A Nation on the March

By the Editor

Independence Day -14 August 1951.

Starting from scratch, this young state of Pakistan has marched from strength to strength and baffled the calculations of her foes while exceeding the expectations of her friends.

The influx of 1000 million refugees which descended upon Pakistan at her very birth would have unhinged the polity and economy of many a long-established, stable and flourishing State. That Pakistan should not only survive this great burden but develop, within four years, into the most united and compact State of the East – and one of the few financially – sound States of the world – is an achievement of which any nation could justly be proud.

TWO EVENTS during the last year in Pakistan will shine as beacons on her unfaltering sense of national solidarity and her economic stability: The Rawalpindi “conspiracy”, which top-ranking Defence personnel are alleged to have hatched, not only left Pakistan unshaken but she emerged even stronger and more united in the face of this most far-reaching internal threat; the surrender of Bharat, after long-drawn-out economic deadlock and diplomatic pressure in an effort to coerce Pakistan to accept her devalued currency at par value, provides conclusive testimony to the enormous economic potential of Pakistan.

IN THE INTERNATIONAL FIELD, Pakistan´s good name was heightened as a result of her sober, reasonable and peaceful approach to the Kashmir dispute. To have rallied entire world opinion to her cause is not mean tribute to the soundness of Pakistan´s foreign policy.

OUR NORTH-WESTERN NEIGHBOUR, Afghanistan is still playing in the hands of others and has proved intractable regarding Pakistan´s fraternal advances. During this past year there was a distinct rise in the tempo of her hostility, resulting in scores of armed inroads into Pakistan territory. Pakistan, however, has returned nothing but goodwill for the misguided and misplaced hostility, and hopes, someday, the ruling oligarchy will realise the futility of his war of nerves against this country.

“Pakhtonistan” has proved a cry in the wilderness. The valiant Pathans of the tribal territory, on both sides of the Durand Line, are devoted heart and soul to this Islamic State.

BHARATS SUDDEN MASSING OF TROOPS on our borders, though constituting a most serious threat to Pakistan’s independence, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It steeled every Pakistani´s heart in grim determination to defend every inch of Pakistan soil and we consider no price too great in doing so. Never was the nation so united in a common will and purpose as in the face of Bharat´s wanton challenge.

The “clenched fist” of Premier Liaquat Ali Khan, who symbolises the nation´s unity and solidarity, electrified the nation with even greater determination to meet force with force.

What constitutes a greater triumph for Pakistan, however, is our Premier´s peace efforts in the face of Bharat´s unwarranted provocation. It is the earnest wish and hope of her people that all outstanding dispute will be settled in a spirit of fairness and justice and the two countries will settle down to a life of mutual goodwill and helpfulness.

INTERNALLY, though faced with the ravages of an unprecedented flood, the fourth year of Pakistan proved one of general prosperity. Whereas in the neighbouring country the spectre of famine is threatening several parts, in Pakistan wheat and rice, the staple food of the two wings of the country, are within easy purchasing reach of the poorest.

THE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS of which the following pages give a studied appraisal, were made possible by the inherent vitality of the distinctive culture on which this State is founded. This four-year-old nation has to travel a long way towards the yet greater destiny which is its birth right. And in this historic march, in which it has passed just four “milestones,” it will ever have for its guide the Quaid-e-Azam´s memorable watch-word: “Unity, Faith, Discipline”.