As we approach the 14th of August 2023, the day that Pakistan traditionally celebrates its independence, it is with heavy hearts and somber spirits that we, the people, find ourselves unable to rejoice. This year, the day carries a profound weight of grief and disillusionment as we witness the hostile takeover of a democratically elected government, the erosion of civil liberties, the suppression of media freedom, and the subversion of our judiciary. The very essence of our hard-fought democracy seems to be slipping through our fingers, as our nation is gripped by an illegal Army takeover.
Gone are the days when we proudly proclaimed our independence, for the real independence seems to lie only with the Army Generals who now dictate our fate. It is a bitter pill to swallow as we see our elected representatives, chosen by us, crushed under the wheels of an establishment that is meant to protect us. Instead, the establishment has become the oppressor, wielding its power to quash any voice of dissent and deny our citizens the right to freely express their opinions.
Our media, now cowers in fear and bribes, silenced by this filthy military mafia. The very institutions that were meant to uphold justice and safeguard our rights have been hijacked, bowing to the will of those in power. The law enforcement agencies that should serve and protect the people have been deployed to further personal agendas and suppress any form of political opposition.
As we witness the unlawful arrest, kidnapping, and torture of democracy activists, we are reminded of a dark chapter in our history. Our nation fought for the freedom to choose our leaders and have our voices heard. Yet, today, those very principles are trampled upon, and we are left with the harsh reality that our hard-won democracy is being whitewashed and replaced with a facade of legitimacy.
On this day, we should be celebrating the ideals of democracy and freedom, but how can we when the very foundation of our nation is being dismantled? Instead, we will mark the 14th of August 2023 as a Black Day, a day of mourning and protest. It is a day to express our deep-seated resentment and abhorrence towards the ruling Army oppressors, whom we now hate more than ever.
Our mourning is not for a loss of faith in our nation, but for the betrayal of our democratic ideals. It is a testament to our resolve, our unwavering commitment to justice, and our determination to reclaim our nation from the clutches of oppression. Let this Black Day be a reminder to us all that we must stand united in the face of adversity, and that our struggle for true independence and democracy is far from over.
As we mourn, we also hope that this darkness will serve as a catalyst for change, spurring us to come together as a nation and demand accountability, transparency, and the restoration of our democratic rights. We must rekindle the spirit of unity that led to our independence in the first place and fight for the Pakistan that we envision—a Pakistan where the true power lies with the people, and where justice, freedom, and democracy reign supreme.
written by Shireen Bangash
dated: 08-06-2023
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