The Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y (Millennials), and subsequent generations, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are fortunate to have been born in an independent country — Pakistan. Dame Luck has favoured them in that they have faced none of the hardships endured by their forefathers, who lived in subjugation to the tyranny of the colonial power and the Hindu majority of the subcontinent. A large majority of the current population literally received independence on a platter. They were and are fortunate to have started breathing in freedom. Look at Modi’s India; shouldn’t we be grateful that we have a vibrant Pakistan to live in, with no fears of religious persecution?

Since we became independent without personal toil and struggle, we have, for the longest time, taken our hard-earned independence for granted. The generation that fought for our freedom is fading or has long faded away under the sickle of time. People who would narrate stories of their personal struggle to us at the dining table are now few and far between.

Our curriculum is weak in instilling deep feelings of gratitude towards our Founder and his closest political associates. The study of civics, social behaviour and history is on the wane. Most of the current generation consequently has very limited appreciation of the beauty and power of independence and freedom. The Muslims of India are learning the hard way under Narendra Modi what independence and freedom mean, and what full liberty means in terms of being able to live, practise and adhere to our specific standards of behaviour. The liberties we enjoy are taken for granted.

Nelson Mandela rightly stated that he never wakes a sleeping man, lest he may be dreaming of freedom. To achieve Pakistan, much blood was spilled across the subcontinent. We are progressively forgetting the supreme sacrifice of those who materialised the concept of an independent Pakistan. All of us talk mostly about how to seek more from the country with the least or zero effort. We are draining it. There is no remorse. There is........

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