Pakistan 78 Years On – Turning Freedom Into Hope for All

“With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.” 

- Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah 

As the green and white flag waves across the hearts of 252 million Pakistanis today, 14th of August is more than just a date. It is the heartbeat of a nation known for its sacrifices, the echo of its people’s prayers and a soil that holds stories of unbelievable resilience. Pakistan has been the cradle of our forefather’s dreams that has hummed lullabies of sacrifices, courage and hope that has only grown stronger. Its rivers carry our history, the soil nourished by the blood of martyrs, its mountains guarding our honour, and its skies witness to our aspirations. Its fields whisper the duʿas of farmers, and its skies reflect the dreams of generations yet to come. 

To love this nation is to carry its spirit in our hearts, to walk with its dignity in our steps, and to speak with its pride on our tongues.  

 While rejoicing in the legacy of freedom and courage today, we realise that this day is much more than just celebration. Today, as we celebrate Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, let us also remember that true independence is not just about freedom from foreign rule – it’s about freedom from poverty, hunger, and hardship. 

The Reality We Must Not Ignore

While Pakistan as a country has come a long way in terms of advancement in technology, soul stirring music and impeccable actors, the truth is that millions of our brothers and sisters still live in unimaginable difficulty: 

Over 40% of children in Pakistan suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition. 

Around 21 million people lack access to clean drinking water. 

Millions of young people remain unemployed, their dreams held back by poverty and lack of opportunity. 

Behind every number is a real face – a child going to bed hungry, a mother walking miles to fetch water, a father struggling to provide for his family. Sadly, these challenges dim the light of independence for many Pakistanis. 

A Divine Reminder: Charity as a Way of Life

Pakistan being a deeply spiritual nation where Islamic traditions play a central role in daily life, it is heartbreaking to see so many vulnerable communities waiting to receive the love, care, warmth and support that they deserve. From the fertile fields of Punjab to the deserts of Sindh, from the rugged mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the serene valleys of Azad Kashmir, our people have borne the weight of poverty in dignified silence. In recent years, their homes and hopes have been swept away time and again by merciless floods-yet they rise, rebuild, and persevere. Their unshakable resilience is the heartbeat of Pakistan, deserving not only our salute, but our unwavering support. 

As people with a shared heritage, faith, culture and language, we realise that our patriotism is not just limited to the waving of the Pakistani flag. It is also standing up for our people, lifting up the vulnerable, and ensuring no one is left behind. 

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) hataught us that: 

“Charity is due upon every joint of the people for every day upon which the sun rises… A kind word is charity… removing harmful things from the road is charity.” (Bukhari) 

This Hadith reminds us that small acts of kindness when done consistently become noble deeds that transform lives and hearts alike. 
Just as our forefathers fought for a free Pakistan, it’s our duty to fight for a prosperous and compassionate Pakistan. 

A Prayer for Pakistan

On this blessed day, we pray: 

Ya Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), protect our beloved homeland, bless it with unity, peace, and prosperity. Grant us leaders who serve with sincerity and justice. Remove the hardships of our people, and make Pakistan a place where no child sleeps hungry and no family lives without hope. Ameen. 

This Independence Day – Be Their Hope

At Penny Appeal, we work tirelessly to bring clean water, food security, education, and dignity to those in need. From building wells in rural villages to providing meals for hungry families, we are committed to making a Pakistan where independence is felt by everyone – not just celebrated once a year. 

As we honour the courage of the past, let’s shape the future together. Your donation today can feed a hungry child, give water to a thirsty village, and bring education to a bright young mind. 

Donate now and make your patriotism count where it matters most – in the lives of Pakistan’s most vulnerable.