Shahbaz Ali Anjum and Abera Sial
Pakistan came into existence from a beautiful dream; a dream of independence achieved through constant struggle. It was a place our forefathers envisioned where future generations could live with dignity, security, opportunity, and justice. They dreamed of this great and beloved Pakistan. The world’s literature is based on both reality and imagination. Sometimes imagination rises even higher than reality. In imagination, an independent state was dreamed of; today, in reality, we reside in that state, our beloved homeland, Pakistan. Below are some aspects that need to be addressed for a promising Pakistan.
“Pakistan was once a dream in the hearts of millions. Today, it is a responsibility in the hands of millions.”
August reminds us of the historic moment when a dream became a reality. The people of Pakistan must realise why this great land was created and what sacrifices and hardships our forefathers faced to achieve this beautiful Pakistan. At that historic moment, the determined and inspiring leadership of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah gave direction to the people of Pakistan. Millions of people, including men, women, students, workers, and families, joined the great independence movement. This day reminds us of the constant struggle and great sacrifices our forefathers made for our beloved country. It tells us how true and sincere they were in their mission. It is the day we remember why this great country came into existence on the map of the world and what responsibilities now rest upon the shoulders of the nation. It is a day of unity, resilience, bravery, and hope. Great nations remember and celebrate their Independence Day with honour. On 14th August, the nation of Pakistan honours the sacrifices of its great leaders, their continuous struggle, unwavering dreams, and their vision of an independent state. As a nation, we are blessed by Allah Almighty with countless blessings: health, energy, knowledge, wisdom, wealth, beauty, youth, and resources. Freedom is also a great blessing from Allah Almighty. We must value this great blessing of independence through our actions and plans. Allama Iqbal provided a philosophical foundation for the idea of this land. His words remind us that independence carries with it a responsibility to preserve the values and ideals associated with it.
Nations are not built by politicians, institutions, or famous personalities alone. They are built by and belong to all of us. The youth of the nation are among the greatest assets of this beloved land. A student who is on the right track and gaining knowledge, an inspiring teacher who inspires young minds, a scientist who finds solutions for the country, an entrepreneur who creates job opportunities, a medical doctor who serves humanity, and a citizen who is patriotic and chooses honesty toward the country are all nation builders. They all belong to this great land.
The youth of Pakistan are here to be dignified through wisdom and knowledge. Pakistan has established itself in the world as a peaceful and loving country, and its people have demonstrated courage in difficult circumstances. The youth of Pakistan therefore have the responsibility and opportunity to shine and bring honour to the country across the globe.
14th August reminds us that no destiny can be achieved without continuous struggle, dedication, and conviction. The youth of that time sensitised the people by raising awareness and keeping hope alive during complicated times. In the present, there are many economic and societal challenges and complications, but also multiple opportunities ahead. For the youth of the nation, the top priorities should be quality education, critical thinking, character, tolerance, entrepreneurship, and service to the nation. Our nation cannot thrive without tolerance, peace, respect for others, social harmony, and mutual understanding.
The great efforts and dedication of our forefathers paved the way to independence for the people of Pakistan. Their struggle in 1947 is a symbol of individual motivation and high spirit, reflected in faith, unity, brotherhood, and discipline. They envisioned a great homeland where everyone could live freely and independently with dignity and could find opportunities to grow and flourish. This is the time to revive that high spirit among the nation. The spirit of independence lies in spreading knowledge to eradicate ignorance, creating job opportunities instead of unemployment, promoting peace and understanding instead of intolerance, choosing integrity, and becoming a bridge in times of division. There is a need for moral strength and self-reliance to become a source of hope in an era of hopelessness for the nation of Pakistan.
On 14th August 2026, as a whole nation, we must reflect on the Holy Quran as a source of guidance and a bond that can help unify the Muslim community in our country. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah emphasised the unifying importance of the Holy Quran in a meeting of the All-India Muslim League in 1943. His broader message also emphasised faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty as foundations for achievement. The progress and development of any country depend on the progress and growth of its young people. A valuable asset of Pakistan today is its skilled and educated youth. The state should channel the energy of young people into national progress through quality education, technology, scientific thinking, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
The dream of Pakistan was never simply about territory. It was about creating a society where people could live with dignity and where justice, knowledge, opportunity, and peace could flourish. The dream is to make this a country where quality education, justice, and entrepreneurship are available to every citizen; where differences of language, culture, province, and opinion cannot divide the people; and where honesty, compassion, responsibility, and integrity are valued. Nations can be built through quality education, character, innovation, vast economic opportunities, justice, and unity. The people of Pakistan should unite for the national cause and work together with wisdom, knowledge, integrity, and a shared purpose. In doing so, we can create a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan on the international level.
True patriotism should be reflected in our habits and responsibilities. It should be shown through our actions and plans. We must obey the country’s laws. Everyone should be honest, respect others, protect public property, and help those in need. These values should be practised in our daily lives.
We hail from this pure and sincere land, which is truly peace-loving and dear to us. We have a glorious history and the great contributions of our forefathers. We must promise to make this country a great place for generations to come. We will learn, work, stand, serve, and build Pakistan as a land of great people. May our beloved Pakistan thrive in every field. May its people prosper and shine. Insha’Allah. Shahbaz Ali Anjum, a PhD scholar at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, is a dedicated researcher, writer, and public speaker. Abera Sial, a PhD scholar at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, is an information professional and researcher.
The writer is a freelance columnist.
