Written by: Musawir Qureshi
We are a free nation, and Pakistan is our homeland. We have our own flag, government, armed forces, courts and constitution. We have the right to make our own decisions and shape our future. Allah Almighty has blessed us with a country where we can live according to our national identity and religious values. Yet, sadly, some among us repeatedly raise the slogan of “slavery” without fully understanding what freedom and slavery actually mean.
A truly enslaved nation cannot decide its own direction. Its people cannot freely express their opinions, practice their religion or question those who govern them. Major decisions are made by others, and the people have little or no control over their own future.
But what do we see in Pakistan?
We travel freely across our cities and provinces. We offer prayers in mosques, celebrate Eid and observe religious traditions. Citizens criticize government policies, disagree with rulers and express their views through newspapers, television and social media. We participate in elections, and there is a constitutional mechanism for changing governments. These are important expressions of freedom.
This does not mean Pakistan is free from problems. We face poverty, inflation, unemployment, corruption, political instability and injustice. Governments can make mistakes, institutions can fail and laws may not always be implemented fairly. These problems must be acknowledged and addressed. But describing the entire country as “enslaved” simply because we disagree with a government or institution does not solve anything.
If a law is unjust, demand its reform. If an institution is weak, work to strengthen it. If a government fails, challenge it through constitutional and democratic means. If corruption exists, expose it. If injustice occurs, demand justice. Criticism is our right, but criticism of a government should not become hatred for the homeland.
Unfortunately, our political thinking often becomes contradictory. When our preferred political party is in power, we consider ourselves free. When an opposing party governs, we suddenly describe ourselves as slaves. This is not a principled understanding of freedom. It is simply political frustration.
Freedom does not mean that everyone can do whatever they want. Freedom comes with responsibility. Laws cannot be respected only when they serve our personal interests. If we want others to respect our rights, we must also respect the rights of others. A society becomes truly free when liberty and responsibility exist together.
We should also look at parts of the world where religious minorities and other communities face restrictions and insecurity. International debates surrounding the rights of Muslims, Sikhs and other minorities in India, for example, remind us that religious freedom and civil liberties should never be taken for granted. We should not celebrate the difficulties faced by people in other countries; instead, we should learn to appreciate our own blessings and remain committed to protecting freedom everywhere.
Pakistan certainly has shortcomings, but its shortcomings do not make the country meaningless. The state and the government are not the same thing. Governments come and go, political parties rise and fall, but Pakistan remains our homeland.
Our country was achieved after enormous sacrifices. Millions of Muslims left their homes during Partition, endured immense hardship and lost their lives in the struggle for a separate homeland. The freedom we inherited was not free of cost. It came through sacrifice, determination and faith.
Therefore, we should not remember independence only on August 14. We should value it every day.
True patriotism does not mean ignoring the country’s problems. Rather, patriotism means confronting those problems honestly and working to solve them. A patriotic citizen can criticize the government, demand accountability and fight against injustice while still loving the country.
We must protect ourselves from ingratitude. Allah Almighty has given us a homeland, a national identity, our own flag, diverse cultures and languages, religious freedoms and the opportunity to build a better future. Our responsibility is to strengthen what we have been given.
For God’s sake, value your country. Its problems are our problems, and its success is our success. If Pakistan becomes stronger, we benefit. If it becomes weak, we will suffer first.
Governments can change. Political parties can change. Leaders can change. Circumstances can change. But a homeland cannot simply be replaced.
If Pakistan is strong, we are strong. If Pakistan is safe, we are safe. And if our homeland becomes weak, the greatest loss will be ours.
Therefore, instead of endlessly repeating the slogan of slavery, let us value our freedom and understand the responsibilities that come with it. Question the government, demand justice, defend your rights and work for reform—but remain loyal to your homeland.
Removing the shortcomings of Pakistan is patriotism; treating Pakistan itself as worthless is not.
Pakistan is our identity, our responsibility and a trust that we must protect and pass on to future generations.
