23rd March - Pakistan Day

Well, its Pakistan Day after all. We all should be glad that this day happened. And I think about the significance of this day, and the meaning it carries in our lives. Come on, for the most of my life it has been just another holiday - moreso when I landed at university. This day is one of those holidays that the whole country observes. And damn my university, it doesnt believe in local holidays! This day is like a minor version of August 14. There are no jhandian, no flags fluttering on roof tops, no badges, stickers, paper caps, valiant men etc. Bus there is that parade at Constitution Avenue, Islamabad, in the morning that makes it sound something worthwhile; and ofcourse the Khabarnama with its reporting of the various medals held out by the President, and local constituents. Apart from that, there is nothing worthwhile. The whole day passes just lolling around. The Pakistan Day Parade was of intrigue when I was young. I used to get up early then, too. Young when you are impressed by the military might, the khaki uniforms, the soaring airplanes, the deadly missiles. All of these feelings subside when you get to know that your are the victim of discrimination. But, what the heck! I am still a Pakistani at heart. And I'll remain that forever. Somehow I got up early enough today to catch the last moments of the Parade being broadcast on PTV. My father being an enthusiast [its also a way of waking up snoring sloths], the TV was on with full volume. The President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, was there too, with Prez Musharraf and PM Shaukat Aziz. Maybe Karzai is too keen to make friends with Pakistan. He's here on every national holiday. And when the planes were soaring [and roaring] by, in the quest to look at them earnestly, the Jinnah Cap that is always to be found on Mr. Karzai's head, dropped to the ground. The scene was very amusing for Musharraf, Shaukat Aziz, the military brass, even the guard that was on duty. Karzai had a sheepish smile on his face, and for the rest of the ceremony, the cap was nowhere to be seen. My advice to Mr. Karzai, keep firm hold of your topi, there are a lot of people here who love to play with topis!