Like every year, on this Independence Day we can see roadside stalls selling flags, badges, colourful buntings and other stuff to decorate our houses and schools with. Many of you will also adorn your houses with all these items. It is something which almost all of us have done in our childhood with great excitement and enthusiasm. We really enjoy buying this bric-a-brac and embellishing our house with it.

But have you ever wondered that is this what August 14, is all about? Is hoisting the national flag on your rooftop or singing patriotic songs at school functions enough? Should you just spend this entire national holiday relaxing and watching TV, or is there something more to it?

Well, I won’t narrate the story of the creation of Pakistan because I know that all of you are already acquainted with it. However, there is something I would want to draw your attention to, and that is civic sense. As you all know that being citizens of this country, we have certain rights and duties, and though we know our rights very well, unfortunately we tend to ignore our duties. And it is this issue that I want to highlight.

There is nothing wrong in decorating your house with flags and buntings and wearing badges, but you must also realise that Independence Day is a time for reflection for all of us. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on what we are doing for our country and what can we do for it. Enlisting in the army or joining politics is not the only way to show your love for your country or to try to improve its conditions.

So don’t be disheartened if you cannot do that. Just remember that the efforts of every single person matters and you can make a difference even on an individual level by fulfilling your own duties. For example, there are a few things that you can do as part of your civic responsibilities.

First of all, keep your surroundings clean and stop littering. It is a disgrace that in our country even educated people do not think twice before dropping litter here and there.

It is common to see the streets, roads and many public places like bazaars, parks and beaches strewn with garbage. If you are also in the habit of throwing rubbish anywhere, change your practice immediately. Find a trash can whenever you want to throw something, or if you cannot find one, simply carry the litter in a bag until you find a suitable place to dispose it off.

Secondly, conserve natural resources instead of exploiting them. Natural gas and coal (which is used in the production of electricity) are both non-renewable resources, which means that they must be used efficiently. You can do this by keeping your use of water, gas and electricity in check.

We all know that there is scarcity of these basic necessities in Pakistan. Not only are there water shortages and prolonged power outages, but many of our countrymen have absolutely no access to clean drinking water and electricity. So do not leave the tap running or the lights on unnecessarily. Even switching off one bulb makes a difference.

Next, follow rules. Follow your school rules and all rules for that matter. In our country it is very common to break rules and violate laws. And this is easily witnessed on the road where so many violations take place. People do not obey traffic rules; they run red lights, drive on the wrong track of the road and try to overtake from left instead of right. In fact, this has been going on for so long that now these violations and infringements simply go unnoticed.

However, it does not mean that if something wrong has been happening since years, it should also happen in the future too and nothing should be done to stop it. Be mindful of all rules and regulations and follow them. Remember that discipline is the key to success.

Our country is our home, we should keep it clean and not wait for someone else to do it. When we go abroad, we follow the rules faithfully and don’t litter around or drive in the wrong manner, but on returning, we proudly flaunt all rules. We are being unfair to ourselves. These practices can be corrected with just a little change in our attitude, but it will make a big difference in the overall conditions here.

Another very important thing is to value time. Many years ago, I read somewhere that everything else might have been given differently to different people, with some being more privileged than others, but the distribution of the 24 hours of the day is equal for everyone.

However, it is sad that we do not realise this. It has become our routine to do everything late. For example, previously markets used to open early in the morning and close around eight at night. But now they do not open before midday and close before 11 in the night. This is nothing but sheer waste of time. Therefore, always avoid wasting your time; put it to good use and be punctual.

And last, but not the least, take pride in who you are. Be proud of your country, identity, traditions, culture and heritage. Never underestimate yourself or have low self-esteem. Always be confident and hopeful.

And, with renewed vigour, make a resolution that you will strive to improve the image that Pakistan today has in the world community and fulfil all your obligations as a Pakistani. On this Independence Day, dear friends, rekindle your spirit!

Happy Independence Day!

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 13th, 2016