In my travels through northern Pakistan last year, I was fortunate to be hosted by my friend Asim, whose grandfather is revered as a hero of the north. As a Junior officer and later to become Group Captain of the Eskimo Force of the Gilgit scouts, Lieutenant Shah Khan took charge and had lead the liberation effort to seize control of Gilgit reaching as far north to Kargil through the Deosai plains with an altitude of 14-16,000 ft. (The land of the giants) with little supplies. He routed out his opponents in their bunkers and took control. No small feat either. What a legend. He wrote a book that he presented to me about his experiences. Mr. Shah Khan was awarded for his bravery too with Pakistan’s 3rd highest military award; Sitara-i-Jurrat – The Star of Courage.
However, if I asked him what he thought of the state of Pakistan today, especially concerning the minorities, IDP’s and the Baluch issue to name but a few, he’d probably like many his age sigh, shrug his shoulders and look at me with pain in his eyes. “We could’ve done so much more. We should do much more”. Injustice everywhere, might is right and if you speak with a conscious, you can kiss life goodbye. That is the order of the day. Is that what we have become? I’m sorry to say but I think we need to do more than just wave flags and sing patriotic songs. There’s just too much patriotism going on and we are lost within the words and emotions.
We have a moral duty to think inwardly and do more. To blame anyone else for the mistakes, shortcomings or underlying issues is just facade. We need to think. What can be done? I’m sure there are many out there like me who would like to do something for the greater good but don’t know what to do or how to go about it. This calls for leadership in all of us. Those that know me know that I speak from experience doing what I can when I can for the people of the region. The Pakistan flood relief effort in Dubai is an example. We are all the same and speak the same. We can do more.
It will be India’s Independence celebrations and 4 days later it will be Afghanistan parading away with great fanfare. Respect. But enough already. What are we learning? Surely the older generation fought thinking the younger generation would benefit. They did. But at what cost and what did that translate into? One could say that the masses largely celebrate the state, yet they are celebrating a material existence and the true essence is lost upon the new generation. I hope not. “Faith, unity and discipline” are the cornerstones of Pakistan. Where are we? I hope for the likes of Mr. Shah Khan that we honor and do more. The unsung heroes who fought valiantly against all odds. But it’s not all about fighting. They did that so we wouldn’t have to fight. The days of warfare has gone. It’s about respect, hospitality, coexistence and so much more. More love not hate. Whatever the case, we need to do some real soul searching. All of us wherever we are. This goes for all the other countries too.
We should be concentrating on the next steps forward. Conserving our energy and thinking ahead for the next generations to come. Advancement in health, education, science and technology is the need of the hour. We will only be questioned and be accountable for what we could have done but did not do. Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. Scrap that. Yes. Scrap that. We should not be patriots of a particular country. We should be patriots of humanity. Which brings me to this fine example that I stumbled upon by chance. I read an article today of a woman from Karachi, Ms. Nargis Latif who nearly lost her life to and in doing so, swore that if she lived on, she would dedicate her life for the greater good and help those in need. And lo and behold. In her efforts, Ms. Latif has gone about using recycled waste and garbage to make structures for housing to toilets for those in need. That’s why I ask. What are we celebrating for? Jeevay jeevay Pakistan or I love my India or Afghanistan when the population cannot be looked after? We all should and can do our part in our own small and special way. Yes, commemorate those who fought for better days. However, contribute in consolidating your brainpower rather than ego and make it a better place before you leave it. As the wise have said. Humble yourself people or life will humble you.
Sources
- Ghani, Faras. The woman turning rubbish into homes in Pakistan, http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/06/woman-turning-rubbish-homes-pakistan-160629181246015.html
Kabul Wazir Mir 