Pakistan emerged on the world map on 14th August 1947. It was the result of immense struggle and unwavering determination by the Muslims of the Indian...
COVER STORY
Pakistan emerged on the world map on 14th August 1947. It was the result of immense struggle and unwavering determination by the Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent, who united under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Their dream was a separate homeland where they could live in accordance with their religious, cultural, and social values.
The creation of Pakistan came at a great cost. Thousands of Muslims were forced to migrate from their ancestral homes in India, leaving behind their properties, lands, and memories. The journey to their new homeland was perilous - many were attacked, robbed, or killed on the way, and countless families were separated, never to reunite. The pain and trauma of Partition still live on in the stories passed down by our grandparents and great-grandparents. They sacrificed everything for a country that, at its birth, was struggling with political instability, economic hardship, and a lack of resources.
Despite these early challenges, the people of Pakistan showed remarkable resilience. Those already living here welcomed the muhajireen (migrants) with open arms, offering food, shelter, and support. Together, they laid the foundation of a new nation with hope, courage, and unity.
Today, as we live in 2025, many of us express disappointment and despair, saying there is nothing left in Pakistan. But, have we taken our freedom for granted? We have forgotten the sacrifices made to attain this independence. Yes, Pakistan faces economic difficulties and social challenges, but that should not blind us to its blessings.
Pakistan is a land of extraordinary beauty, gifted by Allah with lush green valleys, towering mountains, great deserts, and a vast coastline. It is a country rich in culture, ancient architecture, and centuries-old literature. Our people are known for their warmth, generosity, and intellect. Foreigners often speak highly of our hospitality and spirit.
Instead of complaining, we must reflect on how fortunate we are to have a homeland. Gratitude demands that we acknowledge our blessings and strive to protect and improve our country.
Here are some of the many reasons why we should be thankful to be Pakistanis...
Mountains and deserts
Pakistan is renowned across the globe for its majestic and towering mountain ranges. Every year, thousands of tourists, mountaineers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world visit Pakistan to witness its breathtaking natural beauty. The country is home to three of the world's most famous mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush. These ranges are not only spectacular in their appearance but also significant in terms of geography and climate.
Among Pakistan’s many peaks, K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, rising to an awe-inspiring height of 8,611 metres (28,251 feet), and is extremely difficult to climb, earning it the title of ‘Savage Mountain’. Its treacherous slopes and icy summits attract seasoned climbers from all continents.
In addition to mountains, Pakistan is also blessed with vast and ancient deserts, each holding unique cultural and historical value. The Thar Desert, stretching across Sindh, is the most well-known and is home to many communities with rich traditions. The Cholistan Desert in Punjab is famous for the historic Derawar Fort and the annual Cholistan Desert Rally, while the remote Kharan Desert in Balochistan is known for its stark and majestic landscape.
Pakistan’s diverse geography - from snow-capped peaks to sun-scorched deserts - is a testament to the natural wealth of our homeland.
Rivers and sea
Unlike many countries that have either rivers or the sea, Pakistan is blessed with both. Our land is home to rivers, lakes, and a vast coastline along the Arabian Sea. The Indus River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through the heart of the country; it sustains life and supports agriculture. Other major rivers are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej.
Pakistan’s coastline stretches over 1,000 kilometres, offering access to the sea for trade, fishing, and tourism. Coastal cities like Karachi and Gwadar not only serve as economic hubs but also offer beautiful beaches and marine biodiversity.
Seasons
While some countries experience extreme weather or have the same climate year-round, Pakistan enjoys four distinct seasons: summer, winter, spring, and autumn. This diversity in climate allows our soil to produce a wide range of fruits and vegetables throughout the year - mangoes, oranges, strawberries, apples, grapes, and much more.
In the field of Sports
Pakistan has earned global recognition in the world of sports, thanks to the immense talent, dedication, and spirit of its athletes. In the past, Pakistan dominated the world of squash for several decades. From the 1950s to the 1990s, Pakistani players reigned supreme, securing numerous international titles and bringing immense pride to the nation. Jahangir Khan, widely regarded as one of the greatest squash players in history, remains an iconic figure in the sport. His remarkable achievement of winning ten British Open titles and remaining unbeaten for five years is a record that still inspires athletes around the world.
Hockey, once the national pride of Pakistan, also brought countless moments of glory. With multiple Olympic gold medals and World Cup victories, Pakistan was considered a powerhouse in the sport during its golden era.
In recent years, the Pakistani cricket team has continued to shine on the international stage. Whether it's thrilling victories in ICC tournaments or outstanding individual performances, cricket remains a unifying force and a source of national pride.
Pakistan is also making its mark in new arenas. In the 2024 Olympics, javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem made history by setting a new record. Beyond traditional sports, Pakistani youth are excelling in e-sports as well. From international gaming tournaments to online competitions, they are proving their skills and creativity in the digital world, earning respect and recognition.
Art and literature
When we talk about fine arts in Pakistan, the first name that comes to mind is Sadequain, the legendary artist known globally for his unique calligraphy. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was honoured with the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards.
In the realm of literature and poetry, Allama Muhammad Iqbal holds a special place. Known as the Shair-e-Mashriq (Poet of the East), he inspired generations of Muslims with his powerful verses. His poetry reflects deep love for Islam, its teachings, and its sacred places. Iqbal's poems are filled with messages of self-awareness, revival, and unity for Muslim youth. He wrote in both Persian and Urdu, and his work has since been translated into numerous languages around the world.
Pakistan is also home to many other literary giants like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Habib Jalib, and Perveen Shakir … all admired for their contribution to Urdu literature.
In prose, Pakistan has produced some of the finest writers whose works continue to be widely read and respected. Naseem Hijaz, Bano Qudsia and Ashfaq Ahmed and many others continue to enrich our literary scene. From visual arts to poetry and storytelling, Pakistan has nurtured a rich artistic and literary heritage.
Pak Army
We are blessed with one of the finest armies in the world, known for its unwavering strength, unmatched resilience, and deep sense of duty. From earning the prestigious title of ‘King of the Skies’ to their recent success at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 in the UK - where the Pakistan Air Force won two major awards - our armed forces continue to prove that they are second to none in courage, skill, and intelligence.
Thank you, Pakistan Army, for everything you have done for us. Thank you for making us proud!
The pride of Pakistan
Pakistan is proud of its hardworking and dedicated citizens who strive every day to uphold the dignity of the nation. Our two Nobel prize winners - Dr Abdul Salam, a brilliant physicist, and Malala Yousafzai, a global advocate for girls’ education - have brought international recognition to Pakistan through their excellence and courage.
When speaking of our national heroes, we cannot forget Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan. He is often regarded as the father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme. His invaluable contribution - making Pakistan a nuclear power - continues to safeguard us from the hostile intentions of our enemies.
Pakistani women have also played a crucial role in the nation’s progress. Recently, Sana Mir, former captain of the national women's cricket team, made history by being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame - the first Pakistani woman to receive this honour. She stands as a role model, proving that with determination, success is always within reach. Another inspiring figure is Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a two-time Oscar winner, globally recognised for her powerful documentaries highlighting social issues such as acid attacks and honour killings.
There is no doubt that countless individuals - men and women alike - are working selflessly for the betterment of our country. To all the patriots of Pakistan who sacrifice their comfort for the nation’s progress, I offer my heartfelt thanks.
In short, thank you, Pakistan, for giving us the freedom to speak, to live, and to make our own decisions. Let us honour this gift by becoming responsible citizens and contributing to the dignity and welfare of our country. As a proud patriot, I urge every Pakistani to unite in order to overcome the many challenges our nation faces and to build a brighter future.
Let us never forget the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah:
“ With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.“
