23rd March 1940: The forgotten message
For many people out there, the Lahore resolution 1940 might just be another chapter they need to study for a Pakistan Studies exam and Pakistan Day—just another national holiday to sleep through. But for the Muslims of the subcontinent, 74 years ago, it was a glimmer of hope and perhaps their last.
The congress rule 1937-1939 had convinced even the strongest believers of Hindu-Muslim unity that “united India” was an impossibility. They had seen the atrocities multiply. They had seen what the congress that “represented all of India”, truly stood for. But the realization wasn’t all that mattered. They were determined and committed to actually do something to change things. It all worked out. Pakistan was made. But that determination was murdered.
Today, we are all well aware of our troubles and weaknesses. But where is the commitment to actually solve them? Where is the determination to get rid of them? The dedication? The devotion? The sense of responsibility?
An issue is hardly resolved if not covered by the media.
The chief minister doesn’t take notice unless at least ten people die in a bomb blast.
The government doesn’t pretend to care unless there are people on the streets protesting with dead bodies.
No one speaks up about women rights unless one is attacked and killed by beasts.
And the list goes on…
The question is; how many more innocent people will have to die for us to finally say, “Enough!”
How many more screams will there have to echo for us to finally rise as one and speak up?
How many more funerals before we finally unite?
Haven’t enough children been orphaned already? Haven’t enough sons been slaughtered yet?
What’s it going to take for us to realize the value of each other’s lives?
Today when we celebrate Pakistan Day and remember the sacrifices our ancestors made for this country, why don’t we also think of the hundreds making sacrifices for us now? When you sit in front of the screen reading this, imagine how many are being brutally and mercilessly killed and massacred? Some in the name of religion, some on basis of color, beliefs, gender, nationality and what not?
But it isn’t the bombs that kill them, neither the drones, or the bullets that pierce their bodies, it’s the silence that does. So today when you’re watching Pakistan Day Special morning shows and dramas, do remember to play your part in ending it. Because the Lahore resolution wasn’t just a piece of paper people signed, it was the beginning of a struggle… THAT MUST GO ON!
BOL KEH WAQT THORA HAI BOHAT,
JISM-O-ZUBAN KI MAUT SE PAHLAY.
BOL KEH SACH ZINDA HAI AB TAK,
BOL KE LAB AZAAD HAIN TERAY!