August 14: What Exactly Is Pakistan Celebrating?
After nearly eight decades of independence, perhaps Pakistan needs less celebration and more courage to ask one uncomfortable question. Every August 14, Pakistan disappears beneath green flags. Patriotic songs flood television screens. Politicians deliver the same recycled speeches about sacrifice and greatness. Military imagery dominates the airwaves, and the ruling elite once again congratulates itself for defending a nation it has repeatedly failed to build. After nearly eight decades of independence, perhaps Pakistan needs less celebration and more courage to ask one uncomfortable question: What exactly are we celebrating? A nation does not become great because its citizens wave flags, sing patriotic songs, display nuclear missiles or listen to politicians praise generals. Great nations are built through education, justice, strong institutions, intellectual freedom, equal citizenship and opportunity for the next generation. Look at the United States. America did not become th...