Nations have a melodic romance with a few words, and “freedom” is one of them. “I want freedom, we want free will, we want freedom of politics, democracy, and votes,” we hear every day in slogans. If the thirst for independence is so strong, why don’t we have it? (You may crack its answer at the end).
Recently, Pakistan celebrated its 76th birthday with great enthusiasm and felt that we were the only ones who appreciated and sought freedom. There is no doubt that independence and integrity should be celebrated, but an important question is whether This nation is aware of the responsibilities that come with them and is ready to bear their burden.
The recent incident against minorities is an indication that we as a nation are far away from things like responsibility and accountability (which are important elements of freedom and autonomy). No section of our nation wants to fulfill its responsibilities. Businessmen want to avoid taxes. Employees run away from their work. Youth is reluctant to learn new progressive skills and hard work. It seems like everyone is looking for a shortcut, while freedom is a long journey.
In reality, freedom is a difficult journey that people only talk about. They don’t want to be free in actuality. It’s a lousy romance with freedom. Isn’t it true, that parents blame their children for their failures and children on their parents? The intellectuals are putting the responsibility on their unconscious society, and the society is putting the responsibility on its unconscious intellectuals for not guiding us. Politicians blame the army, and the army blames the politicians. So, it appears that we want the destination (freedom), but we avoid the path (responsibility). We want this great gift to be placed in our cradle without any effort.
As Ronald Reagan said, “We can have peace and brotherly love by accepting our responsibility to preserve freedom.” I believe this statement is very relevant today. Pakistan’s history is full of sacrifice, determination, and endurance. We not only achieved “independence,” but under its shadow, many nations, cultures, and beliefs united to achieve freedom from British imperialism. However, over time, this term has become a mere political catchphrase, while the need is to understand freedom not only as getting rid of colonialism, but also as freedom from ignorance, intolerance, poverty, and inequality.
Recent events highlight the painful reality that our romance with “freedom” has not met the responsibility it demands. Attacking minorities and exploiting the lower classes is a serious violation of the principles on which our nation was founded: equality and religious freedom. The Jaranwala incident highlights the fact that although we sing songs of unity and brotherhood day and night, the fabric of our society is still torn by hatred and exploitation. The question is whether we really deserve the freedom we celebrate when we cannot ensure the safety and dignity of every citizen, regardless of background.
Perhaps these events are not as painful as the tragedy that follows them. The vile blame game that ensues after such events is more frustrating because no one is accepting responsibility for these atrocities. Politicians, religious leaders, and society members are pointing fingers at each other. And out of all this, the victims are forgotten. Thus, by building graves upon graves, we forget all this after a few days and freedom continues to look at our apathy with questioning eyes.
There is a need to recognize that freedom is a gift wrapped in the envelope of responsibility. As a nation, we must recognize that freedom requires upholding justice, impartiality for the weak, and fighting against evil. To respect freedom in the true sense, we have to embody values like tolerance, encouragement, and good behavior. Which will start with putting the criminal in the dock and actually punishing him.
Jaranwala and such incidents in the recent past have brought our society to a decisive juncture where we have to face our pervasive darkness. It is clear as day that our journey towards a responsible and independent nation is still on the way. We must commit ourselves, to a society where differences and their beauty are not only tolerated but can be celebrated in a playful way. Where the principles of justice and equality prevail. Where women are safe at their workplaces, where every citizen is allowed to live a safe and secure life.
As our journey to freedom continues, our authorities and we have to take proactive steps to resolve the problems our society has been facing for a long time. Education that promotes tolerance, legal reforms that provide protection to minorities, and a cultural shift that rejects hatred must be our priorities in this holy journey to true freedom. Because it’s time for us to be a strong nation. Emerge and introduce our romantic version of “freedom” to the essence of reality and responsibility. Otherwise, the day is not far when the youth of this country will be stuck in the mire of despair and the situation will become more critical.
