Written by Farrukh Saeed
In the spirit of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the message echoes:
دیارِ عشق میں اپنا مقام پیدا کر
نیا زمانہ، نئے صبح و شام پیدا کر
میرا طریق امیری نہیں فقیری ہے
خودی نہ بیچ، غریبی میں نام پیدا کر
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:
فقر کی غیرت سے امیری بھی شرمائے
یہی فقر ہے جس سے نام پیدا ہوتا ہے
And regarding the spirit of the Muslim soldier, his message :
کافر ہے تو شمشیر پہ کرتا ہے بھروسا
مومن ہے تو بے تیغ بھی لڑتا ہے سپاہی
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:
خودی کو کر بلند اتنا کہ ہر تقدیر سے پہلے
خدا بندے سے خود پوچھے — بتا تیری رضا کیا ہے
It is this vision, this sacrifice, and this unity that transforms nations—
from darkness into shining stars on the horizon of history.
About Farrukh Saeed
Farrukh Saeed is a renowned mind science expert and trainer specializing in behavior and leadership development programs. He is the author of the well-recognized book Noble Emotions and several other works focused on personal growth and human potential. As a committed patriot and insightful writer, Farrukh Saeed explores national affairs, resilience, and socio-political dynamics with depth and clarity. His work aims to inspire stronger mindsets, unity, and a sense of purpose in individuals and society.
This article is written by Farrukh Saeed and published by Sadia Zeeshan on Feature Pakistan.
