Day to Remember!
By the Editor

WITH a renewed pledge, people of a marvelous realm on the Orb—are celebrating the 65th Pakistan Day—today. By all perceptions, this day—March-23 is a red-letter day in the history of the subcontinent—as it marked the galvanization of the Indian Muslims to launch struggle for emancipation from the centuries-old British colonialism.

As is indexed in the history of Pakistan Movement—on this historic day 65 years ago—the pragmatic vision of Pakistan was formalized in a resolution, adopted by the Pakistan Muslim League at its meeting held at Manto Park in Lahore with the great leader of the 20th century, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah—in the Chair.

The resolution, piloted by Sher-e-Bengal Maulvi Fazlul Haq, articulated the contours of the State of Pakistan and set the ideals that it was to pursue after its creation.

The day is—of-course of great significance as it’s an occasion to pause and ponder over our achievements and failings in keeping with the vision and ideals as identified in the Pakistan resolution.

As a matter of fact—Pakistan was supposed to be a progressive and moderate Islamic welfare State with equal socio-economic opportunities for all citizens without prejudice to color, cast, creed, credo and faith.

The great Quaid—the visionary par excellence—had interpreted the image and ideals in his historic address to the Constituent Assembly on August—12 in 1947 while focusing the moral, ethical, constitutional and ideological facets of the new and magnificent State.

It’s certainly not all dark—because Pakistan that had to make the start from scratch has come a long way in the economic and security perspectives.

Not only that it has attained a remarkable place in the comity of nations—but is simultaneously playing its pivotal role to promote peace, security and stability at the regional as well as at the international levels.

Significantly, it has acquired the status of a nuclear and Missile State. It’s, however, time to evaluate the causes and factors on this day that led to the dismemberment of the country’s eastern limb—apart from the Indian aggression for a lesson to eliminate irritants that have the potential of contributing towards internal disharmony.

It’s true that liberation of Indian Muslims from poverty, squalor, want, hunger and disease was an important factor for the demand of a separate homeland for them, yet it’s imperative that the Quaid’s declaration of the Holy Qur’an being the ready-made Constitution of Pakistan should not be lost sight of—as Islam is the basis of its establishment.

A cursory look at the domestic scenario—however reveals that the ideological moorings of the nation are being ignored amidst the Government’s thrust on the economy.

Of-course, economic development is vital for realization of the objectives of Pakistan’s creation—yet to stay the path of true Islamic values and virtues is equally important for the affluence and survival of the country.

On this day to memorize—we would like to endorse the concept of enlightened moderation—but with a persevere and stipulation that it is ought to be in line with the ideals and ideology—that was beamed by the Father of the Nation—in words—as clear as crystal.

With this insight, we wish Pakistan to be a moderate Islamic welfare State—as equilibrium in prosperity as the hallmark of such a pragmatic vision—to counter and dissolve the bigoted propaganda crusade, unleashed by a set of the traditional foes of Pakistan—with India atop.

At the same time, we feel optimistic that the superpowers of the present epoch explicitly in the West—shall eschew deceitful maneuvers—and instead would confer with overt acknowledgement—due credence and value to Pakistan’s marvelous accomplishments and contributions vis-à-vis the end of terrorism—in its all forms and manifestations—solely with a zest for founding a lasting peace around the globe.

For this, such powers—like the United States and the United Kingdom—owe an exclusive responsibility for the solution of volatile global issues with Kashmir as the foremost—as such lingering problems are posing colossal perils to the world peace.

Hence it is an apt and apposite time that optimal pressure is placed on India—even to the extent of inflicting sanctions on such an antagonistic country—for finding an amiable and meaningful settlement of the Kashmir dispute—obviously in line with the aspirations of the people of the Himalayan State.

Such a course shall make possible fulfillment of the universal commitments, made with Kashmiris at the podium of the United Nations—and would also help achieve the fundamentals of the Ideology of Pakistan—in true perspective.● 

 —  Mumtaz Hamid Rao
www.MumtazRao.net