August 14th, 1947 marks a historic moment that we celebrate today, 77 years later, from Pakistan to the far reaches of the Pakistani diaspora. Pakistan’s independence and emergence as a sovereign nation spirits millions who believed in this independent homeland. Yet, as we raise our flag—once a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and the values that define our land—we must reflect critically on the challenges that have caused it to waver.
The heartbeat of Pakistan is its people, as we celebrate the tapestry of individuals who make us feel patriotic today, let this be a reminder of the potential Pakistan holds if we nurture and support our citizens from an early stage.
Firstly acknowledging the women who carry the burdens others find too difficult to bear. Neha Mankani, provides essential medical kits to women in flood-affected regions of Pakistan, ensuring safe deliveries of babies in the most challenging conditions. In a country with alarming maternal and perinatal mortality rates, the work of midwives who remain the unsung heroes during crises becomes even more crucial. Clean delivery kits, makeshift clinics, and midwife training are essential to addressing a healthcare crisis that disproportionately affects women. Women like Neha Mankani embody the spirit of this country, offering hope for a better future for the women of Pakistan.
Next, we must commend Justice Ayesha Malik for her transformative role in Pakistan’s justice system, particularly in cases of sexual violence. Her landmark decisions, such as abolishing the two-finger test—a cruel and outdated practice once used in sexual assault cases—and her recent dissenting opinion in a rape case, where she asserted that a victim’s reputation and character have no bearing on the crime of rape, challenge deeply ingrained gender biases. Stating there is no nexus between the victim’s “reputation, character and the offence of rape”, she has tackled one of the biggest barriers to justice in Pakistan’s criminal justice system in regard to gender-based violence; targetting the victim’s character. Be that at the hands of the press or the verdict, too often perpetrators of violence have gotten off scot-free by tearing apart the women victims of the crime. There is no such thing as the perfect victim, nor is it an obligation before the law. Her further acknowledging the various trauma responses victims have making the requirement to show physical resistance in establishing a rape case to be a stereotypical presumption. The law is to treat everyone fairly, not only those who fit the stereotypical ideal victim.Justice Malik’s work confronts the pervasive issue of victim-blaming in Pakistan’s criminal justice system, underscoring that the law must treat everyone fairly, regardless of whether they fit the stereotypical image of a “perfect victim.”. She is the embodiment of Pakistan’s pursuit of fairness and equity.
The female-led protests in the capital city led by Balochi women symbolize a collective spirit of Pakistan. These women have marched tirelessly over 900 miles from Turbat to protest against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. Having faced opposition, arrests, police violence the pursuit of justice through protest remains steadfast. Their courage and strength shows the resilience of Pakistani women. For over a decade these women have fought for justice for their loved ones. The spirit of Pakistan remains alive when we value the right to protest, the right to a fair trial and justice for all and adhere to the regulations of policing around peaceful protesting. Despite being denied these rights and remaining determined is why these women embody the spirit of our people.
Suriya Bibi, becoming the first woman from Chitral district to secure an assembly seat through direct election rather than assuming a reserved seat for women has made history for women in politics. This victory not only empowers women from regions such as Chitral but is refreshing to see a woman win a seat outside of political familial ties. Shattering stereotypes, Suriya Bibis account of campaigning with the help of other women, traveling on foot to meet voters to connect with the community is pivotal to understanding the impact women carry at a grassroot level as well as at a decision making level. She is a testimony to the bright future Pakistan has ahead of itself if we focus on empowering women into politics and decision making on all accounts.
Arshad Nadeem’s recent Olympic victory is another testament to individual determination. His story, from a humble upbringing in Southern Punjab to breaking records and winning gold in the javelin throw, is nothing short of inspirational. Yet, his success is a reminder of the lack of state support for our athletes. Arshad’s triumph is his own, built from sheer passion and hard work, from being unable to afford his own javelin and traveling to tournaments on his own expense and support of his village, highlights the dire need for greater investment in our sportsmen. If we nurtured our talent from the start, perhaps we would not have to wait so long for the next international victory.
In the spirit of sportsmanship, Pakistan’s Street Football team is also making waves, climbing the ranks in the youth football tournament, Street Child Football Norway Cup. Last year, they were runners-up; this year, they are striving for even greater success. Their journey reflects the raw talent within Pakistan’s youth, and it underscores the urgent need for the state to transform this potential into reality. A nation is only as strong as the opportunities it provides to its people.
Celebrating these individuals is not just about honouring their achievements; it’s about recognizing the passion, potential, and enduring spirit of Pakistan, even in the face of adversity. Over the past 77 years, we have learned many lessons, the most important of which is the value of our citizens. If we wish to see a brighter future for Pakistan, we must prioritise our people.
With the estimated 700,000 individuals leaving Pakistan in 2024 alone in search of better opportunities according to Overseas Employment, the brain drain is a stark indicator of our failure to value our citizens. From ghost schools leaving children without education, to the lack of investment in sports, to a disregard for individual rights in a country plagued by femicide, it is clear that if we wish to stand stronger on our next Independence Day, we must treat the citizens of Pakistan as our greatest priority.
To those who elevate our nation’s name despite the challenges they face, and to those who dream of a better Pakistan, may the next Independence Day be a celebration of progress, promise, and success.