For me, however, this date is more of a call for self-evaluation rather a day which I celebrate just for the sake of vacation and this self-evaluation process starts with the following question.

Are we “truly” independent?

This question is important, not only for me but for every individual in this society who hopes to bring a revolution through his/her words or actions. But more important is the answer.

Independence has a relative meaning. For a child, the ability to go out and play freely is his definition of independence. For a teenager, the liberty to pursue a career in his hobby is what he calls as his independence. And for a father, a mere thought to return from work to his family alive is what he labels as his independence. But for the nation on a whole, the meaning of independence drags itself to a very different dimension.

For Pakistan I believe, the meaning of independence is very closely associated to how the leaders of our nation define independence. If we take the meaning of independence as to shut our mouths and not question The President when he is out on a trip to Europe while thousands die in floods here, then yes we are independent. If the meaning of independence is to ‘go green’ and change our social avatars instead of joining hands and helping those in need, then yes we are independent. Or if independence is all about firing crackers in the streets freely, then yes we are independent.

The need of the time, according to what I believe, is to brainstorm on ideas that will help us retain this independence rather than celebrating it. We need to act, innovate and collaborate. It’s not the nation that needs this independence, it’s the independence that needs the nation.

If you are consider yourself an independent citizen of Pakistan, please share your thoughts in the comments on how you understand the meaning of independence.