- Supporting development and values for people, culture are deep love for Pakistan
Interview with Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi — a dynamic young political analyst
Profile:
Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi is a dynamic young political analyst from Lahore. After finishing school and college, she went to Islamabad for a Master’s from Quaid-e-Azam University. After doing her Masters, she joined a local college in Lahore to teach. Simultaneously, she got admission to Government College Lahore for her MPhil in the political science department. Meanwhile, she quit her job at college and started working at the Virtual University of Pakistan in 2009. After doing her MPhil, she got enrolled in the Ph.D. program at the University of Punjab.
While doing her Ph.D., 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 currently serves, sent her to China in 2017 for a teaching diploma. She has written over 2 dozen research articles in Pakistan’s and internationally renowned journals.
PAGE: Your perspective about the Pakistan Day:
Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi: Pakistan Day commemorates the historic Lahore Resolution, which was passed by the All India Muslim League on March 23, 1940, in Lahore, then British India. The resolution called for the creation of an independent Muslim state in the northwestern and northeastern regions of British India, which eventually led to the formation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.
Pakistan Day is a national holiday in Pakistan, and it is celebrated with patriotic zeal and enthusiasm throughout the country. The day is marked by flag-hoisting ceremonies, military parades, speeches by political leaders, cultural programs, and other festive activities. The celebrations serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan to achieve independence and to reaffirm their commitment to the country’s progress and prosperity. It is a day to celebrate the nation’s achievements and to renew the pledge to work towards a brighter future for Pakistan.
PAGE: Where do you see Pakistan 10 years down the line?
Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi: In 1947, Pakistan was a newly formed country that had just gained independence from British India. The country faced significant challenges, including economic, political, and social issues, as well as the massive task of nation-building. The partition of India also resulted in the displacement of millions of people and a bloody communal violence that claimed many lives. Over the years, Pakistan has made significant progress in various fields, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The country has also emerged as a major player in the region, both politically and militarily. However, Pakistan continues to face several challenges, such as poverty, corruption, terrorism, and sectarian violence, which have hindered its development.
Today, Pakistan is a developing country with a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage. The country is home to several natural wonders, including mountain ranges, deserts, and coastline, as well as ancient historical sites and modern cities. Despite its challenges, Pakistan remains a resilient nation, and its people are determined to overcome the obstacles to achieve prosperity and progress.
PAGE: How would you describe your love for Pakistan?
Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi: One of the most meaningful ways to show love for Pakistan is through a deep appreciation for its culture and history. Pakistan has a long and fascinating history, spanning many centuries and encompassing a diverse range of cultures and traditions. From the ancient Indus Valley Civilization to the Mughal Empire, from Sufi poetry to classical music, Pakistan’s cultural heritage is rich and diverse, and it is something to be celebrated and cherished. By learning about and appreciating Pakistan’s cultural heritage, one can show love and respect for the country’s history and traditions.
Another way to show love for Pakistan is by being an active and engaged citizen. This can mean many things, from volunteering in one’s local community to participating in national initiatives aimed at promoting social, economic, and environmental progress. By working to improve the lives of its people and contribute to its development, one can show their love for Pakistan in a tangible way.
Additionally, showing love for Pakistan can involve a sense of national pride and loyalty. This can be expressed in many ways, from displaying the national flag to supporting Pakistan’s national teams in sports events. National pride can also involve a commitment to the country’s values and ideals, such as democracy, social justice, and human rights. By upholding and promoting these values, one can demonstrate their love for Pakistan and help to build a better future for all its people.
Finally, showing love for Pakistan can also be a personal and emotional experience, rooted in a deep sense of belonging and identity with the country and its people. This can mean cherishing memories of growing up in Pakistan, forming close relationships with friends and family, or simply feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity in the country’s landscapes, food, and culture. By expressing this emotional attachment to Pakistan, one can demonstrate the power of love and the importance of personal connections in building a strong and united nation.
In conclusion, showing love for Pakistan can take many forms, from cultural appreciation and active citizenship to national pride and personal connections. By celebrating the country’s history, supporting its development, upholding its values, and cherishing its people and culture, one can demonstrate a deep and abiding love for Pakistan and help to build a brighter and more prosperous future for all its citizens.