“Most of the leaders of the Congress subscribed to the view that Pakistan was not a viable state — politically, economically, geographically or militarily — and that sooner or later the areas which had ceded would be compelled by force of circumstances to return to the fold,” one historian stated at the time of partition.

Who would have thought that Pakistan a new-born country that had emerged from the Subcontinent on August 14, 1947, would survive? As mentioned above, the leaders of India had accepted the partition of the Subcontinent in the expectation that Pakistan would not be able to survive.

Pakistan had to face a series of challenges, difficulties, sufferings and sacrifices to hold the country together. For example, Pakistan was a new country and not wealthy, it did not have the necessary facilities to house millions of refugees and many of them became the victims of communal violence during the long journey. Secondly, India, despite its promise of no interference, shut off the waters flowing to Bari-Doab canal as their headwork was in India. This greatly affected agriculture.

Thirdly, the country itself was split into two parts almost 1000 miles apart — East and West Pakistan. Then Pakistan faced a huge shock as East Pakistan separated from its west wing and became Bangladesh. There were other serious problems that followed. However, despite all the hardships, Pakistan did not only survived but prospered.

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, made immense efforts for a separate homeland for Muslims and his efforts did bore fruits which we can see today.

Celebrating the 69th birthday of the nation on 14th August 2016, it is incumbent upon us to commemorate the Quaid by adopting his policy of “Work, work and only work.” As responsible citizens of Pakistan, it is our duty to make Pakistan a nation that the Quaid had envisioned.

Respect and love the country

Every Pakistani ought to be proud of their nationality. We should not blame the country for the shortcomings that is in us. Instead, we should ask ourselves what we have given to our country?

The lives of those who sacrificed themselves for the honour of Pakistan and a secured future of its citizens, are an open book full of lessons. That is the spirit of sacrifice which Pakistan asks from us and we should embrace it positively.

Acquire the power of education

Education is the power through which we can defeat any powerful internal or external forces. Quaid-i-Azam had stated that the children of Pakistan are the future pillars of the nation. So every child should take their education seriously, learn and study hard, and then get good jobs. Some jobs can be really effective. For example, a scientist would make new discoveries and inventions and would brighten the name of Pakistan.

Create a beautiful Pakistan

Pakistan is a region of natural and scenic beauty. It has huge glaciers and mountains spread over a vast area and the fast flowing rivers and waterfalls add to its luscious beauty. However, the cities do not reflect this scenario. The streets and roads are usually seen with heaps of garbage dumped at many places, causing harmful diseases.

We have to make Pakistan clean, spotless and immaculate. For starters, we should avoid throwing litter on the ground and should only dump it in dustbins. We should also warn other people about its dangerous consequences.

Obeying laws and regulations

Apart from the laws and regulations designed by the government for citizens, certain laws and regulations are also designed for students by the school. These mainly include following the dress code (uniform), submitting homework on time, maintaining regular attendance, etc. So to be more mature and civilised, these simple rules and regulations become the foundation for a child in practical life.

Embrace our culture

Pakistan was established to provide Muslims their separate homeland where they, as well as the minorities, could practice their religion freely. So to be more honest and sincere with our motherland, we should be proud of our culture, dress, language, etc. and promote it.

If we follow these steps, Pakistan would soon emerge in the world as a successful and prosperous nation, exactly as the Father of the Nation had envisioned.

The Quaid’s last sentence when he addressed the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, was, “My guiding principle will be justice and complete impartiality, and I am sure that with your support and cooperation, I can look forward to Pakistan becoming one of the greatest nations of the world.”

Let us uphold this principle and make Pakistan great!

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