As we approach Pakistan’ 65th independence day, I want to make a serious proposal regarding the nation’s flag. Present flag comprises of two sections: green rectangle and a white bar at the mast with the respective ratio of 3/4 and 1/4 (75:25). This ¼ white bar represents the approximate ratio of non-Muslims supposed to be Pakistani citizens at the time of subcontinent’ partition in 1947. However, due to unprecedented bloody riots resulting in large scale migration of population on both sides of the border impacted this green-white ratio. Later, with the secession of Pakistan’ eastern wing in 1971 (which used to accommodate a large number of Hindu population who chose not to migrate to India in 1947), this green-white ratio drastically reduced to 98:2.
With the recent upsurge in persecution of Hindu community in Sindh, including kidnapping of well-off Hindu traders for ransom, extortion and forced conversion of Hindu girls, there are reports of alleged exodus of Hindus from Sindh and Balochistan. Members of other religious groups always fear for their lives, families, businesses and honor under the ever-looming threat of blasphemy laws, a legacy of the dictator Gen Zia.
It is quite fair to presume that we shall soon complete the elimination of the white section of our flag. Therefore, we may make the official changes in the flag – maybe it should be completely green (with, off course, a crescent and star at the centre). But I wonder, once it’s completely green, then what shall be the reasons for continued in-fighting. Not to worry: we have sectarian minorities within the green.
MASOOD KHAN
Saudi Arabia
