Pakistan, a country I love
Pakistan is a land of breathtaking beauty. Diverse landscapes from mountains that reach the heavens to large sprawling landscapes with lush green beauty. I recall travelling to Kalam valley and going to a lake named Mohadanad lake approximately 10 kilometers from Kalam valley. When I reached the lake nightfall had blanketed the area. I could not make out much because of the oppressive darkness, however, there would be moments when the moon shone and highlighted pieces of what I would witness the following day. All I could tell for sure was that I was surrounded by mountains whose peaks reached all the way to Pluto. I slept outside of my tent in a sleeping bag and was woken by the early morning sunlight knocking on my eyes.
As my eyes adjusted to the light, I could finally see what was around me. A large icy cold lake, towering rocky mountains, sporadic groups of trees and the greenest grass I had ever seen. My first instinct was to walk towards one of the mountains near me and hike as far as I could up the mountain. Without even doing my morning ablutions, I started my trek. I traverse the mountain, and with each step I gained in elevation, I was able to see more and more of what was around. As I reached a considerable height, I started to thank God profusely for giving me the privilege of living in such a beautiful country. Tears rolled down my eyes as I became increasingly intoxicated by the scenes surrounding me. I felt an urge to keep walking till my legs gave out and I passed away in that beautiful place from cold and exhaustion. Alas I could not do that to my brother and cousin soundly sleeping in the tents below.
It has been less than a year since that transcendental experience and my beloved homeland is in dire straits. We seem to be at the verge of a civil war. I have read about and seen many rebellions and wars in my admittedly youthful age, and every single one of them have one thing in common. Brothers fighting against brothers. Sisters fighting against sisters. Father fighting sons. Mothers fighting daughters. Countrymen killing fellow countrymen. We all believe we know what the correct path is, but in reality only the Almighty knows the truth. In these situations when masses are pushed to a point of no return they fight and eventually die for what they believe is correct. I certainly will. It is a sad state of affairs. The elites of our country have ravaged and pillaged the land to fill their pockets since Pakistans’ inception, and now they hold this beautiful nations feet to the fire to save their own scalps.
I as a young red blooded male often get bouts of anger and frustration towards this contingent of the population. My first inclination is to bring down the worst kinds of torture and humiliation upon these people, but there is always one thing that tugs me back to peace. That would not be the way of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). He (S.A.W) would not needlessly kill and torture to impose His (S.A.W) will. he held the corrupt of his time accountable, but that Man (S.A.W) instead used compassion and kindness to win over those that threatened the Ummahs existence. He (S.A.W) did not encourage or sanction war but knew that there does come a point when it is necessary to protect ourselves. I do not believe now is the time where war with your fellow countrymen is the only option.
Just as Imran Khan has said to his people time and time again, to follow the way of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) I would also urge my fellow countrymen to rebel, but in a peaceful way. Show those in charge that you are stronger not by becoming hounds of hell like them, but by showing them solidarity and unity. Go in the streets protest and let your voice be heard. Show those that believe they are Gods that they are nothing more and nothing less than human. Show them your immense power by showing them how many you are. Show them legions of peace and tranquility. Show them that you are willing to stand up for what you believe is correct.
However, if you are pushed to a point of no return. Spare no quarter. Find those responsible and bring them to the courts of justice.