As we bid farewell to 2012, we look forward to the New Year with renewed vigour, hope and a new set of resolutions. Our New Year’s resolutions mostly pertain to improving ourselves and our lives. However, this is also a time when we should ask ourselves what we can do for the betterment of our country in the upcoming year? After all, if we don’t do it who will?

Pakistan is not only our homeland but it is also our identity. Wherever we go in the world we are identified as Pakistanis.

Unfortunately, today Pakistan is struggling on many fronts, including political, economical and social sectors. It faces a myriad of serious problems, like lack of proper education among the masses, law and order problem, security issues, power crisis, etc.

These problems are making Pakistan a weaker country. To add to this, many people in the western world view the Pakistani nation as extremists and terrorists. All of these factors have created a negative image of Pakistan in the world. As a result, when you go abroad you sense a difference in the attitude of people there towards Pakistanis as compared to people of other nationalities.

Thus, it is time to bring about a positive change. We need to take ownership of this situation and start doing whatever we can to make Pakistan a stronger and a more powerful country. Remember it’s not only the government’s responsibility to strengthen Pakistan. We, the people of Pakistan, have equal responsibility towards making Pakistan a better place for not just ourselves but also for our future generations.

Don’t think that if your contribution towards your country is small, it won’t matter. Every little bit helps. Moreover, the important point is that at least you are ‘doing’ something about it and that something is still better than doing nothing.

Each one of us can contribute in a variety of ways. You are in a better position to decide as to what you can do for the advancement of your motherland. For starters, here are a few simple and easy ideas for our New Year resolutions:

Save electricity

Saving electricity will lead to more electricity for everyone, less load-shedding as well as reduced electricity bills. Upon leaving a room, always remember to switch off the lights, fans, air-conditioners, television, DVD players, video games and other electrical devices. In addition, at school if you see an empty classroom where someone has forgotten to switch off the lights, etc., you go ahead and switch them off. Don’t wait for someone else to do it.

Save gas

In winter, there is an increase in gas consumption which results in the shortage of gas. You can save gas by properly covering yourself with sweaters, shawls, socks, scarves, etc. This will reduce your usage of gas heaters which will make it possible to supply gas to more consumers.

Save water

Water (especially fresh drinking water) is in limited supply on planet Earth. Only by saving water today can we ensure that there will be adequate water for the needs of our future generations. It’s a good idea to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or applying soap on your face/body. Also, make sure to close all taps after using the bathroom. In case somebody has left the tap open, you should take the initiative to close it.

Try and use a bucket for taking a bath rather than using a shower as showering requires a lot of water.

Save paper

As the saying goes, ‘Waste not, want not’. The more papers get wasted, the more trees would be cut to make it, the more trees get cut, the more pollution and environmental problems there would be! So, utilise paper wisely. For instance, for rough work or to make to-do lists, instead of tearing a fresh page you can use the empty side of a used page.

Use waste bins

Not just inside our homes but even when we go outside, we should throw litter in the waste bins. In case the dustbin is far away from where you are standing; make the effort of going to the dustbin and throwing the litter in it. By doing so, you will not only be contributing towards the cleanliness of your country, but will also be playing your part in reducing pollution and its resultant illnesses.

Similarly, if you are travelling in your car and there is no dustbin in sight then instead of throwing the waste on the road, keep it in your car till you reach home where you can throw it in the bin.

Give to charity

You will find boxes in many shops/stores and hospitals where you can drop money to help a variety of causes. It is not mandatory to place a big amount in these boxes. Even if the amount is just a rupee or two, it would still make a difference. The primary objective is to contribute towards the improvement of your country.

These are some of the little things that you can easily incorporate in your daily routine but which will eventually add up to make a difference.

To conclude, the fate of Pakistan largely lies in our hands. We have the power to either make it or break it. Needless to say, the progress or decline of Pakistan affects all of us. If Pakistan prospers, we will be the ones benefiting from it and if it weakens we will be the ones facing the adverse consequences.

So let’s all resolve to do our bit in the year 2013 to make Pakistan stronger so that we can proudly say to the world, “We are Pakistanis!”