Independence
We use the words freedom and independence
interchangeably. To be independent would
mean to be able to direct one’s own affairs without the control of others.
Freedom is a much more amorphous word. It can mean being unconstrained, but we
also speak of academic freedom, freedom of expression, freedom of movement and
of course the freedom movements of politics.
There is a causal relationship, as it was the freedom
movement that led to Independence from British rule. For Pakistan it was a double independence
- from British rule and from India.
It took 190 years of
struggle, if we take the 1757 Battle of Plassey as the first resistance to
foreign rule, and a huge loss of life, yet that struggle had definition, moral
clarity and a clear objective. The struggle
for freedom and independence that continues to define Pakistan’s internal and
external socio-political structures, has far less clarity. To give some structure
to our concerns, we use terms such as feudalism, class, and the Big Game of
geopolitics. However, the elusive sense
of freedom and feeling of independence are deeply internalized.
One can argue that no country is completely independent, nor
are its people really free. At best they are “happy slaves” as they willingly
restrict their own freedoms and define their obligations in the larger interest
of an orderly and peaceful society. They
willingly follow the rule of law established by the state, religious ceremonies
for weddings and funerals, social etiquette, even the minutiae of the
principles of art and design.
An independent nation is self-confident, focuses on the
needs of its people, protects its borders, is financially self-sufficient and plans
for the next generations by developing a strong education system.
Pakistan came into existence financially disadvantaged, with
a smattering of industrial units, a handful of qualified civil servants, an
ill-equipped army. The exodus of Hindu and Sikhs who controlled the markets and
institutions left a vacuum. Yet the first decade saw unimaginable progress. The
country established its own airline, PIA, which rapidly became one of the best
in the world, National Motors started assembling vehicles. The Pakistan
Industrial and Development Corporation was established. The Memon community put
all its wealth into establishing industries. Urban planner Ahmed Ali developed
a n ambitious masterplan for Karachi.
The next decade saw even more development projects, agricultural growth,
effective international diplomacy and even a Space and Upper Atmosphere
Research Commission
The Pakistan of my parents was full of hope, progressive, with
high quality educational institutions, art, music, film and entertainment. Parsis, Christians and Hindus were part of the
mainstream of Pakistani society, and held prominent positions in education, the
armed forces and the judiciary.
Much has been written about the unravelling of this era. “Hiraeth”
is Welsh word for the longing for the lost places of our soul’s past and our
grief for them. However much nostalgia we feel for the past, we are here now
and must fix our attention to the future. While we may feel let down
institutionally, socially there has been dynamic change.
Increasing numbers of blue collar workers are ensuring their
children get college and university education.
Young professionals are achieving international recognition in art,
music, film, digital technology, sports. The textile industry, sports equipment
and Pakistani mangoes have an international market. Neo-miniature painting originating in
Lahore’s National College of Arts has created a new chapter in world Art History.
Truck decoration from the streets of Karachi has fans all over the world.
Before we pat ourselves on the back, we should recognize
these are the result of individual efforts. The quality of education so many
desperately seek, is at an all-time low. Few institutions provide the
infrastructure where our talented youth can reach their potential, resulting in
the inevitable brain drain. There is no arts funding, no international level
sports facilities. Moral policing and authoritarian monitoring constrains
dialogue and discussion. Pakistan has
become a country held back by its own. We
may have achieved freedom, but the journey to independence still lies ahead.
Durriya Kazi
August 14, 2021
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