The idea of Pakistan turns 85, but the question remains: Have we honored the promise of its creation?

March 23 is more than just a date on the calendar; it is the embodiment of a collective struggle, a testament to resilience, and a reminder of the extraordinary leadership that forged a nation in the span of just seven years. It is a day that calls for both celebration and introspection—a moment to honor the sacrifices of those who turned a vision into reality, but also to examine the weight of the responsibilities we now bear.
Pakistan’s emergence was not merely the result of political maneuvering; it was a seismic shift in the consciousness of a people who longed for dignity, self-determination, and justice. The caravans that arrived in a nascent Pakistan did not merely traverse physical distances; they embodied a metaphysical journey—one that tested the limits of human endurance and faith. Their rallying cry—“Pakistan ka matlab kya, La Ilaha Illa Allah”—was more than a slogan; it was the heartbeat of a people seeking liberation, not just from colonial rule, but from the chains of existential despair. As Pakistan marks 85 years since the Lahore Resolution, we must confront an uncomfortable question: Have we upheld the pact forged in blood and sacrifice, or have we merely inherited a symbol stripped of its original urgency?
The passage of time has layered Pakistan’s story with complexities, revealing the fragile interplay of ideals and realities. The threats we face today are not only territorial but profoundly philosophical. The specter of hybrid warfare looms large, where truth itself is under siege—manipulated, distorted, and reshaped to sow discord. Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK) and other extremist ideologies are not merely enemies of the state; they are distortions of the soul, deviations from the higher moral calling that Islam demands. Meanwhile, the unchecked proliferation of digital propaganda turns perception into reality, eroding trust and dismantling the sacred bonds of national unity. Economic pressures, environmental crises, and the corrosion of ethical values further complicate the landscape. These are not just external crises; they are internal reckonings that call for a deeper introspection.
Yet, amidst these trials, Pakistan remains a land of immense blessings. It is not merely geography that defines a nation, but the will of its people to transform its potential into destiny. The tragedy lies not in the adversities we face but in the apathy that greets them. We often lament what Pakistan has not given us, but seldom do we ask: What have we given to Pakistan? This question is not rhetorical; it is an ethical imperative. To demand without giving, to expect without contributing—this is the mindset that must change.

We often lament what Pakistan has not given us, but seldom do we ask: What have we given to Pakistan? This question is not rhetorical; it is an ethical imperative. To demand without giving, to expect without contributing—this is the mindset that must change.

Are we mere spectators in Pakistan’s journey, or are we architects of its future? Have we strengthened the sentinels who guard our frontiers, not only with weapons but with unshakeable national resolve? Have we played a role in dismantling the networks of extremism that threaten our peace? Have we, in our own spheres, cultivated knowledge, fostered tolerance, and defended truth against the tides of deception? Too often, the answer remains a hesitant silence.
This passivity must end. Strength lies in unity, and unity is not an abstract ideal—it is the lived reality of a people bound by purpose. As Iqbal so powerfully reminds us:
فرد قائم ربطِ ملت سے ہے تنہا کچھ نہیں
موج ہے دریا میں اور بیرون دریا کچھ نہیں
(An individual is sustained by their connection to the nation; alone, they are nothing.

A wave exists in the river, but outside it, it is nothing.)
The foundational ideals of unity, faith, and discipline remain as relevant today as they were in 1947. The call to work, work, and only work must not be confined to speeches but must echo in our daily actions. Our collective destiny is not hindered by a lack of resources but by the corrosion of belief in our own power to shape the future. To dispel these shadows, we must trust in ourselves, in our national strength, and in the divine promise that perseverance and faith yield triumph.
This is not a journey for the faint-hearted. Defeating the forces of misinformation, countering extremism, and restoring national confidence require vigilance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to truth. We must embrace a new civic consciousness—where patriotism is not performative but deeply felt, where responsibility is not outsourced but personally owned. Monitoring threats within our midst, reporting suspicious activities, engaging in intellectual rigor, and rejecting the comfort of indifference—these are not acts of mere duty but of national survival. The battle against disinformation must not be fought only by institutions but by every citizen who refuses to be an instrument of discord. Social media must cease to be an echo chamber of grievances and must instead become a beacon of enlightenment and national cohesion.
Pakistan’s future does not rest in vague aspirations; it lies in the choices we make today. It is a future that demands sacrifice—not only from policymakers and security forces but from every citizen who dares to dream of a Pakistan that is just, strong, and united. When the next Pakistan Day arrives, may we not look back with regret but with the satisfaction that we have honored the trust of history.
The great leader whose vision guided Pakistan’s creation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, once declared in October 1947: "The greater the sacrifices we are made to undergo, the purer and more chastened shall we emerge, like gold from fire."
Today, as we mark the 85th anniversary of that defining moment in history, let us renew our commitment—not just to remembering Pakistan’s past but to shaping its future. Let our unity transcend the divisions of language, ethnicity, and sect. Let our determination silence the voices of despair. And let our actions, not just our words, define our patriotism.
For when the question arises again—What have you given to Pakistan? —may our answer be one of unwavering pride.