Are you dressed in green and white once again? Are you prepared to head to your school, where you’ll be singing national songs with great enthusiasm?

Just like every year, Independence Day is around the corner and we will be celebrating. I am not being sarcastic, nor am I condemning you for celebrating this day. The thing is, I don’t feel enthusiastic about just dressing in the green and white theme, performing on stage and ending this great day with stereotypical patriotic gestures. Our actions may have a meaning, but they are meaningless if they do not leave an impact or lead to improvement of some kind.

Don’t give me that look, I will not start giving a boring speech like the one you hear at your school about how we gained independence.

Studying Pakistan studies as part of my academic course, which involves exploring the history and environment of Pakistan, tends to evoke a sense of sadness within me. But why? Is it because the subject is difficult? No! The real issue is that Pakistan is facing numerous challenges, and we often remain unaware of them and therefore do nothing about them.

Consider the literacy rate in Pakistan, which stands at 58 percent (According to www.macrotrends.com). At first glance, it might appear to be a significant figure, right? However, when we compare it to neighbouring countries, such as India with a rate of 74.3 percent, Bangladesh with 73.9 percent and China with an impressive 97.2 percent, it becomes truly shocking.

The role of literacy in economic development is vital as it amplifies employability and productivity, granting individuals access to improved job prospects and enabling them to contribute to the growth of the economy.

Ever heard of brain drain? Brain drain is the term used to describe the situation when highly skilled and educated individuals leave their native country to pursue better opportunities in other countries, leading to a depletion of intellectual and human resources in their home country. Let’s say you studied hard and became an exceptionally skilled research scientist. However, due to political instability and corruption associated with political biases, you were unable to secure a good job for yourself. You receive job offers from the UK or the US, with a handsome salary and suitable research facilities. You would not abandon this opportunity, would you? This is what happens, dear readers; people opt to leave this country to live a meaningful life.

Now, what can you do about it? The largest portion of Pakistan’s population consists of the youth. Yes, you and I. We are the successors of our forefathers who sacrificed their lives to bless us with this homeland. As humans, we tend to take things for granted, don’t we? Well, if you think that freedom is something everybody has and there is no point in fussing about it, then go and do some research on the situation in Kashmir, Syria and Palestine. You will be more grateful for your freedom then.

We all know that Quaid-i-Azam is the founder of Pakistan, but do we know that the founder of Pakistan was suffering from tuberculosis and yet he struggled and became successful in getting us a free land?

Surprisingly, we are content in our comfort zone, more concerned about what we can achieve for our own betterment than think about contributing something towards improving things in Pakistan. The political setup of the country is so horrible. It has been like that since the beginning. So, how can I change it as a mere school-going kid? I will only ask you to reduce your screen time and focus on your studies. Well, don’t scowl, I know your parents are always telling you that too.

Literacy plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s life as well as the fate of a nation, as I mentioned earlier. Muhammad Ali Jinnah himself said, “There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two.” Yes, it is true. Pakistan needs determined writers, doctors, engineers, scientists, researchers, geologists and people in other professions more than any other country.

If anyone can save our country from becoming a failed state, it is us. So, my dear readers, starting today, make serving your nation, your aim, so that we can fulfil the dreams our dear leader Mr Jinnah envisioned before making this nation.

You guys are equally responsible for whatever becomes of Pakistan, as Allama Iqbal wisely said, “A nation will only rise if its individuals rise, and its individuals will only rise if they strive for excellence and embrace knowledge.”

I hope you will not complain about poor infrastructure, inadequate facilities, and other gloomy things, as they are just excuses that prevent you from taking action.

Even if you are planning to study abroad, go for it! But do come back and serve your nation then. Allama Iqbal, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Chaudhry Rahmat Ali were some of the most important figures who studied law in London, but they came back for their country.

Hopefully, the next time August 14th approaches, you will all

be ready to greet it with the achievements you have made. Till then, a happy Independence Day to you all.

Published in Dawn, Young World, Aug 12th, 2023