Pakistan Day Celebrations: A Victory And A Sign Of Hope · Global Voices
Sana Saleem

Today marks the 71st anniversary of the Pakistan Resolution. Although the nation is struggling with insurgency and plethora of issues there is still a lot to celebrate. On this day, amidst all the celebrations, Pakistanis pay tribute to patriots and take a walk down to the memory lane. Mosharraf Zaidi remembers Pakistan's Federal Minister For Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti, as a proud and patriotic Pakistani. Zaidi then goes on to discuss a wide range of issues:
It is nationalism that fuels those that protest against the assassinations of Salmaan Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti. It is nationalism that drives criticism of Pakistani military acquiescence in US drone attacks. It is nationalism that seeks transparency in Pakistani military operations in FATA and Swat. It is nationalism that values the white in the Pakistani flag as much as it values the green. It is nationalism that seeks justice for Dr. Afiya and nationalism that seeks justice for Aasiya Bibi. This diverse and cantankerous new Pakistani nationalism is an enduring strength for the country. It may be exploited by some, but it cannot be debased.
Soldiers marching in Mazar-e-Qaid, during commemoration of the historic Pakistan Resolution which was passed on this day in 1940. Karachi, Pakistan. Image by Syed Yasir Kazmi. Copyright Demotix.
Adil Najam at All Things Pakistan, reposted the text  of the Pakistan Resolution urging people to read it in full. While commenting on the text of the resolution, Adil notes:
What strikes me in re-reading this today – as it had when I had written about it last – is the deep, strong and sincere emphasis that Pakistan’s founding document has on the rights of minorities. It is in sharp contrast to the the reality of the rights of minorities in Pakistan today.
A video post on Gawaahi gives voice to the Hindu community as a part of Pakistan Day coverage:
The celebrations increased many fold as Pakistan made it to the Cricket World Cup Semifinals beating West-indies. Reactions of Pakistanis on twitter and facebook were not only messages of celebrations but also acknowledgment of the great support by the people of Bangladesh.
@Kashif9: Hats off to #Bangladesh for their amazing support of #Pakistan #cricket team today. We love you :)
@rabayl_m: I love Pakistan and I can still be deeply apologetic about what happened in 1971 because of us.  I'm sorry Bangladesh.
@beenasarwar: Amaar shonar Bangla; / A big thank you to  Bangladesh from  #pakistan
@cpyala: Mubarak ho Pakistan! Onwards! And a big, warm hug to Bangladesh!
@Aneela Babar:  Sight of Dhaka rickshaw drivers huddled in front of a big TV screen across from my flat and cheering for Pakistan. Priceless! Bade Dilwale.
A post  at All things Pakistan, pays special thanks to the crowd in Dhaka for their support. While Pakistanis continue to share hope that one day the authorities will announce a public apology for civilian casualties in 1971 war. Kalsoom Lakhani on Changing Up Pakistan, shares her thoughts:
Another friend, Shaheryar Mirza (@mirza9), an Express 24/7 reporter in Karachi, told me, “The Bangladeshis and the Sri Lankans have shown that they love cricket. It is about human beings more than it is about war and politics… It’s a sign that people can show immense grace and rise above history and conflict.”
A post by Sepoy at Chapati Mystery takes a look at history textbooks that are part of the school curriculum. The post discusses various errors and distorted facts that are still a part of  school curriculum. Today, Pakistanis not only celebrated a historical event, a cricket victory but also the beautiful landscapes across the country. Fursid on Gawaahi, shares a photo-series showcasing landscapes across the country. Another photo-series by Misha Tanveer gives a sneak peak to the breathtaking coast-lines of Sindh.
Sentiments of many Pakistanis, can be summed up  in a post by blogger Faisal Kapdia, titled “To be a Pakistani”:
My Pakistan, my friends is pure, raw, unbridled passion. Stumbling as it is due to war, corruption and bad governance, it still has the heart to come out fighting like the unique and unflinching nation it is.