Pakistan celebrates 62nd Independence Day

Celebrating? What exactly?
Alhamdulillah, Pakistan and India gained their independence in 1947 and to this day, the fireworks are crackling.

Amidst the "balle's" and "oh yaar, mubarak ho's" there is an impacting element to separation we forget: Those leaders who fought for it

Firstly there is Mahathma Gandhi. The non-violent activist lawyer who succumbed to every power except defeat. As a revolutionary speaker he rescued India from the British Empire, keeping family values, local employment and cultural progress the keys to India's character. He was that person which said "What difference does it make to the dead, the orphan, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty and democracy?" The same question resonates heavily in today's climate.

Then Pakistan's 'Quaid'e Azam' Muhammad Ali Jinnah. An intelligent orator, he wanted peace too, independence to create a 'Muslim' and 'Pure' (Paak in Urdu) land while keeping brotherhood with Hindus. It is who advocated all to “come forward as servants of Islam, organise the people economically, socially, educationally and politically" to create a power accepted by everybody.” Yes both leaders were heavily flawed, clashed with each other and failed to some extent. However, it is their endeavour and intention for the life of mankind that today's student reads most.

Ironically, while the 14th August was spent laughing - Bradford held a multi-faith event, Rochdale sang, danced and hugged one another, Pakistan took to the masajid (masjids) and roofs - The freedom which was gained from the independence is a forgotten thing.

Not to dampen on all the celebrations people, but before the Pakistani community paints the green star and moon on their cheeks, ask them to read up on their history, respect their elders for the work they did, tolerate others' beliefs and be considerate towards those who care not for one country's independence.

The greatest freedom is one of the mind, which doesn't adhere to one culture rigidly or favour one synthetic concept above another. Brotherhood and equality are the paramount goals' in Pakistan and India's independence. While their relationship is still tense, allow readers to give each other a handshake in unity.