Independence Reclaimed

Since long, every single day, I got up wondering how this country was surviving? And how long it could survive like that? Quest to finding answer to this only furthered my belief that if its creation was a miracle, its sustenance was an even greater living miracle. Miracles don't happen for nothing. Making in to prospering welfare nation state is not the ultimate goal. Rather, its about assuming the leadership role of motely nations of Muslims across the world. That seems to be a fitting goal than the former. Probably, those miracles are saving this nation state for bigger things. In which case, it all makes sense why we exist in this particular time frame & what next is incumbent upon us.
Many many 14 Augusts went by. It used to be a day of gratitude, festivity & hope. But in my living memory from 80s to date, things deproved from bad to worse. Corrupt & incompetent leadership was like bed bugs who brought disease & bad luck. Besides being blood paracites, they were ill equipped with false egoes like little Pharaohs. Multiple failed political govts in between two hideous dictatorial regimes of Zia & Musharraf did irreparable damage to growth of institutions, hence, growth of the country. There was melancholy all around. There was niether gratitude, nor festivity nor hope. Due to poor decision making of leadership, an entire generation since the turn of the century suffered severe trauma. Kids grew up watching scattered limbs & elders went numb. Death of Muslim Pakistani was as insignificant as quashing of a bathroom mosquito. Like Bani Israel, we were being ruled by merciless tyrants, our people oppressed & our kids slain. It sometimes felt like rock bottom.
However, third consecutive handing over of power from one political party to another inside parliament house is an amazing democratic feat. For which all political parties deserve a pat on the back. There is an air of mature politics which was clearly visible in today's oath taking ceremony at National Assembly. It is becoming inevitable for politics to shift from stereo type to no nonsense practical domain. Macro level welfare measures may earn next term not optics like building loan based massive urban infrastructure. Direction of national politics may also shift from aristocratic style to public service. As long as Army remains determined to stay away from 'active politics' & judiciary continues handing out justice to all, things are looking good for Pakistan. Real good tidings. It seems that we have weathered the storm. We saw it through. We are the proud generation where it all stops for new beginnings.
This14 August marks that new beginning. The mood is way above festive. Pakistan is bracing change. Common people are happy. Happiness is in the air.
The 'narrative' is defeated. Anti Pakistan narrative is defeated. Anti Army narrative is defeated. Election rigging narrative is defeated. Proof is simple. In past, no matter which party won or lost the elections, this nation never celebrated Independence Day like this14 August. This passion & fervor was long forgotten. From Karachi to Khyber, from 13/14 August midnight fireworks to entire day celebrations of 14 August, it feels like Independence Reclaimed.
Happy Independence Day.