2016 may be the end but the forthcoming month of August marks the rise of merrymaking for Pakistanis. Here’s what we are celebrating until the end of 2016.
Celebrating Independence Day
14 August 1947 – The day when Pakistan finally gained independence from the British rule due to the undying efforts of the Father of the Nation, Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This year Pakistan will be celebrating its 69th Birthday.
Patriots throughout the country celebrate this day by hoisting the Pakistani flag on their rooftops as a proof of their love for the country. They visit places, which hold national significance and often wear something green or white which are the Pakistani flag colors. Children have their face painted with the flag and are usually running around the streets happily. Since this day is a national holiday, educational institutes hold a patriotic song competition, a drama or a show either before the 14th or even after it. The television and radio industries try to make this day informative and interesting by inviting heroes of the country. These heroes include those who have done significant work for the country in any of the fields, education, sports etc.
On the night of 14 August, there is a special arrangement of fireworks enjoyed by the whole country from their balconies. Not only that, but many of the residents also arrange flying lanterns and small fireworks for children (called ‘patakhas’ in Urdu, the local language). Although fireworks and face paintings, TV shows are entertaining, do not benefit the country in any way. Pakistan needs greenery; so on this Independence Day, plant one tree. When each one of you plants one tree, the country’s pollution and the harsh temperatures will improve.
If this step seems difficult for most Pakistanis, then clean your streets. Most of the streets of the country have wrappers, garbage and other waste materials piling up. This adds up to the toxic waste and affects the health of the residents. You can start today, so grab a shopper and clean!
Are Pakistanis too lazy to initiate something? Then educate the youngsters. Educate your younger siblings and cousins about the significance of this day for the country. Let them know why they should care and work for it.
Celebrating Defense Day
Many youngsters may be too busy enjoying this holiday on this day (6 September) and most of them don’t even know the reason for celebrating this day. In 1965, Pakistan and India had their second war over Kashmir. It started when India discovered Pakistan’s “Operation Gibraltar” to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan hoped to rid Kashmir of the oppressive rule of the Indian government, but it failed.
Pakistan wanted to make the disputed Kashmir a part of its land as it was supposed to be in 1947. The war lasted for five weeks leading to thousands of deaths. Finally, the UN called a ceasefire.
In order to honor the armed forces and pay respect to those who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan, the nation commemorated 6 September as the “Defense Day.” The army officers, who displayed exemplary valor and courage and received the “Nishan-e-Haider,” which is the highest military award given to the soldiers of Pakistan.
Pakistan army displays their latest military weapons and equipment live at various places. Locals have permission allowed to watch these functions, and so they go to these places. Television channels also provide live coverage to such functions and broadcast documentaries about the martyrs.
Celebrating Air Force Day & Navy Day
After the defense day, Pakistan celebrates the Air Force Day and Navy Day on the 7 and 8 September respectively. However, they are no longer national holidays.
The first Air Force Day first held in 1971 when Pakistan’s air force successfully defended it in the 1965 war. The person of this day was Muhammad Mehmood Alam who shot down five Indian jet fighters in less than a minute. He was awarded the Sitara e Jurat (The Star of Courage) for his exemplary vigilance. The PAF (Pakistan Air Force) base hosts special ceremonial activities on this day. Prominent personalities attend these celebrations including the Prime Minster and Air Chief of the country.
The role of the Pakistani Navy is to defend the sea frontiers of Pakistan. In 1965, Pakistan Navy performed the most remarkable duty of safeguarding its Sea-frontiers from Indian aggression. Pakistani ships carried out bombardment of Dwarka about midnight using 50 rounds per ship. The enemy did not fight back and the ships safely arrived at their patrol area on 8 Sep. The successful move against India is the reason for the celebration of Navy Day. Since that day, the Pakistan Navy has gained more respect for their diligent fulfillment of duties. Praises of Pakistani Navy by local newspapers, television channels, radios, and by people as well, echoed throughout the day.
What to Learn from Our Army, Air Force & Navy
They teach the important lessons of courage and bravery. They teach you to sacrifice the comfort of your home, your family and your life for the country. As future generation of Pakistan, respect and cherish the country for which people gave up their lives.
In 1965, the saviors of this country successfully protected Pakistan from all three: air, sea, and land. Today, it is your responsibility to be helpful to this country by becoming doctors, teachers, or even army officers. Serve this country sincerely and fearlessly. Never give up.
Celebrating Iqbal Day
This day, 9 November, is historic because it is the birthday of the greatest poets of all times, Allama Iqbal. He was the one who envisioned a separate homeland for Muslims and wrote influential poetry to spread public awareness. His thoughts and words awakened the Islamic identity of the Muslims in the subcontinent. One of the famous quotes by Allama Iqbal is, “I would like to see the Punjab, North-West Frontier Province, Sindh, and Baluchistan amalgamated into a single State. Self-government within the British Empire, or without the British Empire, the formation of a consolidated North-West Indian Muslim State appears to me to be the final destiny of the Muslims, at least of North-West India.”
Throughout the country, cultural, literary, and educational organizations conduct programs in order to honor the memory of Allama Iqbal. Children prepare speeches enlisting his contributions to the independence of Pakistan. People also recite his evergreen poetry at the events on this day.
Although Iqbal could not live to see the fulfillment of his vision, it finally came true. The nation doesn’t forget his contributions and efforts. Educational institutes share the stories of his life to tell future generations about this special personality. His tomb is in Lahore (Pakistan).
Celebrating Quaid e Azam Day
Muhammad Ali Jinnah born on 25 December 1876, which is a national holiday – “Quaid-e-Azam Day”. However, Jinnah had to pay a hard price to become Quaid e Azam (Leader of the Nation). He started his political career as a member of the Indian National Congress. At that time, he believed that the rights of Muslims would be safe in a united India. However, with time, he realized that the Hindu leaders had an ulterior motive unlike his own. At this stage of his political career, Jinnah left Congress and dedicated himself more fully to the Muslim League.
By 1939, Jinnah came to believe in a separate Muslim homeland and the Two Nation Theory. He was sure that this was the only way to preserve Muslims’ customs and safeguard their political interests. Therefore, as a true Quaid-e-Azam or Leader of the Nation, he fought for the rights of Muslims and worked effortlessly to bring Pakistan into being. He lived to become the first Governor General of Pakistan.
Several events celebrate the Father of the Nation’s life on this day. Many people sell his biographies for reading and post posters on the walls. Television channels broadcast documentaries made on his life achievements. Pakistanis salute Muhammad Ali Jinnah for his hard work leading to independence. Mazar e Quaid (tomb of Quaid) is located in Karachi and visited by thousands of people every year.
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