Happy Independence Day! - Talking Point

Roshan Pakistan
The phrase: "Roshan Pakistan" closely translates to "May my Pakistan have a bright future". Firstly, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy and blessed independence day! Today, the 14th of August is a very important day in the history of all muslims, as today, the Muslims fought for their freedom and were the first to achieve their freedom in the East. An entire nation was carved out of the historical India on the basis of religion. As Pakistanis, we need to remain united and work towards acheiving self-sufficiency. Our top priority must be to improve and support our country by every means possible, to make it a better place for not just Pakistanis, but everyone else who visits this land of warmth and hospitality.

We as Pakistanis love to celebrate as many events as possible, whether it is the birth of our nation, the Prophet's birthday, Pakistan day and whatever else we can possibly find to commemorate. This of course indicates that we are by nature, fun loving and jubilant people. One thing we must not forget is to remember the basic principle behind our independence, that is, the foundation of a nation that braces itself upon religion - Islam in our case. Therefore, our every action must coincide with the teachings of Islam, that is, to love and care, to preach peace over hatred, forgiveness over vengeance, to side with the truth no matter what, and to remain united under one flag.

We must also pay tribute to all those who so graciously gave up their lives to provide us with the feedom that we enjoy today. If we think about it, the importance of having a free country like Pakistan is truly a blessing, and something we all tend to take for granted. The only country that will always accept us no matter what, is our homeland, Pakistan. Even as citizens of foreign countries, we will always remain as foreigners not only in the hearts of the local inhabitants, but within our hearts as well. We belong to Pakistan and we must accept it by heart that we will forever be Pakistanis. I for one am proud to admit the fact that I'm Pakistani and I'm ashamed to not have been raised up in my own country, but then again it was not in my hands to choose my place of residence. There are so many things I've missed out, so many basic aspects of our society I am not even aware of, and probably will never know about. However, it is never too late to learn.

We must all work together with our hands, with our minds, with our wealth, with our hearts and with all our might to give to Pakistan what it rightly deserves from us. We must learn the invaluable lesson of unity and patriotism from the great American leader, John F. Kennedy, when he spoke the following wise words at his inagural address on January the 20th, 1961:

"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you:
Ask what you can do for your country"

May God bless our nation and it's people and may He guide us towards success and true feedom from within, when one Pakistani can look at another as a Pakistani, and not as a Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi or Pathan. Ameen.

I have put up several 'milli naghmein' or "Patriotic songs" on this lovely day. Simply click on the song you would like to listen to, and a new window will pop up and start playing the song.

Note: You will require Internet Explorer 4+ to play the songs.

Qaumi Tarana - National Anthem of Pakistan

Vital Signs - Dil Dil Pakistan

Vital Signs - Dil Dil Pakistan (Remix)

Junoon - Jazba-e-Junoon

Junoon - Azaadi

Junaid Jamshed - Jeetaein gay


I've also put together, a set of picture of Pakistan and it's people. Enjoy!



Pakistan Pa'indabad!