What to do in 2015: A thought for Pakistani people

Year 2014 welcomed us with a bomb blast, when a bus of pilgrims which was coming back from Iran to Pakistan was targeted in Quetta. Unfortunately, the year is leaving us in the same manner when we are mourning for our little victims of Army Public School, Peshawar. However, it seems that this event has brought us closer as a nation and we must continue this spirit to stay united and fight against our enemies. As a Pakistani, our new year’s resolutions should be as follows:

Fight: We should not only support our armed forces who are fighting at the front but we also need to fight with the internal enemies who has become incurable ulcer for the nation. The list of internal enemies is quite contentious as it does not only include people like extremist mullahs, corrupt politicians, biased judge etc. but a mindset who support these enemies and always try to find some illogical justifications for their wrongdoings.

Tolerate: We should understand the fact that the population of Pakistan is widely diversified. We should respect the differences whether linguistic, sectorial or cultural, tolerate and accept each other with open heart and that is what Holy Quran emphasizing. Refer to the following verse of Holy Quran:

“If Allah had so willed, He would have made you one single nation; but that He may test you in what He has given you. Then vie with one another in good deeds. To Allah is your return, then He will inform you of that in which you were at variance.” (5:48)

Learn: Education is the most powerful defense that any nation would like to have. Unfortunately, our government does not think in same way and in 2014, only 2% of total budgeted expenditures was kept for education sector. However, as an individual, we should analyze our capacity and contribute accordingly. We should commit that from 2015, we will study an hour every day in addition to our normal routine learning.

Teach: Learning should not be confined to our own self but it needs to be spread as it has a multiplier effect (Sadqa-e-Jariya). I resolve that in year 2015, I will teach or bear the expenses of learning of at least one child whose parents cannot afford to send him/ her to school.

National and Multinational organizations working in Pakistan should also take a step to establish schools, academies and institutions as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

Grow: Last, we need to take good care of our economics, both at micro and macro level. Allah helps those who help themselves, we need to believe in ourselves, think above charity and work more to earn more.

These resolutions are neither unique nor very difficult to observe but we need to show our will. This could be the first step towards the united, prosperous and independent Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Quoting Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, “You will have to make up for the smallness of your size by your courage and selfless devotion to duty, for it is not life that matters, but the courage, fortitude and determination you bring to it.”

Pakistan Zindabad!