14 August: A Day of Celebration or Accountability?
Ishtiaq Ahmed
Bradford: As 14 August approaches, the green-and-white crescent-and-star flags begin to fly across Pakistan. Streets and markets are decorated, patriotic songs echo through the air, and an atmosphere of celebration prevails everywhere.
All of this should happen. Freedom is such a blessing that perhaps those nations who are still deprived of it, or who are struggling to attain it, understand its true value more deeply. The history of the struggle of the people of Kashmir and Palestine is a painful example of this reality.
But is Independence Day merely a day for celebration?
In my view, no!
14 August is also a day of gratitude, a day to renew our pledge, and a day of accountability. It gives us an opportunity to move beyond emotional slogans and ceremonial events for a while and ask ourselves a fundamental question: What have we gained and what have we lost since the establishment of Pakistan?
In answering this question, we usually highlight our achievement of becoming a nuclear power. Undoubtedly, Pakistan becoming a nuclear power is an important national achievement, and we should take pride in it.
But a country’s strength is not measured solely by its nuclear weapons. True strength comes from its citizens feeling safe, have access to employment, they do not have to knock on doors for justice, they feel that the law is equal for everyone, and the state is able to provide its citizens with dignity, security, and economic opportunities.
This is precisely where the question of accountability arises alongside the celebration of Independence Day.
Today’s Pakistan is facing problems such as political uncertainty, economic difficulties, rising inflation, unemployment, poverty, and the burden of debt. Life is not easy for the ordinary citizen. Employment, education, healthcare, security, and justice remain among the basic concerns of millions of Pakistanis.
At the domestic level, the question of national unity is also becoming increasingly important. The situation in Kashmir remains an ongoing national tragedy for us, while the unrest emerging in Balochistan and various other parts of the country compels us to think about what factors are weakening our national bond.
This question is not directed at governments alone; it is directed at all of us.
A state is not merely the name of geography, borders, and institutions. In reality, a state is sustained by the trust of its citizens. When citizens begin to feel that their voices are not being heard, their problems are not being resolved, or that law and justice are not the same for everyone, national unity cannot be strengthened through slogans alone.
However, despite all these bitter realities, we should not reject the blessing of freedom. Freedom is not the name of the success or failure of any government policy. Freedom is a fundamental human value.
Every human being wants to be able to make decisions about their own life according to their own will; to have their own thoughts, to express their opinions, and to move forward in their individual and collective lives with dignity and honour. This same desire inspires nations to struggle for freedom.
That is why celebrating Independence Day in Pakistan is not, in reality, a celebration of any particular government, political party, or governmental performance. It is a celebration of the concept of freedom for which the Muslims of the subcontinent dreamed of a separate homeland.
This celebration does not mean turning a blind eye to our failures. Nor is it an endorsement of poverty, inflation, political discord, economic crisis, or injustice. On the contrary, the true celebration of freedom reminds us that the Pakistan that was dreamed of has not yet come fully into existence.
Therefore, on 14 August, we should not merely raise the flag; we should also awaken our conscience. We should not merely sing patriotic songs; we should also pledge that we will strive to make Pakistan a country where freedom is not merely a national slogan but a lived experience for every citizen; where the rule of law prevails, justice is accessible, dissent is tolerated, and every Pakistani has the right to dignity, security, and a better future.
Perhaps this is the greatest message of Independence Day:
Let us certainly take pride in freedom, but let us also understand the responsibilities that freedom entails. Let us certainly celebrate, but with accountability. Let us certainly remember the achievements of the past, but let us not turn our eyes away from the responsibilities of the future.
It is easy to say, “Long live Pakistan”; the real test is to make Pakistan strong, just, prosperous, and united.
Happy Independence Day. Long live Pakistan; may the Pakistani nation endure and prosper.
