18 Ways to Serve Pakistan This Year

Nadiya Najib

7 years ago

Introduction

We are celebrating the nations birthday today so its natural to feel the sense of nationalism. Through this article, I want to encourage patriotism all year long.

“Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” Adlai Stevenson

Each one of us has a duty to be a responsible citizen. We have legal, social and moral obligations which we owe to our country that has given us everything, above all the freedom to reside in it as and when we want. Even for all those who have left the country, Pakistan is always a backup plan in case everything else fails, they always have a home to come back to. Pakistan is our abode; haven, land and address. No matter how many Nationalities we get on paper, we can never be a part of them. This is where we fit in. This is where we belong.

I just wanted to share some ideas today on how we can be patriotic throughout the year.

18 Ways to Serve Pakistan This Year

1. Obey Laws

Rules exist only for us
Every law has a purpose
Let’s be good citizens and obey laws

2. Be Patriotic

Take pride in Pakistan
No ridiculing/taunting: only solution oriented debate
Don’t be a hypocrite by backbiting it
Focus on Pros & glass half full
Remind ourselves of the positives
Never complain about its issues

3. Keep Pakistan Clean

Dispose off garbage in it’s proper place
Do not spit anywhere other than a wash basin
Do not pee any where other than a washroom flush
Pull the flush every time you use public toilets. In case it doesn’t work, pour water in it
Use recyclable products in everyday life
After using public toilets, wipe off water from sink and flush to keep it dry
Volunteer for cleaning initiatives

4. Stay in Pakistan to Serve it

You can serve your country in the best way by working in it (I tried my best to convince my husband to stay)
Running away from Pakistan is not the answer
The educated class of Pakistan has to stay and serve Pakistan

5. Speak Only the Truth

As Pakistani’s it is our responsibility to focus on integrity
Integrity is vital towards being a good human being
You have to be true to yourself and to those around you in order to succeed in life

6. Talk in Urdu

No need to talk in English at home
If you’re abroad, make sure you only talk to kids in Urdu
Don’t raise kids who only speak english
Kids will learn English in school anyway so talking to them only in Urdu is the best policy

7. Save Water

Let’s try our best not to waste any

8. Plant Trees

Be a part of tree plantation drives
This is the most important from environmental perspective

9. Save Electricity & Gas

Switch off electricity when not in use

10. File & Pay Taxes

Become a proud tax payer

11. Be a Responsible Driver/Passenger

Pass driving test to get a legal license before driving
Wear seat belts in any moving vehicle (car, bus, airplane etc)
Never drive or travel any vehicle without a license
Never drive or travel without a seat belt
Always use indicators before turning on the road
Know traffic rules fully (booklet available) and obey them at all times

12. Always Choose the Right Way to the Wrong One

Many times in life we have two choices: the right way & the wrong way! Be just.
Remember two wrongs don’t make a right
Even if everyone is doing something wrong, choose to do whats right

13. Teach a Child/Helper

Teachers have a huge role in a society
Teach someone how to read and write
Inspire others to make a difference
Sponsor a child’s education
Teach a skill to someone that will improve their life
Teach kids how to be productive and responsible citizens

14. Give Back to the community

Donate money, paintings or things
Volunteer
Take presents for the poor

15. Be Kind

Talk to people nicely
Be nicer to those who have less than you
Make sure none of your actions cause inconvenience to anyone else

16. Mind Your Own Business

No interference in other’s matters
Respect rights, beliefs and opinions of others

17. Be at your best behaviour

Whatever we do, wherever we go we are representing our country in more ways than we realize
People don’t remember us by our name but by our country and religion
We are representations of our country and must make sure we portray it in the best way possible

18. Get Involved

Watch news to know whats going on in the country
Stay involved in community matters
Always vote!
Fly a flag

What Pakistani’s living abroad can do for Pakistan

“I truly believe this: If an American leaves his country today, (for the taxes or whatever reason,) it won’t make any difference to his country. It is already where it should have gotten. But when someone living in an under-developed country leaves, his original country moves back many steps. Unless, he remembers, and still takes part in developing his original country. Its a delicate balance, one must give be loyal to both countries.” Shireen Gheba Najib

Pakistani’s living abroad can still do the following for Pakistan:

Donate money in Pakistan.
Talk positively about Pakistan. Don’t ever give foreigners reasons for them to think media is right.
Teaching written & spoken Urdu and Urdu literature to children.
Read Urdu books & watch Urdu plays to keep in touch with Urdu.
Talk to family & friends only in Urdu (You will be talking to foreigners in English anyway).
Being ambassadors of Pakistan at every level.
Keep your savings in Pakistan. Buy plots in Pakistan as investment.

Check out my mom Shireen Gheba’s really amazing article on how Pakistani’s abroad can serve it. Click on the following image to read her article.

How to Be Responsible Pakistanis

I am a strong believer of social responsibility. We were not just born to live and muck up this planet. We owe much more than that to our country and our planet.

It’s about being a less selfish person and putting the needs of society before your own. It is actually no hard work at all. It is just a lifestyle which we should choose to adopt. Basically means thinking of the impact of our actions on others. Let’s all act like liable adults and raise responsible kids. Thanks for stopping by. Do you feel strongly about this topic too? Do let me know.