Determination, hearts and hours bring revolution

Today was Election day. Millions of Pakistanis left their homes to cast their vote, regardless of fear, regardless of danger. Youngsters, elders, adults, all with one aim...to bring change. Despite boiling heat, despite six, seven, even eight hours of waiting in long queues to cast their vote, the turnout was record breaking. Unfair elections in many parts of the country; rigging in the industrial hub of Karachi did not stop the nation from coming together and voting for a new Pakistan. Today, I saw unity, faith and determination in the hearts of people...something I thought had disappeared. Foreigners will not understand, for them Pakistan is unstable. As a Pakistani, I do not disagree; yes, Pakistan is unstable, yes there are terrorist attacks every now and then, yes people die every day...but today I saw hope. Hope present in the eyes and hearts of every Pakistani, hope for a new Pakistan, a better Pakistan. The people of Karachi stood for hours at end: elders aged eighty years, students as young as eighteen, the disabled, those on wheelchairs, those who're blind, those who're deaf and dumb, those from hospitals, every sect, every religion, minorities and majorities stood together today to bring change. Those like me, who were not registered to vote urged others to vote, stood next to the exhausted but determined voters, providing them with refreshments and keeping their spirit alive. Today, we stayed strong. Today, we stayed determined. Today, we were united. Today, our hearts and minds had one intention: to vote. Today, we saw a new Pakistan. Today, we brought change. Today, we are proud to be Pakistanis.