“May the nation, the country, and the state, Shine in glory everlasting! Blessed be the goal of our ambition. The Flag of the Crescent and Star Leads the way to progress and perfection…,” These are just a few lines from Pakistan’s beautiful national anthem, which will be on the lips of many on August 14th, Pakistan’s Independence Day. With awe inspiring lyrics, poetic rhythm, and powerful imagery it never fails to captivate the hearts of many Pakistanis. However, there are …
It was August 14, 1984. I was only two-years-old. My father decorated the veranda of our small house with lights and green buntings. My parents were excited, as were my elder brother and I. Though I was too young to remember, pictures of that day bring on a strong sensation of déjà vu. Yet, and sadly, before the following Independence Day, we had to leave Pakistan. Persecution, which gained momentum under President Ziaul Haq, forced many Ahmadis to leave for …
As 14th august comes close people in Rabwah, Pakistan prepare to celebrate Pakistan’s 64th Independence Day. Flags, ticker tapes and badges have been on sale for weeks now but as the big day draws near tradesmen have seen an increase in sales. The local hospital and the town’s central mosque “The Aqsa Mosque” has also been lit up to commemorate the occasion but the Government seems to be oblivious of the occasion as the local administration offices still remain plunged …