The celebrations of yet another Independence Day by the nation indicates the resilience of the Pakistani state that despite multiple threats and being pronounced a failed state at the brink of collapse by the international community has survived brilliantly. For surviving one more year and standing on the 64th stair provides us with a lot of reason to cheer about on 14th of August for which we definitely deserve a pat on the back. And this by no means is sarcasm. No nation has seen or suffered as much as we did; the circumstances in which life comes to stand still or nations collapse all together. Yet, despite all infelicities we didn’t embrace a dead end. The brink yet waits to be crossed, for no matter how bad things are-we are obstinate survivors.
Proving every claim ill founded and blown grossly out of proportion, we move towards the future with faith and conviction of better days ahead. Science is an ardent disbeliever in miracles, yet it cannot challenge the dexterity inherent to will power. Against all odds, if still there is a fierce avidity to live you can rate one thing for sure: the game isn’t over yet. Paradoxically, we also have the same adamant fervour when it comes to staying in a mess, or dipping in our feet a few more inches down. It hints a dilemma of being cut in an ardour to live-yet not knowing how to live.
This year is no exception to traditional national rituals. We gather for celebrating the country we attained with the objective of protecting our interests, for cherishing the fruits of independence. Yet, here after sixty four years we have a part handcuffed in the chains of terrorism that has infested our beloved nation for the past decade, gradually eroding the essence of our identity.
LUBNA UMAR
Islamabad