Independence day of Pakistan, my other post shows one perspective of what this day is all about. This is another perspective. We need to recall what this day was meant to be.
Apparently, what 14th August has become as of today is no more than "a day off" from the hectic lives of people living all over Pakistan, especially in Karachi.
I myself was in the worst traffic situation on Monday. The only driving force that dragged me through the traffic was the fact that 'tomorrow is off'. I went home and planned to have a long sleep on the day of Independence. I did nothing all day (in order to chill) but at night I gathered up with some friends to have dinner somewhere outside. On our way to the restaurant we were cursing the traffic conditions all over Karachi. Although we did enjoy the sights of how beautifully the city was decorated with all the colorful lights and flags.
I'm not going to go all 'Patriotic' about all what I am about to say, it will be solely your judgment call.
I will first highlight a bit what this day is, you all know but I will still tell you one again. Pakistan was NOT "SEPARATED" from India, Pakistan's BOUNDARIES were defined. We did not go INDEPENDENT, our RELIGIOUS PRACTICES was freed from a ghastly blend with the contrary.
Based on the todays attitude of people and the consequences of their acts (largely), I'm bound to say that unfortunately we have taken its meaning in a way that "we can do whatever we want to, wherever we want to and how ever we want to".
Once again, take a look at what happened on this 14th August. Great traffic jams, wastage of time, money and sanity on the roadside a day before, resulting in the loss of the spirit of 14th August. On the 14th, every small and large building was decorated indeed very beautifully, but can you imagine how much energy they have consumed in one day! And they fuss about the lack of electricity and the stealth.
I'm very sorry to say that having an independent country has turned out to be a 'little' different from what it was meant to be. Did the killing stop after 1947? Did the religious battles (both internal and external) end after 1947? Did people get justice after 1947? Were the rights of mankind saved after 1947? DO YOU FEEL SECURE WHEN YOU WALK ON THE ROAD TODAY?
It is indeed such an easing and pleasing thought to know "I have a home", but don't we realize that we are messing up our home by limiting our focus to just "I have a home" rather than "Hey! This is my home!"
Think, Think again, I'm ending my blog by letting it be your decision.
