Pakistan’s Independence Day is being celebrated across the country today at the government, political, and popular levels. Pakistan has gone through several hard phases over the last 77 years. Various types of experiments were carried out on Pakistan during this time, and the tragedy of 1971 was caused by a combination of internal and external causes, which had a tremendous impact on our history.
The inhabitants of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the tribal areas, played a critical role in the formation and defense of Pakistan, and the Pashtuns made extraordinary sacrifices at all levels in the war against terrorism. Last week, during his address to the Ulema Convention, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir acknowledged the sacrifices of Pashtuns, among others, and stated that Pashtuns’ efforts for peace will not go in vain.
Unfortunately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were not only discriminated against at different times but due to the resentment and opposition of certain political quarters, attempts were also made to alienate the people from the state, resulting in increased misunderstandings and distances.
There is no doubt that Pakistan faced many challenges after its formation as a result of mistakes made at various times in the state and politically, but it must also be recognized that Pakistan is an important country in the region and the international community, with its own distinct and unique identity in the international corridors, and Pakistan’s role in regional decisions cannot be ignored even now.
There is a need to learn from previous mistakes and move forward with hope for a bright future, paving the way for a federal structure in which all stakeholders in Pakistan, as well as all ethnicities and classes, enjoy equal rights.
Undoubtedly, Pakistan is facing political tensions, economic challenges, and security issues in today’s world, but it is prudent to adopt a futuristic attitude rather than clinging to bitter memories of the past because the future of all of us is linked to this country, and we must all play our roles despite any doubts.