Protecting freedom

The government of Pakistan’s announcement to dedicate this year’s Independence Day to Maarka-e-Haq, the battle for truth, ignited a fresh wave of enthusiasm among every patriotic Pakistani citizen. In a high-level meeting of the Pakistan Hindu Council, it was decided that, as per our previous years' traditions, every temple, every gurdwara and every dharamshala across the country would be decorated with flags and lights to celebrate the 78th Independence Day.

Being patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, I was invited as chief guest by the Dawood University of Engineering & Technology, where an impressive programme was organised at Dar-ul-Sukoon in honour of special children. This small act of kindness was making the formal beginning of Maarka-e-Haq celebrations from my side in a meaningful way.

On August 11, I participated in Geo News’ Capital Talk, hosted by veteran senior journalist Hamid Mir. Our discussion revolved around the significance of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s famous August 11 speech for ensuring equal civic rights to every citizen of Pakistan. On the occasion, I highlighted that many non-Muslim citizens, including Pakistan’s first law minister and only non-Muslim founding father Jogendranath Mandal, stood shoulder to shoulder with Quaid-e-Azam in the struggle for independence.

In my view, it is also a day to acknowledge President Asif Ali Zardari, who, during his previous tenure as President of Pakistan, formally declared August 11 as National Minority Day to be celebrated annually at the state level. This decision was a reaffirmation that the commitment made in 1947 remains enshrined in our Constitution and continues to guide our national values.

On the same day, a resolution, also endorsed by me as a minority parliamentarian, was moved in the National Assembly to make the historic speech of Quaid-e-Azam a part of the school curriculum, ensuring that future generations learn from the vision of tolerance, equality, and unity that Quaid-e-Azam envisioned for Pakistan.

Later that same evening, I watched the programme of renowned anchor Shahzeb Khanzada, whose patriotic analysis deeply resonated with my own thoughts. His words reflected sincerity and a genuine commitment to the rights of minorities. Citing several international reports on the status of minorities in Pakistan, he posed a profound question: Are we truly honouring the promises Quaid-e-Azam made to Pakistan’s minorities on August 11, 1947?

In another episode on-air on August 12, Hamid Mir, while focusing on Pakistan's remarkable victory in Maarka-e-Haq, shared some eye-opening facts regarding the full-scale disinformation offensive campaigns being launched by the Indian media against Pakistan and Quaid-e-Azam.

To counter cross-border propaganda, Mir cited several credible historical books, including Mountbatten and the partition of India, containing a series of interviews with Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of British India, conducted by world-renowned authors, Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre. All the books he mentioned during the show must be read by every Pakistani.

On August 13, I was part of the grand independence celebrations held at the National Stadium in Karachi. Every chant, every wave of the flag, and every smile spoke of an unshakable love for Pakistan and the Pak Army.

Like every year, on the Independence Day being celebrated on August 14, I had the honour of leading a delegation to visit Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi. Standing before the resting place of Quaid-e-Azam, surrounded by my fellow delegates, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the sacrifices made by our elders.

During each activity celebrated, I witnessed people wholeheartedly endorsing a firm belief that the heroic courage displayed by our brave armed forces during Maarka-e-Haq was a powerful declaration to the world that Pakistan’s borders are sacred, and their sanctity will be protected at any cost.

On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, let every patriotic citizen fulfil their duties honestly in moving our beloved motherland towards peace, prosperity and progress. Long live Pakistan!

The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council.

He tweets/posts @RVankwani