14th August - We love Pakistan.

- A beautiful poem, written by Ayesha Sethi - 

Murgha k gir rahey hain, kiun phol ye hamarey..

Jazba hai phr bhi kiu hain majbor dil hamarey,

Dil chekhtay to hain, par kiu laab na ye pokaren,

key aao! mil ke saab phir is dees ko sawareen..

Mazloom pis rahey, or zaalim hoeey becharay,

Kaal tak jo they yaheen pe, na ajj wo saharey,

Aay kash ke laut aien wo din bhi ab hamarey....

Khshbu thi jin mai har su, khshyan thi har kinare.

-A.S

Ayeha Sethi.

These are some lovely photographs taken by Pakistan's extremely talented Travel Photographer, 

Danial Shah.

For more of his extraordinary work, check out http://www.danialshah.com/

SObi SAyed sends in her love for Pakistan through her creativity. She just simply loves Pakistan and the reasons are uncountable. 

We love Pakistan because Pakola makes us 10 times cooler than others.

Photo sent in by Shazia Yousuf

 She expresses her love for Pakistan through our special Shan Masalas which have saved many women. Shahi Supari, Pakola and of course our delicious Mangoes. 

Photos taken by Ali Ansari

He has captured the beautiful sites of Islamabad city and Northern Punjab.

This is the Faisal Mosque under construction

An article written by a Pakistani Blogger, Raafay Awan.

More of his work can be viewed on his personal blog http://raafay-awan.blogspot.com/p/raafay-awan.html

Writing about Pakistan is always emotional, you know you can write a lot, the good and the bad things. You know you have a lot to let out, share your thoughts. In my opinion, this has become a fashion now, sharing our thoughts.

Things have changed now, what we need is to tell the world that we are not what everyone thinks we are, that we are much more than just a terrorist or a failed state.

What we need is to actually show the world our good side. Pakistan means the 'land of pure' and to be very honest it still has all the potential to be one.

What the world see is that Pakistan produces terrorist. But they should know that Pakistanis are the most talented people, who easily have the most potential in any field. They just don't have enough opportunities but when they find any, they prove their worth. We are the 7th largest pool of Engineers, doctors and scientists in the world.

Pakistan is easily the only one country in this world where people come upto the definition of being 'patriotic', they love their country and they prove it. They celebrate the independence day like no one else does, flags all over our houses, cars and bikes ... Lightening up the buildings and streets, colorful batches and stickers. Music solely dedicated to Pakistan, all the patriotic songs, this only happens in Pakistan.

A Pakistani will always be a Pakistani, no matter in which part of the world you live, if you have ever visited Pakistan or you can't go back you just love Pakistan, you have the feeling, that proud feeling of being a Pakistani with you till the very last day of your lives.

We are the bravest people in the world. Living our lives in the midst of terrorist attacks, bomb blasts, target killings is not easy, things are easier said than done but we Pakistani prove it.

A  place where people stand united in the toughest of times and the happiest of times. Be it a natural disaster be it a cricket match victory Pakistanis will stand by each other. They will forget what cast they are, what religion they belong to, what province they are.. they'll just help in the toughest of times and enjoy in the happiest of times, together!

We are just 66 years old and we are the 2nd Largest Muslim Nation, sixth largest population and sixth largest military force in the World. 7th Nuclear Power, 9th Largest English Speaking Country and Asia's second-largest Air force. 7th largest Standing Arm Force in the World.

Trust me that is no joke.

Pakistan has World’s 5th largest coal reserves. World’s largest CNG Operator. World’s largest run ambulance network by Edhi, 7th largest Pool of Scientists and Engineers. Largest WiiMax Network in the World, 30 million internet users, world's fourth-largest milk producer.

If that is not enough ..

K2 the 2nd highest mountain peak in the World. Nanga Parbat 9th Highest Peak in the World. Haleji Lake is Asia’s largest Bird Sanctuary. Aansu late is the highest lake of the world. Thar Desert is amongst the largest deserts in the World. World’s highest Polo ground at Shandur, World’s Largest Deep Sea Port in Gwader. Second Largest Salt Mine in the World in Khewra Mines.Tarbela Dam is the World’s largest earth filled dam and 2nd largest dam overall.

The only country that was World Champion In cricket, olympic and word champion in hockey, Snooker and Squahs world champion all at the same time! That without any fascilities and infrastructure has produced World greats in sports.

Air Commodore MM Alam has a world record of shooting down 5 Indian planes in less than a Minute.World’s youngest certified Microsoft Experts Arfa Kareem and Babar Iqbal are from Pakistan.

More than 60 languages are spoken in Pakistan. People from all types of religions and etinices live in this country, The land of oldest Civilization : Indus Valley and Mohen-jo-Daro. it easily has the world's most diverse culture.

You can go on and on about Pakistan..

Just like anyone else we are peace loving people, and we sacrifice the most to bring peace in this world. Losing more than 50000 innocent lives because of war against terrorism, losing more than 8000 army men in this war, we have given a lot.

It is time that the world recognize our efforts, what we have done and are doing, to appreciate our sincere efforts and instead of blaming us, help us. But most importantly respect Pakistanis they way we deserve.

It is also time for us to stand up for our country, instead of criticizing the things going on, change them. Instead of blaming others, sort out our own problems, instead of just sitting and ignoring, do something!

Happy Independence day to the best ever country with the best ever people in this World!

Photos taken by Nimra Khalid

Nimra Khalid a Medical student celebrates her Independence Day along with her friends at Children's Cancer Hospital. She shares her beautiful day through pictures.

Written by Aaisha Salman

More of her beautiful write-ups can be viewed on http://thecyberdream-iwashere.blogspot.com/

"Last year on an August morning, I counted all the flags on rooftops on the way to college. On early August mornings, the wind rallies all the flags, the cloud come together, a little kid goes up to her rooftop with her Nana and ties green and white to a pole so her house does not look bare. A motorcycle scurries by with a plastic flag, a badge glistens on someone's unform. A song springs on our lips, the words are crystal clear. "Pakistan, Pakistan," the lyrics say. Even after all these years of ambulances and shut downs and bullets and bleeding, the hope can be dug out of songs and days. It can be dug out of the skin of the flower boy on the street, it can be dug out from your heart when you feel the six thirty winds in your hair and you know that our cities can be more than just broken. So here's to good days without bad news, here's to finding love in the most unlikely places. Pakistan Zindabad."

Photos taken by Umama Mirza

She is a talented photographer. More of her work can be viewed on http://exposingexposed.blogspot.com/

A view of Katti Pahaari, Karachi.

World famous Mukka Chowk, Karachi.

Written by Fiza Mari

POSITIVE SIDE OF PAKISTAN

Leaving all the negativity behind about our country , there lies a beautiful Place. A gift from our forefathers. 

Pakistan is world's ninth most popular country. It is by the grace of Allah no doubt the most important Islamic country in today's politics . In terms of industries, Pakistan makes significant contribution to global trade in textiles.  Majority of footballs made for the world cup are hand made in Pakistan. Among others, Pakistan is also famous for its handicrafts.

Let's just take a moment to appreciate Pakistan. There is so much to explore. 

 By Ali Khurshid

Photos taken by a very talented Pakistani photographer, Ali Khurshid.

more of his work is displayed here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alikhurshid/

Photo taken by Anum Naeem

Pakistani Truck Art is so beautiful.

Written by Naveed Ahsan Nadeem

Own Pakistan to Build Pakistan

Why should one’s blood flow faster through his veins and the heart beat at a faster pace when he thinks about Pakistan? That is what patriots like me feel when I think of Pakistan.  

What is so good about Pakistan? For starters, Pakistan is a young, vibrant nation with an endless amount of energy to shine at the global stage. The most striking thing about this nation is the raw diamonds that this country possesses among its ranks. We have witnessed countless success stories of legends that, like a phoenix, have risen from the ashes to shine at the global stage and make foreigners respect the talent within Pakistan.

One thing which makes me feel very proud to be a Pakistani is that Pakistan is the one of the most charitable nations in this world; the mainstream media may show Pakistan as a crowd of inhumane vultures, but reality is that there are a lot of clones of legends like Abdul Sattar Edhi and Ansar Burney who are ever-present to help the less fortunate ones within our country.

I can go on forever, but to sum it up, if a country goes through bad times, like for example the regions of Central & Eastern Africa have suffered for a long time (and I sometimes feel like throwing pessimistic Pakistanis on social media in those areas for endless whining), if you can stand up and do something about it, most welcome. If not, then you can at least become a hero at a small scale and help the poor and unfortunate people around you in need. After all, if you start taking responsibility for your own area, then you can bring a change (albeit at a smaller scale). You have to go to your own grave and answer about your actions that you could have done in your individual capacity.

So keep calm and love Pakistan, do whatever you can in your individual capacity to help Pakistan, even if it is worth a mustard seed of good.

Photo by Irsa Nasar.

She currently resides in Issaquah, Washington but sends in her love for Pakistan to us through a picture.

Photo by Sadaph Sabih

Sadaph sends in a photo of her little son, Ayaan showing off patriotism by wearing a Pakistani Cricket Team shirt and a flag painted on his face. They currently reside in Savannah, Georgia.

By Daniya Sayed

Daniya Sayed shows off her patriotism. She and her aunt say that Pakola is the best drink ever made hence Pakistan is the Best. <3

Photo sent and taken by Zainab Saleem

She thinks that the random balloon sellers on the roads add some colour to our lives.

Photos taken by Usman Rehman

This is Asia's largest food street located in Karachi by the name of Port Grand.

The Tomb of Quaid i Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

(The founder of Pakistan)

Desi  food.

Making pots from clay.

Photo by Saira Rehman

A beautiful capture of the Mohatta Palace, Karachi.

Photo sent in by Manisha Shiwlani

Manisha sends in her love for Pakistan through a poem and a drawing.

Though here exists no any fair, but how can I hate it if my forefathers belong to here? Though we are striving for electricity,water and all basic things, but how can I say it appalling where I learnt how to spread wings? Though nowadays, illiteracy and corruption ratios are growing up, but how can I loathe the place where my heart beats lub and dub? Though here talents are being suppressed due to lack of facilities, but how can I use swear word for a land which provides me blissful jiffies? Though here tons of minerals ain't being utilised, but how can I despise it where many things are being idolized? Though here everyday number of people are being homicided, but how can I be its hater where I am nicely treated? Though here law-abiding beings have left their paths, but how can I forget the earth where I live, adore, detest, sob and laugh? Though here no one ventures to cling the fountain head of doing illicit, but how I grumble if till now everything has gone fit? Though now here is no any safety, but how can I turn my face if it is my identity? Though here even leaders are warned and torn, but how can it be egregious where I born?

Photos taken by Pir Faraz Ali

He has captured the beauty of Pakistani Truck Art. Also he has captured Cape Mount beach and an exquisite view of Dolmen City Mall, Clifton, Karachi.

By Fiza Asar

Fiza and her husband who are currently residing in the United Kingdom show off patriotism on the roads of London on 14th  August.

Photos sent by Tooba Tahir

Tooba Tahir and her friends celebrate 14th August and show off their patriotism.

Photo sent by Ujala Jamal

Ujala Jamal sends in a picture she took on the Wagaha Border, Pakistan.

Photo taken by Zara Asim

Photos sent in by Rimsha Vohra 

Pictures taken at Wagha Border.

These are some photos I took.

A contribution by my cousins! We are all Pakistanis and we are against racist stereotypes!

May we all learn how to love and care about our dear Motherland. May Allah protect us and our land. May he keep us all away from evil and make us do good in our lives.

Happy Independence day to all Pakistanis!