Reignite patriotism—II

Patriotism is not to be misunderstood as a tool that can be used to infringe upon fundamental rights or to revoke the right to question a decision – nothing good can be knocked down by the fury of patriotism; only good can be promoted or restored through it. Acts of intimidation under the garb and guise of patriotism are certainly representative of a scoundrel and an evil mind. While nationalism is idolised there are many who view it as idolatry instincts, tendencies of insanity and signs of imbecility. In seeking recognition and influence for the country, no effort is considered to be a sacrifice. Our patriotic soldiers, who achieved martyrdom on enemy soil with their blood, have literally created a Pakistan, there, forever. Honour is in their roots. A US president had rightly remarked, ‘There are no losers in peace and no victors in war’. He further went on to remind his country that there is an obligation to match national strength with national restraint. The quest of a nation to be an influence outside its own geographic boundaries must admit to this principle of respect for each nation’s sovereignty. Also read: Reignite patriotism—I No Article or Resolution of the United Nations authorises any country the right to intervene into the affairs of any other country. Any such adventure is not to be misconstrued as an act of patriotism, instead it is aggression against peace. It is true that peace may make for poor reading but it does bring great honour. If only the world leaders would understand the value of peace. This requires a great amount of empathy and regard for human life. Aggression against innocent civilians is not an act of patriotism. This assertion is without any ambiguity. Those who do are ones whose wits have been stolen away. In 2047, that is lurking posterity which will not pardon us, if we do not now at least get our act of completely unifying the differing forces into a group of people that carry unanimity of thought, hope and action. To achieve this what is required is revival of the zeal of our initial years of independence; this was the case much before John F. Kennedy had coined the statement, ‘ask not what the country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country’. That enthusiasm needs to be restored. We have to make serious efforts to lift our youth, which due to neglect, continues to lie restlessly on the social and political sick bed. The need is to act now, to save transition of theirs into an intensive care unit (ICU). They are our “hope” and that’s one thing we cannot afford to put upon a perpetual ventilator. The youthful population comprising almost 65% of the population below the age of 35 years needs immediate attention of policymakers. This potential has to be tooled and retooled. Any lapse or failure to do so is to be sitting on a nuclear powder keg of human capital. During the 1965 war, the Indian Premier Shastri, as a reaction to food shortages, appealed to his nation to forgo “one meal ( dinner) every Monday of the week”. History records that there was no home in India, where the kitchen would be open on Monday nights. Cynics might respond that it is all about honest leadership and hence followers respond to such demands with unquestionable passion of patriotism. Shastri, in other words, had denied the people one of the most fundamental human rights of three square meals — yet no suit was brought up upon him, no legal entanglements, and no case; recently, our Prime Minister appealed to those earning more than Rs. 300, 000 per month to surrender two days’ salary as part of the austerity measures arising out of the war in the Middle East – – but the notification for this purpose had to carry the qualification “voluntarily” to cover the risks of some violation of some right! . How low is our sense of patriotism? Patriotism does not acquire any major actions/sacrifices –the mirror observance of the traffic signals or the removal of waste into proper and allocated spaces is an important act of patriotism. Keeping the neighbourhood clean is a noble act of patriotism. The list of such simple acts that lead to strengthening of the spirit of patriotism is endless. We just need to recognise our sense of duty and obligation. Patriotism is akin to love; we tend not to find faults and when found, we turn a blind eye. Borrowing from the utterance of Napoleon Bonaparte, and amending it for my purpose, I conclude, “Pakistan with all thy faults, we all love thee”. Let this re ignition of feelings and sense of patriotism be begun by the followers, let’s not wait for leadership; they will ultimately become good followers too. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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