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Tributes to Quaid
December 25 is celebrated as Quaid Day, a day when the entire nation pays tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his birth anniversary. Throughout history, leaders who have fought to carve out independent homelands for their nations remain immortalized in history books. Similarly, Quaid-e-Azam holds a unique and unmatched place in the hearts of Pakistanis.
Who was Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah? He was the visionary who led us to a separate homeland where we could bask in the freedom of self-determination. He championed the cause of independence from Hindu dominance and advocated for Islamic principles in governance. He believed in shaping Pakistan’s laws in accordance with the Quran and Hadith. Quaid was acutely aware of the challenges of uniting two distinct nations with different beliefs under one state. He foresaw the need for a separate land where Muslims could live in peace, free from sectarian violence and oppression.
Quaid’s contributions to the creation of Pakistan are immeasurable. How can anyone dare to undermine the sacrifices he made? As the saying goes, a father’s sacrifices can never truly be repaid. Similarly, Quaid-e-Azam’s lifelong dedication to the cause of Pakistan demands not only our respect but also the protection of his legacy. It is the responsibility of the state to take action against those who continue to criticize the father of the nation.
SADAM BALOCH
Ghotki, Sindh
Recognition
for HTS
The rise and rebellion against the 53-year-long iron curtain of the repressive and despotic Assad dynasty—responsible for massacring five million people and displacing millions—faces significant challenges in gaining global legitimacy and recognition.
The rise of HTS has brought hope, promise and a wave of jubilation to a nation yearning for change and liberation. But this hard won freedom is not being tolerated and digested by the forces of status quo and enemies of change. The forces of status quo, with Israel in forefront driven by geo-political ambitions hinder Syria’s transition towards stability and democracy.
Despite its putative leader, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, advocating for peace, minority rights, inclusivity and the reconstruction of war-torn Syria, the international community remains hesitant and hostile to give Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) a fair chance to lead the nation towards stability and progress.
Encouragingly, the recent high-profile Aqaba conference on Syria, attended by Arab Foreign Ministers, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the EU Foreign Policy Chief, Turkey’s Foreign Minister and other global leaders, affirmed full support for Syria’s unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
The conference emphasized the establishment of an inclusive, non-sectarian, and representative government that upholds human rights. Julani’s moderate and reconciliatory tone, along with his statements and pledges, aligns closely with these goals. He consistently emphasizes reconciliation, national unity and the rebuilding of bridges of peace and harmony.
HTS has refrained from calls for revenge or retribution, understanding that such actions would only exacerbate tensions, deepen the suffering of the Syrian people and derail the nation’s hard-won freedom and fragile road to recovery.
QAMER SOOMRO
Shikarpur
A country in brain drain
Every year, a wave of talent and potential slips through Pakistan’s borders as an increasing number of professionals, from doctors to engineers and tech experts, leave in search of better opportunities. In 2023 alone, 862,000 Pakistanis emigrated, marking a sharp rise in the country’s ongoing brain drain.
This exodus is driven by economic hardship, political instability, and the looming threat of unemployment, which stands at a staggering 10.5% among youth. Pakistan’s brightest minds are abandoning a nation that no longer seems to offer the future they deserve.
Over the past decade, 13.53 million Pakistanis have sought better lives abroad, with no signs of this outflow slowing down. According to the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), the migration of skilled professionals has increased by an alarming 150%.
This loss is not just a statistic but a devastating blow to the nation’s economic and intellectual potential. With each departing expert, Pakistan loses its ability to innovate, grow, and compete on the global stage.
ROHIT KUMAR
Sukkur
Christmas
for Christ
Christmas is deemed as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. But what is most important is the remembrance not only of His birth but of his teachings of love, giving, sharing and gratitude too.
The word ‘Christmas’ comes from the Old English Christes Maesse or ‘Christ’s Mass’. December 25 is not the actual birth date of Jesus Christ. The date was selected as the day of Christmas because it was around the time of various Pagan festivals, such as the Roman Saturnalia.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
