Dear kids, Assalam-o-Alaikum! 
Hope you all have enjoyed your holidays, with laughter, adventure, and so much more. You must be excited about getting back to school as the vacations are coming to  an end. Yes, you will be in a new class, with new friends and new teachers. It will be the beginning of another term filled with learning, growth and excitement. But before you get into your school routines, there is a significant event that deserves the fullest attention and maximum celebration. It is the 77^th birthday of our homeland – the Independence Day of Pakistan. This day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the incredible journey our nation had embarked upon, 77 years ago, under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and achieved independence on 14th of August, 1947. Congratulations!
Just think, dear friends, of the restless struggle and selfless sacrifice our forefathers rendered in order to secure independence for the Muslims of subcontinent. Imagine, how and why the visionary poet-philosopher, Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, dreamt of a separate homeland where Muslims could live with dignity and freedom. His was not just a dream but a lifelong contribution towards the awakening of Muslims through highly inspiring poetry that ultimately led to turning his dream into reality. In the footsteps of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, not only did he present the ideology of Pakistan based on the Two-Nation Theory, in his 1930 Allahabad address, he also explored the most significant role in Barrister Jinnah by convincing him to come back from England and lead the Muslim nation to achieve a separate and independent homeland for them. Thank God, he did. 
Mohammad Ali Jinnah came back, joined politics and took the reins of All India Muslim League into his hands. With his unmatched strength of personal character, remarkable wisdom and unwavering resolve, and together with a selfless team of courageous leaders and the valiant force of motivated youth, the Quaid-i-Azam led them through the most challenging political battles of that time. They succeeded in turning Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Allama Iqbal’s dream into reality. Pakistan came into being and we heard the resounding words of the Quaid: “No power on earth can undo Pakistan.”
As we celebrate this year the 77^th Independence Day of Pakistan, let us reflect on the selfless struggle and sacrifices of our forefathers in the making of Pakistan; let us honor them by embodying the same spirit of perseverance, by dreaming big, and looking beyond the stars – whether it’s striving for academic excellence, playing a proactive role in nation building or contributing to a cleaner environment. Be kind to one another, help those in need, work towards creating a society that supports and uplifts every one of us, and build your personal character by not telling a lie and being regular in offering prayers five times a day. Work hard, forge unity and discipline with an unwavering faith. Remember, you are the future, and it is you, only you, whose dreams hold the potential to shape a brighter and better Pakistan.
Friends! we’d love to see you celebrating the month of Pakistan’s independence in a befitting manner. Don’t forget to share your pictures, decorations, and stories with us. Your favorite Hilal for Kids is ready to spare the space in its next editions. Let’s celebrate our independence together – with added pride and enthusiasm. 
Wishing you all the best. Many cheers!

Farooq-uz-Zaman