Unity fist to foil enemy designs

Birds fly together for food early morning. The search is hectic: it takes them individually as well as collectively to various places where they can find food of their choice and pick up for their hungry children also.

They have to be careful when hunters are after them, and there’s no law in the jungle. They’re enemy conscious.

The birds flying in different directions during the search for food, return to their nests in the evening satisfied that they have done their work in unison. What a fruitful team spirit!

Senior citizens say they have been in search of such a marvellous unity over the years: it was first witnessed during struggle for independence and then in September 1965 when all segments of society, including writers, poets, artistes and journalists, whole-heartedly backed the armed forces in the face of aggression by India.

One is reminded of the October 30, 1947 speech of the founder of Pakistan, the central point of which was: And never forget our motto —unity, faith and discipline. “You will have to be alert, very alert, for the time for relaxation is not there; with faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve,” said the Quaid-i-Azam in his address to Ack Ack Regiments at Malir in February, 1948.

Unforgettable is the 1950 ‘mukka’ (fist) of the first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan in response to Indian counter-part Nehru’s threat to attack Lahore. Liaquat’s historic fist created team spirit in the entire nation, especially the youth. Students adopted ‘mukka’ as their sign of patriotism, unity and strength.

In the face of extremely hostile attitude of neighbouring India, COAS General Raheel Sharif has proved his worth as soldier dedicated to the survival of the nation with dignity and honour. He rightly said last Defence Day that internal and external threats to peace have not been completely eliminated. The fight against terrorism has to be considered a war for survival of the homeland. He vowed to go to any lengths to ensure national security.

The suggestion that all stakeholders and institutions must play their respective roles with utmost sincerity and commitment to achieve the fruit of unity is worth studying.

It is on this count that common people regard him as role model for the independence, integrity and sovereignty of the country.

How praiseworthy was the stance of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the United Nations General Assembly as regards Indian brutalities in occupied Kashmir. He has his own way of displaying ‘mukka’ to forces hostile to homeland.

By the way, the question is: why we unite only when the enemy comes out to grind his axe.

zasarwar@hotmail.com