Pakistan is celebrating the 75th Independence Day with national spirit and enthusiasm on Aug 14. This marks the country's platinum jubilee.

The country's journey started 75 years ago as a proud nation. The beloved country was born with the motto of Kalma-e-Tuyiba in which the people promised to build this country as a prodigious Islamic democratic country of the Muslim world.

In the last 75 years, the country has faced serious economic and socioeconomic problems that questioned its progress as a nation and fulfillment of our duties as compatriots. The nation will never forget its heroes like Dr. Abdul Qadeer khan (Mohsin-e-Pakistan) and fearless martyred commanders like Major Aziz Bhatti (Shaheed).

On this special occasion, the real heroes who sacrificed their lives and those who have worked hard to build Pakistan as a global force should be remembered. They deserve respect and the whole nation salutes their relentless efforts, and we pay great tribute to them.

Apart from that, the Pakistani people have proven to be a peaceful, sports, and culture-loving nation by winning more than thirty-five international titles in various sports including hockey, cricket, snooker, squash, and kabaddi. We celebrate Independence Day every year on Aug 14 with the pride that our ancestors crossed the river of blood and gained this homeland, and we will do everything for its protection, rising, and development.

If we look at the post-independence journey, there was no shortage of resources in our country, apart from petrol, natural gas, and precious metals. Pakistan has a rich history of natural resources which includes reserves of salt, coal, iron, gold, and silver in which mines like Reko Diq and Saindak are also included. If these natural resources are extracted and utilized properly, the destiny of this country can turn around.

Geographically Pakistan is situated in a very vital position. And neighbors like China and Iran can play a dynamic role in the progress of our country through trade and investment.

China has already started its investment in Pakistan through the ambitious project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The project needs to be utilized and implemented in a very proper manner. Similarly, if the way is paved for an open trade agreement with Iran its oil and gas resources can also assist in the progress of our economy.

Since its independence, Pakistan has progressed in many areas like sports, information technology, artificial intelligence, science, technology, etc. There has never been a lack of talent in Pakistan and the only thing that needs to be addressed is the arduous work, dedication, and honesty.

The biggest example in that regard is the People's Republic of China with adverse conditions at its founding in 1949. China's determination toward prosperity and progress has made it economically and socially developing steadily. China has made this development by the spirit of work, work, and only work, which echoes a simple style the founding father of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

As a nation, Pakistan too can progress to follow the same way. Therefore, it is necessary to commit to the government and public level that we will work hard and dedicatedly in every sector. If we look at the modern world, we still have a place in it.

Pakistan needs to follow the way which leads towards prosperity and development. To maintain economically stable, the country must make tough decisions keeping in mind the national interests. The effortless way for that is to familiarize a corruption-free economic system.

For introducing a corruption-free economic system, it should be modeled with keeping in view the objective conditions of the country and it should be implemented with enthusiasm.

Until and unless we make a comprehensive plan for the development of the country we cannot stand in the ranks of a developed nation. Therefore, on the 75th Independence Day of the country, it is necessary to commit that the Pakistani people would work together for the betterment of the beloved country.

This can be possible when the government officials, the rulers, and the peoples of the country are ready to create a society free from corruption.

Therefore, as a nation, Pakistan has great potential. Scholars know that in the 1960s and 1970s Pakistan was one of the fastest growing countries. Our slowdown began in the 1980s and 1990s when we started taking loans from international financial institutions and pledged ourselves to these institutions. Now the situation is quite tense in terms of finance. Even now we can improve our situation if we work diligently and set a clear path.

On Aug 14, 1947 Allah gave Pakistan freedom from the British Empire. Let the nation pledge to revive efforts for the development, prosperity, and progress of the country with dedication and honesty.

The writer is a media consultant based in Pakistan.

email: syeed.gilani@gmail.com