Interview with Dr Asia Saif Alvi — a dynamic young political analyst
Profile:
Dr Asia Saif Alvi is a dynamic young political analyst from Lahore. After finishing her school and college education, she went to Islamabad for Masters from Quaid-e-Azam University. After doing her Masters, she joined a local college in Lahore for teaching. Simultaneously, she got admission to Government College University Lahore for her MPhil in the political science department.
Meanwhile, she quit her college job and started working at the Virtual University of Pakistan in 2009. After doing her MPhil, she enrolled in the PhD program at Punjab University. While doing her PhD, she worked as a Lecturer in the UET Taxila for one year in 2012 and then moved to Lahore College of Women University. After six months, she got selected as an assistant professor in the Department of Politics and IR at the University of Sargodha in 2013.
At the University of Sargodha, she has attended more than a dozen national and international conferences. The University of Sargodha, where she is currently serving, sent her to China in 2017 for a teaching diploma. She has written more than a dozen research articles in Pakistan’s renowned journals. She is HEC approved supervisor in the field of Social Sciences.
Currently, she is the Head of the Department as well.
PAKISTAN & GULF ECONOMIST had an exclusive conversation with Dr Asia Saif Alvi regarding INDEPENDENCE DAY of Pakistan. Following are the excerpts of the conversation:
“A man is a patriot if his heart beats true to his country” — Charles E. Jefferson
Patriotism consists not in waving flags but in striving so that our country may be righteous as well as strong. Independence Day holds a significant importance for any nation. It is the day of liberation from the tyrant oppressors and foreign invaders and the beginning of national independence. Celebrations of independence in various cities and patriotism exhibited by Pakistanis have a great value and are the true depiction of the sentiments of Pakistani Diaspora.
The day of independence is also important for Pakistanis because not only were they liberated from foreign invaders – the British – but also from ‘Hindu Raj’. Muslims of British India had fought on two fronts against British as well as Hindus. After the War of Independence 1857, British put the last nail in the coffin of Mughal Empire by exiling the last Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar to Rangoon, Myanmar.
Afterwards, British held the rein of the Indian Sub-continent for ninety years. Hindus had an axe to grind with Indian Muslims, as a result they turned their back to them and shook hands with the British. To safeguard the rights of Muslim minorities, intellectuals and philosophers were set into motion after the War of Independence. Due to untiring efforts of leaders like Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Liaqat Ali Khan etcetera. The downtrodden Muslims of Sub-continent were successful in actualizing the dream of a free and independent state.
“You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, cast or creed that has nothing to do with the business of state.” —Quaid-e-Azam
Independence Day is a festival which people of Pakistan celebrate with enthusiasm and joy. It is also celebrated by overseas Pakistanis. They unite under one flag. The theme for 14th August is green and white. One can see Pakistani flags everywhere. Fireworks are also displayed in public gatherings. Flag hosting ceremonies are held in both public and private institutions. However, the most significant ceremony is the one celebrated at Aiwan-e-Quaid where President and Prime Minister are the chief guests. They deliver special speeches, recalling our sacrifices for the independence.
The display of our latest arms and ammunition is also held by armed forces of Pakistan, followed by the salute of 31-cannon guns in Islamabad and 21-cannon guns in provincial capitals. Afterwards, the march past of armed forces and the marvelous show Pakistani Air force is presented. The air fighter jets exhibit aerobatics on the Independence Day.
In Karachi, the event is hosted by the provincial government with a parade at a mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This event is attended by large number of general public, who pay their tribute to the founder of Pakistan.
The 14th August celebration in Lahore is also carried by many public and private institutions. However the event at Minar-e-Pakistan holds a significant importance. Provincial officers and Ministers attend this session along with the Chief Minister who is there as the Chief Guest. Likewise, every city of Pakistan organizes the celebration for the Independence Day. Pakistanis also take part in these celebrations on their end by organizing dinners, get-togethers etcetera.
However, there is also the other side to these celebrations. Every year teenagers suffer injuries, often fatal ones due to over enthusiastic aerial firings and one wheeling on their motor bikes. Moreover, traffic blockade by citizens has also becomes a norm, adding in fatigue of general public. A disturbing event took place in Minar-e-Pakistan last year involving a Tiktoker putting a bad impression of Pakistan worldwide. Moreover, several harassment cases were reported. People with their families are now reluctant to go out on independence days in the wake of above mentioned incidents. Fortunately, government officials are now taking strict actions to control these incidents.
We cannot ignore the enthusiasm of Pakistani diaspora on this event. They burn the midnight oil to present a good image of Pakistan all over the globe. A beautiful ceremony is held at Burj ul Khalifa in Dubai, UAE. During that ceremony Burj ul Khalifa is covered in white and green lights in order to present Pakistani flag, Overseas Pakistanis attend that event in huge numbers. In Europe, in each main city, small events are organized by local communities to celebrate the Independence Day. In several countries Pakistan Embassies also organize events to show their love for their country.
To conclude, the Independence Day is of significant importance for everyone and everyone celebrates it in their own cultural way. Pakistan came into being after millions of sacrifice, but the new generation has forgotten it and we as a nation are on the edge of chaos. However, on the Day of Independence despite of being Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi or Pathan, we exhibit and represent only Pakistani society. We all should keep our differences aside and work for the betterment of Pakistan.
“Patriotism is the secret resource of a successful story” —Michael Ignatieff