Happy Independence Day!

Another year went by in a blink of an eye. Today we'll watch patriotic shows on tv, just like we did last year, we'll see crowds celebrating out on the streets, just like we did last year, we'll dress up in white and green , wear our badges, grab our flags, attend rallies, just like we did last year.

Unless we change, this year will go by the same way last year did. And we'll do it all again next year. Is that all we'll ever do? Update statuses, chant slogans of 'Go green' and watch patriotic shows?
Hopefully, this year will be the year of change. Many of us will start universities abroad, spending thousands of dollars on our education, some more than others. Would it hurt to think about those who will never see the inside of a classroom? What's Rs.1000 a month compared to thousands of dollars? Is it really that difficult to sponsor a child's education at that price? Would it kill us to ensure another child's education along with our own?

We saw what generations before us did. They've had their chance. Now its our turn. Its up to us. Many of us have left or are leaving our country seeking education, just like generations before us did. The question to ask ourselves is if we'll return, because they didn't.

We have grown up on the mercy of this land. We've eaten what grew from it, lived in houses built on it, we've taken and its given. We owe this country everything. And we give back nothing. Each year we wake up this very day, kiss her on the forehead, wish her happy birthday and go on our way.

Give Pakistan something this year. Give her the promise that you'll try, try to pay her back, try to help her through these trying times. Assure her that she's not alone, that you're right by her side, that you'll help her get through it all. Grab her frail hand, and don't let go this time. Would we leave our parents to die if they're sick? Then how can we leave our country? Give her your vow to do all that you can to bring her back to health, to prosperity, to glory.

"Azaadi qurbaani maangti he, haasil honey ke liay, aur qaaim rehnay ke liay"

We achieved freedom 64 years ago, but for it to remain, for it to prevail, we need to sacrifice. To work hard. To give. Like the people who sacrificed all in 1947.

"Do not be over whelmed by the enormity of the task. There is many an example in history of young nations building themselves up by sheer determination and force of character. You are made of sterling material and are second to none. Why should you also not succeed like many others, like your own forefathers. You have only to develop the spirit of the "Mujahids". You are a nation whose history is replete with people of wonderful grit, character and heroism. Live up to your traditions and add to it another chapter of glory" Quaid-e-Azam 1947

We wish you all a very happy independence day. And we pray that may we all change for the better this year. We pray that those leaving return to work for our motherland, those living here work hard to make it as glorious as it was in 1947, and those who don't care, start to care.

Stand up citizen of Pakistan and do your part.
Hamari zaat, hamaray log.