I have always considered myself lucky to be part of a literary family. We woke up every morning to the familiar ringing of the hawker’s bicycle, collecting the seven newspapers we were used to read daily. Serving these papers with morning tea to our father was my younger sister’s responsibility. Our days often began with thought-provoking discussions and stories.
Whenever our father wanted to convey any important message, he tried to wrap it in a moral story. I vividly remember one uncertain morning, when the air was filled with the noisy celebration of Independence Day. My father gathered us and said:
“My children, within every human heart, a fierce and unending battle is fought. It is not a battle of fists or swords, but a struggle between two mighty wolves that dwell within us all.”
He paused, as the flickering light around us cast shadows that danced like echoes of the past.
“One of these wolves is dark. He is made of all things vile and destructive: anger, envy, greed, arrogance, self-pity, resentment, lies, and false pride. His hunger is insatiable, and he thrives on conflict and chaos.
The other wolf is light. He is gentle, yet strong — born of compassion, humility, serenity, love, hope, kindness, empathy, generosity, and truth. He lives in harmony and seeks peace.”
We sat quietly, absorbing every word. After a long silence, I asked:
“Which of the two wolves wins the battle?”
My father smiled, his eyes reflecting both sorrow and wisdom.
“The one you feed,” he replied.
I recalled this story on this 14th of August, as Pakistan marks 78 years of independence. I thought to whom we have fed during these 78 years?
When the partition was announced, the joy of independence was overshadowed by one of the largest and most painful migrations in human history. Around 14 million people were forced to leave their homes, crossing newly drawn borders between India and Pakistan. For Muslims living in areas allocated to India, the journey to the new homeland became a test of faith and survival. Entire caravans of refugees were attacked on trains, in bullock carts, and on foot. Thousands were killed in communal riots. Families were separated forever. Many who left never reached their destination.
The story of Pakistan’s creation in 1947 was almost unreal — a tale of twists, unlikely alliances, and rushed decisions that shaped the fate of millions. In the early 1900s, the idea of a separate Muslim state was far from mainstream; most Muslim leaders in British India sought greater rights within a united India, not separation. The name Pakistan — “Land of the Pure” — was first proposed in 1933 by Choudhry Rahmat Ali, and at the time, many leaders thought it unrealistic.
On 14 August 1947, Pakistan came into being — split into two wings, West Pakistan (today’s Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), separated by 1,600 km.
Every independence movement has one purpose: to secure equality, justice, progress, security, and control over one’s own destiny. Today, Pakistan remains one of the few nations still debating its founding purpose — religion or democracy, centralized power or ethnic autonomy, linguistic unity or diversity.
After more than seven decades, these questions remain unanswered, and the promises of 1947 — equality, justice, education, healthcare, and prosperity — remain unfulfilled for millions. Poverty, inequality, and disillusionment overshadow the ideals of freedom, while political debates too often replace people-centered governance.
Still, Pakistan endures. Its survival for 78 years is a testament to the resilience of its people, even as it wrestles with its identity and unkept promises. For these seven decades we have fed a wild wolf who has caused high inflation, unemployment, political instability, weak governance, power, fuel shortages, climate disasters like floods and droughts, poor healthcare, education, security issues and rising crime. It’s time to kill our inner wolf. Everyone with inner wild wolf has become intentionally or unintentionally cause of disaster for Pakistan. Youth, holding flags in their hands are celebrating Independence Day, but their inner wolf is urging them to be settled in progressed countries. If we wanted to get a prosperous country we need to kill our inner wolf. At the end with prayers for our country we wish happy Independence Day for those who are anxiously waiting for their visas, and heartfelt Independence Day greetings to the lucky ones who managed to escape alive from our beloved homeland!
O Allah, Lord of all worlds, bless Pakistan with peace, unity, and prosperity. Guide its leaders with wisdom, honesty, and justice. Fill the hearts of its people with love for truth, compassion for one another, and dedication to the common good. Protect this land from corruption, division, and all harm. Grant us the strength to uphold equality, education, and progress for every citizen. Let Pakistan shine as a beacon of hope and integrity for generations to come. Ameen.