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I Day’s celebration
As we celebrate 78th Independence Day this year, we must take the time to supplement our jubilations with honest reflections on our progress in social, development, economic and political realms. It is essential to acknowledge that we face significant challenges in these areas, and with the right courses of action, we can hope to secure a better future for the country. Over the past few years, our economic woes have worsened, leaving us at rock bottom. To address this, we need not only structural reforms but also a sustained implementation strategy for the coming years.
This will require careful planning, effective policies and a focus on industries that can drive economic growth and create jobs. We cannot ignore the pressing issue of climate change vulnerability and its disproportionate impact on the lower-income and marginalised communities. In addition, we must tackle the developmental challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition. Investing in sustainable farming practices, improving agricultural infrastructure, and establishing effective distribution systems can help combat these issues.
It very much necessary a comprehensive legislation must be enacted and enforced to protect the rights of all citizens. The resurgence of militancy in KP and Balochistan is causing unrest, fear, anxiety, and unemployment in these areas. The recent political crises have taken a toll on our public trust as well. To rebuild this trust, our political leaders must prioritise transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
*****
As a nation, we should be thankful to Almighty and the leaders, who went through a struggle to give us Pakistan. Their hard work to give us a secure future, to struggle for a separate state, and to make it come true is something we should be proud of because we are feeling secure and safe in our country. Their struggle was real for Muslims, and unfortunately, after they had done struggle and created a separate state, “Pakistan,” they didn’t get much time to stay in this world, but whatever they have done for us, for that, they are always going to rule in our hearts.
The Pakistani nation has next-level passion for this country; our army serves their lives for the sake of the country; when an athlete represents Pakistan on an international platform, he has next-level passion; when we read our national anthem, we have next-level passion; that’s a Pakistani. When a soldier goes on an operation, he doesn’t have fear, whereas he goes with his head held high because he knows that he will win even if he has to martyr. This is the unconditional love of a Pakistani soldier for his country, because we want a successful Pakistan. Pakistan was initiated on Islamic rules and principles, and when the country was going to be separate at that time, Quaid-i-Azam said that people from different religions are also free to go to their mosques, temples, or gurdwaras.
AREEBA ALTAF
Larkana
Respect our national flag
Our National flag is a symbol of the nation’s pride and respect. There is liberal use of the flag on Independence Day and Republic Day. There is a new trend of selling flags made of paper and plastic, which is incorrect. With a sense of national pride, people enthusiastically buy such flags but the very next day, we find them being trampled upon on roads and thrown into dustbins. By allowing this to happen, people forget that they are insulting the flag.
Often, these flags are burnt along with the garbage. It is the duty of every individual to maintain proper respect towards their National Flag. We also commonly see people waving the national flag proudly during national, cultural and sporting events. However, once the programme or the event gets over, we see the flags strewn all over the place. This disrespect towards our flag must be stopped.
Even when the national anthem is being played on radio or relayed on television, people don’t stand still and sing along. They are busy cooking in the kitchen or are busy talking on their mobile phones with friends and relatives. We should respect our country’s national flag, national song and national anthem.
So let’s promise ourselves on the occasion of Independence Day 2024 to fight against the problem of poverty, disease, lack of education and pollution and so on, and to spread love and compassion instead of hate and arrogance. Everyone must follow all the rules and regulation, as well as be courteous and loyal for responsibilities towards the nation.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
