By Rana Farooq Ashraf
It has been aptly said that the true value of freedom can only be understood by those whose nights pass in the shadow of fear and whose mornings dawn amidst the smoke of gunpowder. Today, when I look out of my window and see children playing cricket in the streets without a care in the world, hear the soul-stirring echoes of the Adhan from the mosques, and witness the vibrant life in the local bazaars, my heart overflows with a profound sense of peace and gratitude. This tranquility, this vibrancy, and this lightheartedness are not mere coincidences; they are the fruits of a monumental struggle, a sacred ideology, and the relentless sacrifices of the brave young men standing guard at our borders. When today’s youth turns the pages of history and studies Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s “Two-Nation Theory,” they realize that this ideology was not just a political slogan but a guarantee for the survival of the Muslims of the subcontinent. Today, when we witness the plight of minorities, particularly Muslims, in our neighboring country—where they face restrictions and discrimination regarding their religious identity, attire, and even their food—we realize what a magnificent blessing the creation of Pakistan truly is.
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Being a Pakistani youth, when I look at my counterparts across the border who are forced to hide their identity, I feel a surge of pride that I live in a country where my identity is my dignity. I do not have to seek permission for my prayers, nor do I have to sacrifice my faith for my education or career. This feeling of being “at home” is the very strength that distinguishes us from other nations in the world. If we look at global conditions, observe the lives of the youth in Palestine who live daily under the shadow of tanks and bombardment, or look at those countries that have crumbled under the weight of internal civil wars, the heart trembles. Examples of countries like Syria, Libya, and Yemen are before us, where the collapse of the state structure turned the life of the common man into a living hell. In the context of these situations, when I look at Pakistan, I realize how incredibly fortunate we are. We have a strong state, a constitution, and above all, a shield that protects us from all such horrors. That shield is the Pakistan Army.
The Pakistan Army is not just a professional institution; it is a symbol of protection and security for every Pakistani. Whether it is the defense of the borders, natural disasters, the menace of terrorism, or internal stability, the soldiers of the Pakistan Army have always nurtured peace with their blood. As a young man, when I wonder why I sleep so soundly at night, the answer comes from the icy peaks of Siachen to the scorching deserts: someone is awake. Someone is sacrificing the joys of their home, the smiles of their children, and their comfortable life to stand guard over my freedom and yours. These brave soldiers, standing eye-to-eye with the enemy, are the guarantee that any evil eye cast toward Pakistan will be crushed. The “cleansing” operations conducted by the Pakistan Army across the length and breadth of the country, which annihilated terrorist hideouts and lit the lamps of peace, have no parallel in global military history. It is because of them that the flag of Pakistan flies today with full glory.
One of the greatest benefits of living in a free country is the social and familial peace we enjoy. In the evening, when the whole family sits at the dinner table, sharing laughter, elders giving advice to the young, and mothers dreaming of their children’s futures, these moments are nothing short of a blessing. These joys are only possible when there is peace in the land. In countries ravaged by civil war, families are torn apart, mothers carry the caskets of their sons, and fathers pray for their children’s lives rather than their education. No amount of gratitude for this is ever enough. Nowadays, attempts are made through social media and other means to spread despondency among the youth. Economic difficulties and political fluctuations are used as excuses to create an impression that everything is over. But a true patriotic youth knows that difficulties are temporary, while the country and its freedom are permanent blessings.
Despair is a sin, and gratitude is an act of worship. When we thank Allah for these blessings, He grants us even more courage. As a Pakistani youth, it is our responsibility to acquire education and skills to strengthen the country’s economy, to influence others through our character by following Islamic principles, and to adopt a positive mindset while focusing on facts rather than rumors. We must value our protectors and keep their morale high. Pakistan is not just a piece of land; it is the desire of millions of martyrs, the saga of the migration of our elders, and the fruit of the prayers of countless mothers. It is the only country founded in the name of “La ilaha illallah.” Under the shadow of Allah, this state will, Insha’Allah, remain until the end of time. We should be proud to be part of this soil where we have freedom of expression, complete liberty to follow our religion, and the world’s best army for our protection. O Allah! We thank You for blessing us with a gift like Pakistan and for granting us the wisdom to value it.
Pakistan Paindabad! Pak Army Zindabad!
