Written by Farrukh Saeed
In the spirit of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the message echoes:
Diyar-e-ishq mein apna maqam paida kar
Naya zamana, naye subah o shaam paida kar
Mera tareeqa ameeri nahin, faqiri hai
Khudi na bech, ghareebi mein naam paida kar
This is not merely poetry. It is an awakening. A call that stirs nations from slumber and lights within hearts the flame of courage, resilience, and hope.
When people speak of Iran or the Muslim nations of the Middle East, they often describe them as strong-hearted. But what should one say about a nation whose total budget is smaller than the defense budgets of many powerful countries?
Is such a nation weak?
Is it poor?
Is it helpless?
Or is it, perhaps, the strongest of all—patient, brave, and rising on the world stage with quiet determination?
It feels as though this nation has just begun its journey, with much more yet to achieve.
Today, fuel prices have increased. And it seems other essentials may follow. The world stands at a strange turning point. Several European countries face fuel and gas shortages. Their industries and economies struggle to function without energy.
Meanwhile, we Pakistanis have a unique temperament. A small hurt touches the heart, and social media becomes our remedy. We express ourselves in a few lines and feel relief. Criticizing the government feels both like a right and a duty.
Yet, there is another truth.
We often judge issues without understanding their depth—like someone standing at the shore, estimating the ocean’s depth merely by watching the waves.
Still, it is important that the voice of the people reaches the halls of power. At times, that voice becomes a mirror for those who govern.
Despite everything, gratitude remains essential.
We are blessed with oil, gas, electricity, and food. Above all, we have freedom. In many parts of the world, people long for even a single breath of liberty. Yet we live in a land where sovereignty still stands tall.
Perhaps this is why many are returning to Pakistan from different parts of the world.
Globally, the imbalance is clear.
Israel has a defense budget of around 271 billion dollars—many times larger than Pakistan’s total budget.
India spends nearly 60 billion dollars on defense, supported by advanced technology from the United States and Israel.
In contrast, Pakistan allocates approximately 8 billion dollars for defense.
Yet, in recent tensions, the world witnessed something remarkable.
In just thirty days, the global narrative began to shift. Pakistan, even in apparent silence, gained respect. Without losing anything, it earned dignity, resilience, and a renewed sense of honor.
However, reality demands preparation.
In a rapidly changing world, defense readiness must be taken seriously. If, God forbid, a conflict extends not for months but for years, we must be ready—with resources, technology, drones, missiles, and trained manpower.
Because the clouds of uncertainty gather on the horizon.
It feels as though humanity stands at the edge of a great confrontation.
And yet, history speaks.
This nation has always embraced hardship and carved its path through adversity. We have learned to live through scarcity. We know how to keep lamps burning even in storms.
Iqbal described such a believer:
Faqr ki ghairat se ameeri bhi sharmaye
Yehi faqr hai jis se naam paida hota hai
Aur musalman sipahi ke jazbe par unka paigham:
Kafir hai to shamsheer pe karta hai bharosa
Momin hai to be-tegh bhi larta hai sipahi
This is the spirit that turns nations into steel.
Yes, rising fuel prices hurt. The pain is real.
But perhaps the patience we have built over decades is now being tested—and its results are yet to unfold.
This is the moment to rise above political differences. To stand united with our armed forces. Because when enemies knock at the borders, nations do not count internal divisions—they become a single wall.
If war enters the homeland, it does not stay at the borders. It reaches homes. It takes away bread, water, and peace.
But this nation is different.
We do not step back from danger. We face it. We look it in the eye.
Even in the darkest tunnel, we find the light at the end.
We are a brave, fearless, and resilient nation.
We know freedom has no price. Yet we also know that preserving it demands the courage to sacrifice everything.
And once again, Iqbal’s voice echoes:
Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle
Khuda bande se khud poochay, bata teri raza kya hai
It is this vision, this sacrifice, and this unity that transforms nations—
from darkness into shining stars on the horizon of history.
