As an independent state, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has successfully spent 75 years. Precisely, no journey is easy. The same goes for us. This considerable span of freedom conveys that the people have strived and struggled. But is this struggle actually enough to maintain autonomy and sustain its factors simultaneously?

The phrase “independent state” implies a state that enjoys its sovereignty and prosperity in every aspect. From education to politics, health to defence, and social behaviour to economics.

Undoubtedly, the span of 75 years is sufficient to determine whether we spent this epoch with complete freedom or whether we are still under the influence of insentient dominations. The question now arises, are we honestly independent? Do we have enough hearts to live free of those foreign dominations and culturally affected thoughts?

To infer the era, let’s consider Pakistan in the broader context.

As an independent state, we should enjoy economic freedom.

We should be financially and economically robust. Is this valid in our case? Let’s see

“SELF-RELIANCE IS THE ONLY ROAD TO FREEDOM…”

According to recent research, Pakistan’s total loan outstanding was approximately PKR 42.9 trillion as of the end of March this year. It portrays how much we are indebted. One will feel no reluctance in admitting that we still lack self-reliance and are required to implore other states for our country’s fundamentals.

Although we are the ones producing cotton, leather goods, and surgical instruments, our economy is still in danger. In the list of countries suffering an economic crisis, Pakistan sits near the top. A nation looking forward to the aid of other powers can’t be economically independent.

Considering politics, we are not independent enough to elect our own leader. Our political instability has become a subject of ferocious ideological debate nowadays. We are encountering a forceful imposition of rulers. The family-to-family transmission of leadership has stripped us of the liberty to vote and select our government. We aren’t even free enough to decide on the leaders of our preference!

An independent state is one in which every individual has the right to express their opinions and discern their culture. However, our media is still an aficionado of the culture that’s not expedient for us. Following the exotic cultures, pursuing their traditions, and promoting their outlook, do the folks with these imprinted reflections represent an independent Pakistan?

These moral values portray that we are still influenced and captivated by many beliefs and cultures that are not a part of our sophistication.

Around 75 years ago, we were physically under the domination of those vicious leaders who had restricted our dreams of freedom, who just loved to overpower us. We are still under their rule; the only distinction is in the manner of their mandate. We are still the puppets, with the threads in their hands. We are yet under the constraint of other powers, not physically but mentally. Is this true independence?

We live in a state where the accoutrements of the subjects are not secure, even outside the Holy places. Undoubtedly, we need Pakistan to have a safe and secure environment for our upcoming generation and opportunities to grow and prosper. However, our youth, despite possessing talents and degrees, are still struggling to find employment opportunities. We suffered the same for 75 years. Is this a free state, Quaid-e-Azam expected? Liberty to live, to vote, to express. Are we relishing these elements? No!

We got Pakistan to live free of all undesired dominations and to lead our lives as Islamic folks, but are we still free to follow Islamic teachings?

The racism and divorces are not bringing a demanded dowry, child labour, nepotism, and unemployment. Are these the teachings of Islam? Are these characteristic traits of a freed nation?

Rising poverty, unemployment, cronyism, and corruption! Nay! This nation may be independent of foreign domination, but its thoughts are still occupied.

Conclusion: We have the resources, possibilities, and potential, yet we still fall short of where we should be.

We are a manikin with no true freedom to speak, express, vote, and live.

We may be physically independent, but we still lack the freedom of mind, thoughts, and reflection.

It is not that Pakistan, the idea of which was proposed by Sir Allama Iqbal. It is not that independence, as defined by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

We should understand the true implications of independence, as that’s the only way we can truly enjoy and reap the benefits of freedom.

Moreover, each of us must play our part instead of waiting for others to take action. We need true leaders to motivate our spirits and guide us toward the track of actual freedom.

It is essential to recognize that independence does not necessarily equate to physical freedom. It requires freedom to think, have the opportunity, and be able to prosper without any external or internal control.

Pakistan will flourish and advance once its people acknowledge their stature and value, once the true essence of freedom sinks into their minds. That will be over for all those forceful impositions on our hearts, spirits, and state.

Independence is a precious present from the Lord, not everyone has the heart to be blessed by this reward.

Freedom suggests free minds and free land,

with all the rights in the occupant’s hand.

Autonomy to prosper, progress, and say

to choose a leader in a preferred way.

Freedom of soul is an old hat scheme.

Freedom of thought is the cream of an idea.

Thoughts should be free of foreign strings.

Follow your culture and see what it has to offer.

One should reflect freedom from words and moves.

It is the majesty, and time will prove.

May Pakistan comprehend the true essence of leeway

O Lord! bless us with your grace every day!

PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!

MARIUM SIDDIQUI

KMDC, Karachi