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Rawalpindi roars with pride
August 14, 2024, was a special day for Pakistanis, marking 77 years of Independence. Rawalpindi, my city, was filled with noise of celebration, enthusiasm and devotion. As I walked around the city, I saw flags were fluttering all over the city – on cars, bikes and even houses! From young to old, people were dressed in green and white, the colours of our national flag.
The atmosphere was lively, filled with patriotic national music. I saw children enjoying traditional Pakistani food and drinks while discussing their favourite Independence Day memories and sharing stories of their grandparents’ struggles during the partition. Hearing their conversations brought back memories of our teachers speaking about how we achieved this land and gained our freedom. It was a wonderful way to connect with our heritage.
As I continued my stroll, I noticed the streets were decorated with vibrant banners and posters, showcasing the country’s history and achievements. The smell of traditional food wafted through the air, making my stomach growl with hunger. I stopped at a street vendor and indulged in some delicious kebabs and haleem, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience this festive atmosphere. On social media, I saw people sharing photos and messages about Independence Day.
AYESHA EJAZ
Islamabad
Some celebrate independence more!
We Pakistanis celebrate Independence Day with great fervour but no one can celebrate it like the children who blow horn. Yes, they are the ones who are the happiest about the freedom. It is still a mystery regarding what makes them so happy that they don’t get tired while blowing horns, but we see them every year. As soon as the month of August begins, the horns fill the markets and then it can be seen in these children’s hands. They will announce the approaching of Independence Day from early mornings till late nights. We understand that they are excited but our ears have their own limitations.
While announcing the approaching of Independence Day, these horn blowers force our moods to take a roller coaster ride. We get a message that we are free yet we cannot stop them from ruining our holiday by making loud and unwanted sounds.
We want to welcome the morning of 14th August with great excitement, but we fail to do so because these horn blowers spend their efforts to keep us awake the entire night. This way either we wake up in a very bad mood or not wake up at all. The same happened this year, yet I failed to understand why they are happier than anyone else. So I am planning to spend my time till the next years’ Independence Day hoping to unlock this mystery.
IFFA NASEER
Islamabad
Political
dev in BD
Significant changes have occurred in the political landscape of the area with the recent overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh as a result of student protests. This development bears mixed consequences for Pakistan. While Bangladesh saw remarkable economic growth under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, tensions between the two countries were frequently exacerbated by the government’s adamant anti-Pakistan stance.
But it would be premature to expect regional stability to happen on its own. This political change in Pakistan is a direct result of the student-led protests that brought about a wake-up call to the importance of public dissent, particularly among the younger generation.
Despite the differences in Pakistan’s political landscape, similar movements may be sparked by the turmoil in Bangladesh, particularly if the country’s economic situation worsens. In order to foster a more cooperative and peaceful relationship with the new Bangladeshi leadership—a relationship that is essential for regional stability—Pakistan must constantly observe the situation as it is developing.
AYESHA KIRAN
Mandi Bahauddin
Transparent accountability
The initiation of court martial proceedings against former Director General of the ISI, Lt General (R) Faiz Hameed, marks the first time that such action has been initiated against a former spymaster of the Pakistani military. The former DG ISI has also been taken into custody. At the centre of the court martial is a scandal involving a real estate project by the name of Top City Housing?
The army has initiated court martial proceedings against the retired general to comply with orders of the SC and in part as a gesture of self-accountability. The inquiry committee that was set up in April and reportedly led by a Major General has until this point conducted its duty with transparency and clarity. This sets a good precedence in the country not just for upholding judicial instructions and accountability, but also transparency.
It would be wise to continue to take the public into confidence as the case proceeds, because public accountability also requires a good degree of transparency. Besides this trial all other high profile corruption cases against politicians should be decided with speedy fair and impartial judicial proceedings as it is the earnest desire of the people to national culprits must be penalised
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
