The pages of history hold enough proof that the dedication or the lack thereof may bring about the longevity or downfall of nations. While some nations struggle to survive the odds, others thrive based on their enthusiasm and commitment for prosperity. The celebration of 23^rd March marks one such day when Jinnah presided over a party session of All India Muslim League that demanded the creation of a separate entity based on the Muslim majority areas in the subcontinent. This was decided based on the fact that Muslims as a cultural polity were distinct from India’s Hindu majority and couldn’t thrive in a state dominated by Hindus where they would be concerned for their very identity. The ingrained bias and prejudice couldn’t be overcome; Muslims had little social space and no political power. March 23, 1940 was the day when the visualization of freedom and liberty was written down in the annals of history. 
Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah during a presidential address to the Muslim League in Lahore said, “It is extremely difficult to appreciate why our Hindu friends fail to understand the real nature of Islam and Hinduism. They are not religions in the strict sense of the word, but are, in fact, different and distinct social orders; and it is a dream that the Hindus and Muslims can ever evolve a common nationality; and this misconception of one Indian nation has gone far beyond the limits and is the cause of more of our troubles and will lead India to destruction if we fail to revise our notions in time. The Hindus and Muslims belong to two different religious philosophies, social customs, and literature.”
The day reminds us of the struggle for a separate state that we call home where Muslims can achieve equitable growth and have equal opportunities. Generations of Muslims have been shielded from the tyranny and brutality that is now taking place in India. Modi-led BJP is working hand in glove with the Hindu extremists to complete the transformation of India into a Hindu state where minorities don’t have any rights. Several movements in India are indicative of how the Hindus are now free to dominate Muslims in all spheres of life through their anti-Muslim drive, with the political support emboldening them to do so: a cow protection movement that has led to various incidents of lynching of Muslims, the Babri Mosque verdict in favor of the Hindus, Ghar Wapsi (coming home) movement, and interference in Muslim personal laws along with the ban on hijab in educational institutions, among other incidents. It show how other than Hinduism, there’s no space for other religions in today’s India. They are getting a raw deal in every sphere of life and the sense of insecurity of Indian Muslims has further amplified in the recent years.
Whilst when Pakistan came into being in 1947, the new state had meagre resources and almost had to start from the scratch. It has made valuable achievements over the years, and possesses the basic ingredients that can contribute towards the development of a country – natural and human resources – and is working towards utilizing these resources. 
Pakistan has faced a number of major internal and external challenges that were formidable, but the nation stood the test of time, while making tremendous strides in all spheres. We have struggled and fought terrorism, and successfully thwarted all internal and external threats to Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We must celebrate Pakistan Day with the national resolve to stand firm and united against the challenges with the same courage and determination that has been the hallmark of this resilient nation over the years.

[email protected]