14th August Resolutions

I remember the time when my siblings and I celebrated Independence Day like Eid. New clothes, something special for lunch and dinner, flags everywhere and the sheer joy and pride we felt looking at the uniformed men and women of our armed forces. Over the past few years this day has become just another holiday. The uniformed men and women still bring a much needed sense of pride but it is short lived. I love my country. It is the only place which I can ever call home. I have never wanted to leave Pakistan. I don't appreciate people abandoning it and then trying their level best to sever all ties with it. This country is what we made it. We the people are responsible for the state it is in today. The progress, the failure, the corruption, the crumbling political structure, and everything good and bad. We are responsible. I as an individual and as part of society have responsibilities which I need to own up to and accept.

I have made a few resolutions on Pakistan's 59th Independence Day, they may not seem much but it’s a start. I hope and will strive to fulfill them.

1. Always look for solutions rather than dwell on the problems my country has.
2. I don’t litter but I will now ask people not to litter.
3. Volunteer time and resources to do something constructive.
4. Teach my child to respect and appreciate his country and the freedom he enjoys.
5. Follow rules and regulations rather than find shortcuts. We always crib and cry about the corruption but we forget how much we are to blame for it. I may not succeed 100% but I will sure as hell try my best.
6. Help atleast one poor household meet their monthly expenses.

I hope I can stick to these and keep adding to the list.