poverty alleviation, women empowerment, health, employment and education. All such measures are directed to uplift the lives of poor.
The Independence Day provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment with the mission of uplifting the lives of poor and marginalised segments of the society including women and minorities. Moreover, to make our beloved country a modern progressive and tolerant society and a great homeland for every Pakistani, the vision of Benazir must be revisited in its true spirit.
The writer is State Minister and Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)
