On October 5, 2024, I celebrated my 78th birthday. I am fortunate that my children and my grandchildren were with me on my birthday. My daughter-in-law, Sadia, sent me flowers and a cake on October 4. The next day, Feni and Kamran came, and the best part was that Parma Bee was also with them; she brought a beautiful bouquet for me. I cut the coffee cake they had brought. Kamran made a video call to Farjad, who was in the USA at that time, it was three in the morning there, and he was very worried about my health.
In the evening, Zaryun, Sadia, Sibl, and Aban came. I cut the cake with Aban and Sibl. Sahina called from Rawalpindi, congratulating me and also advising me not to eat too many sweets and to be cautious. Overall, the birthday was wonderful, spent with my loved ones. This journey of life has been long, complex, yet encouraging for me. When I look back, I can proudly say that I have always written for those who suffer from social injustice and oppression. My pen has never been silent, and I have always pledged to stand for the truth.
This life is a continuous struggle, and my life’s purpose has always been to be the voice of those who cannot raise their voice. I have always written in favor of true democracy, a democracy that is not just for the powerful but provides equal opportunities for every class, gender, and individual. The journey of democracy in Pakistan has always been uneven. Sometimes it has been crushed by military rulers, and at other times weakened by the incompetence and selfishness of politicians. But I have never given up. I have always believed that democracy means the rule of the people, not the powerful grip of a few. This is the democracy I dreamed of, where every person has the right to express their opinion, and everyone can defend their rights.
My writings have always been in search of the truth. Truth is a bitter pill that often people do not accept, especially those in power. But I have never tried to hide that truth. My writings have always exposed those tyrants who exploit the public for their interests. My writings are for those who suffer from poverty, ignorance, and helplessness.
As far as women’s rights are concerned, I have always believed that the progress of any society is not possible unless women are given equal rights. Throughout my life, I have raised my voice for women’s rights and written against the injustices they face. A society where women have equal opportunities can only be a truly democratic society. Therefore, I have always demanded that women should have the same rights in education, health, employment, and political processes as men.
My writings have never been just a collection of words; they have contained the pain and feelings I have experienced in my surroundings. I have seen how women are treated as second-class citizens, how their rights are violated, and how they are excluded from important decisions in life. To me, all of this was unacceptable, and I have always raised my voice against it in my writings.
This journey of life has never been easy. Many times I was pressured, attempts were made to silence me, but I never compromised on my principles. I knew that my silence would be a defeat for those oppressed people for whom I write. Therefore, I have always used my pen as a weapon that exposes the truth and fights for justice.
As long as I have breath left, I will remain the voice of the oppressed. I will continue to write for justice and carry on this struggle until my last breath.
I have always decided to stand with the truth. That’s why I have always written what I deeply felt, what was true, and what justice demanded.
I take pride in having dedicated my life to a cause that was for the betterment of humanity. I have always written what my conscience dictated, and I have always guided my pen on the path of truth and justice.
For me, the greatest reward in life is that I have written for those who were silent, raised my voice for the oppressed, and fought for the helpless. As long as I live, I will continue this mission, because to me, this is the purpose of life.
There is still much to do. Indeed, we have achieved many successes, but oppression and exploitation are still happening around us, and we need to work on it.
Life’s experiences have taught me that no matter how much the world changes, a woman’s voice can never be suppressed. This voice will always fight for its identity, and the pen will remain its greatest weapon. I want girls today to move forward with the confidence that while the journey may be difficult, reaching the destination is not impossible.
This journey of life, spanning 78 years, is still ongoing. I still feel the same passion and determination I felt when I first picked up the pen. The power of the pen will always rise against oppression. Our struggle is against oppression and injustice, and the journey of the pen will not stop.
0 Comments