Freedom is defined as a power to act, speak and think as one wants. It is the cornerstone of democracy, a liberal virtue, and a right bestowed upon people.

You are free to go to your homes, your work, your place of worship. Similar words were uttered 76-years ago for the people of Pakistan. However, the turmoil that was bestowed on different religious groups, taunts for following the political party of your choice, slander for believing you can make a difference, say otherwise to your definition of freedom

Freedom isn’t as free as you’d believe, the costs are very apparent. Soldiers who died protecting you, leaders who stood their grounds at times of war. Lives spent assuring they play their part.

The freedom we see today is a sham. You would be free from the shackles of your old masters. You would be free from the neighbors who you believe to be most violent. Yet, you are not free from the ideology of your previous masters. You are not free from the acts of 1947, and you are certainly not free from the chains of totalitarianism.

You are still here, where the journey began on the day of Eid 76 years ago. You are still there, where the bazaars were burnt, where houses were pillaged, where mobs caused unrest. You were never free from slavery, and your viceroys never left. The color and the badges of the uniform changed, maybe, but they still own you.

Are we any different? Have we become more? How would any of that be plausible if all that you venture for, is barricaded by men in suits, men in arms and men in gold. How would it all be plausible if you too do not place yourself before men who point the gun.

As I said before, freedom comes at a cost. The cost maybe your life, which will surely be silently forgotten. Do not be astounded by this.

We forgot Fatimah Jinnah, after we brutally murdered her. We forgot Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, who after giving you a home, fell prey to your very desires, just as the people of Egypt did with Moses, even after separating the Red Sea. We forgot Eidhi, even though his name is on the very toy-van that saves your life. We did not forget our religious icons, yet we forgot their character. We became everything we were taught to fight against.

That is what Pakistan is. The identity of Pakistan is not Islam. The Identity of Pakistan is the fight for freedom. It is the constant up-roar against oppressors. It is the constant growth to become the most pious, knowledgeable and honorable citizen.

They will come… all of them will come after you. Then you will realize, you are free.

The National Anthem plays today loudly, we wear green proudly. A sham we do seeking a cause to be rowdy. If your eyes don’t well up, and your heart saddened at the sound of our Nations Anthem, means you aren’t free, it means you are ignorant and unaware.

They are trying to rob you of the virtues of freedom. Sing the Anthem with pride, and tears of joy, not the tears of hopelessness and the tears of betrayal.

Be Free.

I Shall see you Tomorrow.

Editor