Alhamdulillah! We are celebrating 77th Independence Day in our dear motherland .This is, particularly, significant because a faction of people is observed ridiculing the celebration of this great bounty gifted by Allah Almighty.
This cynicism is for many reasons: the first and foremost reason is they are unaware of the true value of independence .How can they be aware of it as they paid nothing for it? This highly precious gift was just put into their laps. Secondly, they fail to realize the countless sacrifices rendered by our ancestors for this separate homeland .Furthermore, it seems as if they are assigned for their cynical attitude towards Pakistan by some people having nefarious designs .Whatever the reasons may be, they must look at the years long struggle and untiring efforts made by our leaders for its achievement. 
They need to have a retrospective view of the harsh realities of independence. It is beyond reckoning how many of our ancestors lost their lives to turn their dreams into reality. The golden dreams of many of them to set their foot on this sacred soil were shattered on their way to reach this independent state. A lot of innocent souls and young aspirants of independence were treaded over before reaching Pakistan. The history of our independence is intertwined with ruthless killing of our forefathers. They had to throw their young daughters alive into deep wells or flooded rivers in order that they might not be molested. This bone chilling atrocity caused desolateness all around.
The ungrateful and disgruntled section of our society needs to wake up and realize that Pakistan – an independent state, a miracle of Nature has given them a lot: they are neither assaulted going to their mosques, nor derogated going toward churches. It is, indeed, independence that assures us our mutual respect and sings:
(You will damage no more my Mosque, nor will I damage any more your Temple. Come ahead to understand each other.)
My dears, we are not perturbed for slaughtering cows, reciting the Holy Quran, celebrating our festive or religious days and chanting Azaan.
For heavens’ sake, point out corruption but let us abstain from labelling Pakistan as a corrupt country. Voice your concern against injustice, poverty, inflation, poor road structure but let us be proud of Motorways, four weathers, all types of fruit and vegetables, the first nuclear state in Islamic countries and 7th in the comity of nations.
We are proud of our establishment and civilian leadership for their commitment to better Pakistan’s future.
Let us pledge today on this auspicious occasion to replace our pessimistic view with an optimistic one, and negativity with positivity.
They say, positivity wins positivity.
Let us be cognizant of the fact that sincere efforts of our leaders to make Pakistan a progressed and prosperous country that thrives with integrity is good enough for all of us to be fully proud of it. Remember that today’s Pakistan is many a time better than when it emerged on the World map. Let us join our hands to put our sincere contribution towards its progress and prosperity.
Let us kindle love for Pakistan in the hearts of Pakistanis. Happy Independence Day. Long live Pakistan.( The author is former Head of English Department at PAF College Sargodha)
