Acouple of weeks ago, I paid a visit to the Quaid-i-Azam house in Karachi. While I knew it was where Quaid-i-Azam and Fatima Jinnah had lived for a while, I expected a rundown dilapidated and littered place as is unfortunately the case with most old buildings and public attractions.

However, upon arriving, I was dumbstruck by the huge sand-coloured mansion. With towering turrets, wide archways and jutting out balconies, it looked as if it had stepped out of a fairy-tale. There was no entry ticket and a tour guide led us through a manicured garden to the side entrance. The porch was laid in black and white tiles with intricate motif designs.

Upon stepping inside, the guide showed us the dining room where I was awestruck by the huge carved dining table set in pure walnut wood. We were informed that it had been gifted to Jinnah by his elder sister Shireen Jinnah. I could see her initials etched in every chair. The intricacy of the carvings was such that even a person such as myself who has no interest whatsoever in woodwork, was forced to stop and admire.

Next we were led into the pantry where Quaid-i-Azam’s cutlery was displayed. As we gazed at the gold-plated cups and bowls, the guide told us that all of it was imported. The guide pointed out two cups with complex designs that had been gifted to Jinnah from France and Japan on the birth of Pakistan.

As we went upstairs, we were informed that this was the sleeping quarters. Did you know that Jinnah had had pure leather shoes custom made (a huge luxury at that time!). Now you may be wondering what’s the purpose of describing all this?

Well, it serves to show that Jinnah was a wealthy man, a successful barrister. He had no need for money or fame. He could have very easily settled abroad. Why then did he strive, sacrifice and struggle nearly his entire life for a separate Muslim homeland?

For it was for us. Yes, you read that right. He persevered to ensure that future generations of Muslims would be able to live and breathe freely. Often we are so engrossed in obsessing over our problems that we completely fail to appreciate our huge blessings. True. There is an acute shortage of gas, water and electricity, and inflation has risen to mind-boggling levels, but think about the blessings we have. We are blessed with a free country of our own.

Just think of the atrocities being inflicted on Muslims in Palestine, France and India, to name a few and we will realise that our country has a great debt on us. Now my dear Pakistanis, how to try to repay that debt?

In my opinion, its hard repay but we can do a little effort for our country, for which our forefathers struggled so much.

Following are a few suggestions:

Plant trees: The importance of this fact cannot be overstated. Like most places in the world, Pakistan is suffering from the effects of global warming. I am sure you’ve all noticed the shift in weather patterns too. Afforestation needs to be carried out on a large scale, especially in the south of Pakistan, otherwise the years to come will be very tough in terms of severe climate effects. I urge you all to pledge to plant at least one tree. It may not seem like much, but will make a huge difference.

Don’t litter: We have been taught to keep our surroundings neat and clean since we were small children, yet unfortunately, many of us tend to ignore it and flick our garbage around everywhere. If you are out and do not see a dustbin, take your trash home to dispose off properly rather than throw it round just because there is trash lying around. If anybody around you smokes or consumes paan, convince them not to throw their cigarette stubs or spit paan in any place but a trash can.

Go local: The next time you go grocery shopping, try to select local brands. There are so many small businesses now that we are unaware of, from trendy clothing to funky jewellery to aesthetic stationary to mouth-watering confections. Hunt around on social media and visit local expos. I guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the amount of talent in our fellow citizens. Not only will shopping local be more budget-friendly, but will help keep the chain of profit flowing around in our country rather than being sent abroad, contributing to the prosperity of our motherland.

I will like to end by quoting Quaid-i-Azam, “My message to you all is of hope, courage and confidence.”

Happy independence Day!

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 10th, 2024