What Is Pakistan?
Shariq Ali
Valueversity
There is a simple answer to this question.
The people who live in Pakistan.
Geographical borders, governments, institutions, and political and economic elites—all of them are successful if the people are living better lives, and unsuccessful if they are not.
The true justification, spirit, strength, and measure of any country lies in the well-being of its people.
The corridors of power and television headlines are merely a kind of fiction. The real truth is the millions of ordinary people struggling through life in cities, towns, and villages; studying, working, raising families, facing difficulties, and dreaming of a better tomorrow.
And a very large proportion of these people are young. Nearly sixty percent of Pakistan represents its Youth Bulge.
If this immense youthful potential is used wisely, it can become Pakistan’s greatest hope—and perhaps its real game changer.
Let us talk about that hope.
Let us ask how this human potential can be transformed into knowledge, skills, character, and collective awareness.
Leave the government aside. It has already failed.
Young people want change—in the system, in education, in the economy, and in politics. But changing an entire system is beyond the power of any single individual.
What a young person can do, however, is change a great deal within their own sphere of influence.
If you are young, take responsibility for educating yourself. Alongside formal education and degrees, make full use of opportunities for informal learning.
The internet and social media need not be used merely for entertainment. They can also open doors to books, lectures, science, history, technology, and practical skills.
Join hands with friends and neighbours to solve a small problem in your street, neighbourhood, school, or playground. Create a WhatsApp or Facebook group. Instead of becoming part of a crowd that only complains, become someone who looks for practical solutions.
You may say these are very small things.
Believe me, real change begins with us—and often with such simple steps.
Nations do not transform merely because political leaders change.
Lasting change begins when ordinary people start taking some responsibility for their own lives, their education, and the environment around them.
Happy Independence Day to you all.
On this occasion, ask yourself just one question:
From where I stand today, how can I move one step forward?
Keep educating yourself. Learn a useful skill. Stay connected with the betterment of your society, and play your part in solving the real problems around you.
This is where a better Pakistan begins.