14 Ways to Service Your Country on August 14

The 14th of August is a special day for every Pakistani. It's the day we gained the identity that we hold so close to our hearts; it's the day on which our ancestors gave up everything for the greater good. This day symbolizes the resolve, strength, and sacrifices of the creators of Pakistan. As the youth and future of this country, we are passionate about helping our motherland flourish. 

Because of this love, we go out of our way to celebrate this important day. We get together and sing patriotic songs, decorate our surroundings in Pakistan's national colors, and drape our flag at the highest points around us. 

But Pakistan doesn't need paper flags strewn across its streets a day after its independence. Pakistan doesn't need loud noises and green-and-white clothes that will be discarded as quickly as they were bought. Pakistan needs change. It needs hope and effort; it needs the three swords of its founder:

Unity, faith, and discipline. With this in mind, let's explore 14 ways you can be a good Pakistani this August 14th. 

1. Express gratitude

    Being thankful shouldn't depend on how many luxuries you have. Rather, we're all grateful for belonging to a country where our identities are respected. We are free to be diverse, and there are countless opportunities for us to grow. So this Independence Day, do something to express your gratitude for Pakistan.

2. Stay at home

     The pandemic doesn't care for your patriotic spirit. So, instead of endangering the lives of those around you, try to stay home and safe. You can do lots for your country without even leaving the house. Keep Pakistan safe and healthy!

3. Learn as much as you can

    The more skills and knowledge you accumulate, the more you'll be able to service your country. The 14th of August is all about honoring the efforts of our ancestors who fought for Pakistan. Become a successful individual, and bring glory to this hard-won country. 

4. Spread awareness

    As someone privileged enough to receive an education, it's your duty to keep sharing what you learn. Spread awareness about social issues and diseases to prevent calamities in Pakistan.

5. Help others

    Simple but effective, just lending support to anyone in need of it is a great deed. If we start a cycle of helping each other, eventually we will be able to reduce any misfortunate circumstances. 

6. Charity

    Muslims already value charity above all else. Pakistan was created for the religious freedom of Muslims, so it only makes sense for us to give as much as we can on the 14th of August.

7. Aim for zero waste

    Climate change is a serious threat. If we come together to cut back on waste, we can ensure a bright future for Pakistan. Do some research on ways to reduce waste, and work on gradually improving Pakistan's condition.

8. Be kind to nature

     Pakistan is a land of sprawling greens and beauty. It's our duty to preserve as much as we can of nature. Instead of building malls, we should maintain and look after the greenery that God has gifted us.

9. Plant trees

   Go to your nearest park or any land to plant trees with friends and family. This is the ultimate bonding activity, and also highly patriotic. After all, you'll be serving to protect the future of the upcoming generations of Pakistan. 

10. Understand the national anthem

      All Pakistanis should read and understand the national anthem. We all have it memorized, but do we grasp what it actually means? Look up the translation of our melodious national anthem in your language of choice, then think about the significance of each verse. 

11. Try to embody Quaid e Azam's vision

      Quaid e Azam was a great man, and his thoughts also surpass that of any other leader. We, as the subjects of the nation he dedicated his life to attaining, must also try our best to embody his vision. We must be united and strong. 

12. Uphold Pakistan's values

      Islamic values, humanitarianism, and equality are the core of Pakistan. Our constitution has been created in a way to protect these values, so we must be law-abiding and wise citizens. Especially on the 14th of August, try your best to fully understand the values of Pakistan. 

13. Raise your voice against injustice

     Our ancestors strived for the independence of Pakistan because of the injustice against the Muslim minority in the subcontinent. With such a history, there is no way that neglecting the rights of minorities would be acceptable in Pakistan's values. Don't hesitate to fight for the rights of those who are underprivileged! 

14. Develop your own identity as a Pakistani

      Quaid e Azam laid great emphasis on individuality and having a solid identity. Embrace the roles that you've been assigned and find your own purpose too. As a Pakistani, there's nothing wrong with discovering and understanding more about yourself. Self-awareness is key. 

In the end, your nationalistic spirit solely belongs to you. Make wise choices and always choose the path that benefits the greater good. Let's all pray for the steady growth of Pakistan into a great country. Happy Independence Day, and Pakistan Zindabad!

8 Ways to Celebrate Father's Day

 

Father’s day is celebrated internationally. In Pakistan, it’s celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The history behind this day is heartwarming: it was proposed by the daughter of an American war veteran. She wanted to express her appreciation for her father and others like him, who dedicated their lives to looking after their families.

Many children grow up without mothers, yet their fathers do their utmost best to make sure that the children long for nothing.

This year, amid the pandemic, fathers deserve special thanks. Several of them had to keep up with these changes while maintaining a strong front for their families. Their sacrifices are uncountable and it’s our duty as their children to appreciate their efforts.

Here are somethings you can do for your father on this beautiful day:

1.      Watch your father’s favorite movie with him

So what if you don’t like old action movies? Your dad does, and this day is all about him! Plan a fun movie night and let him enjoy his favorite movie with his favorite people. 

2.      Listen to music you both love and enjoy a meal

Everyone loves music! Whether your dad listens to Mehdi Hassan or ABBA, it’s time you explored some old music and share this special moment with your dad.

3.      Cook a childhood-favorite dish of his

There’s nothing like childhood-favorite meals to make your day amazing. Take the time to cook something you know will cheer your dad up.

4.      Bring out albums from his younger years and ask him for the story behind each picture

We all love talking about happy memories. Fathers rarely get the time to reminisce – so why don’t you give yours the opportunity to go down memory lane? 

5.      Make something together: a painting, baked item, craft

Are you the creative type? Chances are that your father is too. Reserve dedicated time today and make something unforgettable with your dad. Bring out the paints and canvas, or just make a huge mess in the kitchen only to end up with one good batch of cookies!

6.      Connect him to his old friends and arrange a video call

The pandemic is exhausting for everyone. And dads, as superhuman as they seem, get tired too. What’s better than chilling with your friends to unwind? Gather all your dad’s closest friends and arrange a Zoom meeting for them to hang out together safely.

7.      Make a collage of all things that remind you of him

Dads may not show it, but they’re just as sentimental as the next person. They’ll certainly appreciate a collage or scrapbook of all the things that he had no idea you noticed.

8.      Tell your dad that you love him

Last but not least: express the love you have for your father. He’s raised you to be your own person and there’s a big place in your heart dedicated to him. Dads rarely get to hear such words, so make an exception today and say “I love you so much, Dad!”

Fathers are central to the growth of their children. They help us realize our dreams, beliefs, values and guide us as we journey through life. They bear the pressure of society to ensure the best future for their children, never compromising on anything.

Happy Father’s day!

 

A Brief History of Ramadan Celebration in Pakistan

 

“When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (Bukhari)

 

Hello readers! I have missed you all my readers. Today I am going to write about how Ramadan is celebrated.

Before I tell you more about the celebrations of Ramadan, let me tell you a brief history of this holy month. It is one of the months in the Islamic calendar and it was also part of ancient Arab's calendar. The naming of Ramadan stems from the Arabic root “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat. Prophet Muhammad stipulated that the Muslims feed the poor in this month. Towards the end of Ramadan, zakat-al-fitr, or ‘alms of the breaking of the fast, was a duty on every able Muslim and equated to a portion of dates or barley given directly into the hands of the poor. Giving to the poor and needy is the essence of Ramadan.

 

As I told you a little about the history section, now, let me share my ideas of how Ramadan is celebrated in Pakistan. I know how much Muslims in Pakistan love and sacredness to prepare for and celebrate the holy month. Waking up early in the morning for the pre-dawn meal (sehri), refraining from eating, drinking, and even refrain from marital relations till sunset when they break their fast (iftaar), spiritual discipline, and increased worship are the best things about the month of Ramadan. Did I tell you that Iftaar is the best part of the day during Ramadan? Families enjoy meals, sometimes lavish banquet-style settings, including different dishes, juices, traditional foods, salads, hand-made bread, and fruits. Ah! just writing about this made my mouth water. Remember that there are people too who cannot afford such gala meals, and we must think about them too, right? Well, some worshipers share their food with those in need. Always try to be one of those, pals.

Indeed, Ramadan is considered the most joyful month of the year, and the month ends with the greatest celebration of all, Eid al-Fitr. Around the world, Muslims celebrate with lights and decorations, Eid al-Fitr gatherings. After the completion of thirty days of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid. The celebrations last for up to three days, involving praying, feasting, giving gifts and charities. My favourite part of Eid-ul-fitar is receiving Idhi from elders.  Thus, the holy month is filled and ends with love, happiness, and peace.

My utmost prayers and wishes with you all on this Ramadan. Amid this world pandemic, this Ramadan is special, I hope whoever gets to fast, let it for all the people who cannot fast and be part of this holy month.

Written by Sehrish Fatima

How to Manage Your Studies in Ramadan

As the Holy Month of Ramadan reaches, the student in all of us is faced with the reality that we will need to adapt our habits to a drastically different time-table. While I may not speak for everyone, some of you may relate to my all-nighter kind of routine of waking up till Sehri and then hitting the hay after Sehri. Not as much of a healthy routine, I do not recommend it though.

This one is for the people who have to manage their timeline to fit their studies into the Ramadan routine because as the calendar suggests, Mid-Term exams are nearby and gonna be during Ramadan. Here are some of my tried and tested ways to incorporate my study during fasting and afterwards. These include some sub-tips to help us out throughout the day as lethargy and tiredness slowly creeping up throughout the day affects our productivity.

1. DO NOT assume you can study late at night. 

Trust me, if you leave all your workload towards the night-time, you’re gonna regret it. Sure, some of us night owls can easily cope with our inverted routines, but it is highly likely that the urge to scroll through your phone in your comfy bed will overtake you. If you think you are productive during the night, divide up your work to a more achievable goal.

2. Make a weekly schedule to follow. 

This can be an all-year round habit but doing this during Ramadan will greatly help you. Schedule your assignments and your quiz prep to suit your daily routine. My suggestion would be to get to it 2 hours after waking up. Taking Namaz breaks to serve as a pick-me-up time helps too.

3. Don’t study nearing the iftar time. 

That is the time you’ll be the most lethargic around especially won’t be able to retain information as productively. Instead, pray or read the Quran. Help out in the kitchen for iftar prep.

4. Manage your eating habits. 

Overeating and overhydrating are your biggest enemies when it comes to gaining energy, we so desire to get through the piles of university work. Take it easy during iftar. Gradually eat and drink plenty of fluids at regular intervals of time. This helps in not getting lethargic and lazy.

5.  Ramadan is a time of reminiscing and being thankful for all the blessings we have had. 

To share and give. To spend time with family and friends. Do not overburden yourself and cherish the time you have in your homes and with your peers. Being mentally present and taking breaks throughout the day will help you recharge yourself better and avoid burn out.

Conclusively, managing your studies during this world Is all about finding the sweet spot between our obligations throughout the day and our workload set forth us by our teachers. It is imperative that you let your schedule be very organized but fluid so that you do not feel bound to it and actually enjoy learning throughout the day.

This Ramadan, especially with the onset of the third wave of COVID 19, I urge you all to be safe. There will be many people this Ramadan with empty chairs on their dining table, so many lives lost to this pandemic, be thankful for how Allah has helped you survive through this. And work hard for upcoming mid-term exams. 

Written by Raffeain Khalil

Addressing Your Inner Turmoil

 “The more you analyze yourself, the more you are able to put things in perspective. Then you can address your inner turmoil.”

Sometimes we all have those moments in our life where we all feel alone and miserable. We keep thinking about it and feel sorry for being in that situation. But less do we know that we have the solution to it.  You know what it is? To thrive and do our best to get out of that darkness. 

Usually, we do thrive and try our best to see the light but can’t, and you know why is that so? Because that time, we need a hand to hold ours, and to lead and guide us out. Here, we don’t think much about whose hand we are holding. Is it someone who is actually our companion? Or someone who wants to throw us more deep into that dark place? 

Many times, one hears of how some successful person achieved all his\her goals and all with the support and love of their best friend or muse. The thing we do not realize is, why can’t we be our own muse, and our own best friend? Why are we so scared to be by ourselves and to be our own support system? Now, just ponder this thing, how can we learn to love and support others if we do not know how to adore and appreciate ourselves? 

This world is loaded with people wearing layers of masks, acting to be nice and being our best companions, but if we think about having a friend who is just and honest to us, it is no one but us, our-self. Just think about it for a moment; who knows your secrets the most? It’s YOU! Who knows your likes and dislikes the most? It’s YOU! Who is honest, loyal, and just with you? IT IS YOU and no one else. 

In addition, we need to be our own therapist to learn how to survive through the darkest times in our life. This enables us to explore our issues and to analyze our problems. The more we analyze ourselves, the more we are able to put things in perspective. Then we can address our inner turmoil and take steps to resolve our problems, without letting our enemies know what we are going through.

To sum up, all we need is to learn to love and appreciate ourselves. We need to pin this in our minds that we don’t need others to help us to achieve our goals, because every person who acts to be our friend is not actually our friend. So, “we have to learn to be our own best friends, because we fall too easily into the trap of bring our own worst enemies”.

Written by Sehrish Fatima

The Significance of Lahore Resolution in Modern Day Pakistan

 A long stretch of the downfall of the Mughal Empire, the mutiny and the deterioration, there existed the acceptance of colonial slavery. The dehumanization of entire races and the betrayal amongst those who lived together in harmony for so many years. It created the ultimate division, the Two-Nation Theory. Not out of spite, or hate, or racism, it was a step to preserve a religious community’s identity as it has been for centuries.

What at time was seen as a nail in the coffin of years long inter harmony between Muslims and Hindus actually proved to be a steppingstone for the political presence of the Muslim population of the sub=continent, a political force strong enough in such a short amount of time that it created a new country through years of struggle through racism, intolerance and sheer hate.

The Muslim league had existed for 34 years only, which is a relatively short span of time in which the party gained such traction among the majority of Muslim population, when on 23^rd March 1940, the resolution was put forth to declare that the primary focus from that day onward was to create a state that would let Muslims live their lives according to their religion. That the differences between the minority and the majority had turned the minority into a target among the population and for the unwanted rules of the sub-continent. The Lahore resolution gave the party a unified policy and a clear ideology which resonated with the population. And history speaks for itself how in just 7 years, our country Pakistan was born.

The reason to celebrate 23^rd March every year is to remind ourselves that for almost 74 years, we have gone through every natural calamity, political instability, terrorism, war, secular division, intolerance, and extremism. But we have powered through it. It has hurt us, made us unstable and weak at times, but we have come out intact and strong as ever.

Every 23^rd march, it is a wake-up call that we are the descendants of people who didn’t give up in the face of colonial suppression and racism. Our forefathers created this country for us through rivers of blood, sweat and tears. They vouched to those who said that this nation won’t last long and will give in, that our country will stay on the face of the Earth for as long as the Day of judgement. It is our duty to hold onto those words and make this country a better place for those who will come after us.

Written by: Raffeain Khalil

23rd March: A History

 

23^rd MARCH, 1940

PAKISTAN DAY

23^rd March, 1940. This day came to be known as one of the most important days in the history of partition of united India and independence of Pakistan. This day was a part of an important three day general session held by All India Muslim League from 22-24 March 1940. More than 1 lakh people were present. The highlight of the session was a resolution called ‘Lahore Resolution’ also called as ‘Pakistan Resolution’ or ‘declaration of independence of Pakistan’. This resolution was written and prepared by Mr.Zafarullah Khan and was presented by A.K Fazlul Huq, who was later known as ‘Sher e Bengal’. This resolution called for independent states and was immediately adopted by All India Muslim League to strengthen their independence movement.

When Lahore Resolution was passed Quaid-e-Azam tried to unite the Muslims of Indo-Pak subcontinent on one platform. He visited different parts of India and informed the Muslims about wrong policies of Indian National Congress and points in their agenda which they twisted to benefit the Hindus as much as they could. The events that occurred following the victory of Congress in 1935 election made everything that had been said since the start of the Separation movement very clear. Almost all the major Muslim leaders were in support, Quaid also succeeded in making a group of Deoband Scholars under the leadership of Shabeer Ahmed Usmani become an ally and an important part of the freedom movement. This resolution demanded independent states as can be seen in the document’s points enlisted below:

   1. While approving and endorsing the action taken by the Council and the Working Committee of the All Indian Muslim League as indicated in their resolutions dated the 27^th of August, 17^th and 18^th of September and 22^nd of October, 1939, and 3^rd February 1940 on the constitutional issues, this Session of the All-Indian Muslim League emphatically reiterates that the scheme of federation embodied in the Government of India Act, 1935, is totally unsuited to, and unworkable in the peculiar conditions of this country and is altogether unacceptable to Muslim India.

     2. Resolved that it is the considered view of this Session of the All India Muslim League that no constitutional plan would be workable in this country or acceptable to Muslims unless it is designed on the following basic principle, namely that geographically contiguous units are demarcated into regions which should be so constituted, with such territorial readjustments as may be necessary, that the areas in which the Muslims are numerically in a majority as in the North-Western and Eastern Zones of India, should be grouped o constitute “Independent States” in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign.

3.  That adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards should be specifically provided in the constitution for minorities in these units and in these regions for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them; and in other parts of India where the Mussalmans are in a minority, adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards shall be specially provided in the constitution for them and other minorities for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them.

  4.  This Session further authorizes the Working Committee to frame a scheme of constitution in accordance with these basic principles, providing for the assumption finally by the respective regions of all powers such as defense, external affairs, communications, customs and such other matters as may be necessary."

Opposition by their own kin:

Opposition by Congress and Hindus was constant and in fact Hindu news channels were the first one to call it ‘Pakistan Resolution’ and not ‘Lahore Resolution’. The words of independent states were not acceptable to any congress leader and there was a constant disagreement with All India Muslim League.

   The All India Azad Muslim Conference gathered just a month after Lahore Resolution to raise their voice in support of independent and United India, as a response to Lahore Resolution. They were not alone in doing so, the leaders of different Islamic organizations as well as 1400 nationalist Muslim delegates played their equal part to oppose The Resolution. The All India Muslim League worked tirelessly to silence the nationalist who were weakening the movement, often using the methods of intimidation and coercion, The effects were not profound but the murder of Chief Minister of Sindh and All India Azad Muslim Conference leader ‘Allah Bakhsh Soomro’ made the journey towards the creation of Pakistan smoother.

Commemoration:

• To commemorate the event, Minar-e-Pakistan, a monument 60 m tall in the shape of a Minaret, was built at the site in Iqbal Park where the resolution was passed.
• 23 March also known as ‘Pakistan day’ is a national holiday in Pakistan to commemorate both Lahore Resolution (1940) and the Republic Day (1956); the country became the first Islamic Republic in the world

---

 Written by Sehrish Fatima