Educator, writer and poet Mehmet Karadayı wrote an emotion-laden poem on the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr, describing his longing for Pakistan. Karadayı was compelled to leave the country like many of his friends after working in Pakistan for a short time.

We had you…

Lest that wind had not blown.

We had you…

In Peshawar, Karachi, and Lahore.

We had you…

In the school, in the classroom, in the schoolroom.

We had you…

We built monuments on your barren lands

We pitched stately tents over students’ thrones of hearts.

We had you…

Lest that wind had not blown.

We had you…

In your sorrow, in your joy, in your pride,

We had you…

During Ramadan, on Eid al-Adha

While busy in prayer at the Faisal Masjid,

Allah knows how many hearts caught on fire…

We had you…

We got dredged in Multan’s crimson soil.

Albeit the stabbing lumps of homesickness in our throats, 

We were happy with you.

We still had you…

Lest that wind had not blown.

You left your pain in every heart that loved you.

Eyes mist in longing for you.

Now you have had us…

On the ramparts of our hearts…

On the palms of our babies…

In the bronze of our dreams…

We will never forget you

So long as life exists in the universe.

Now, you are in memories

Now, your name is Dreamistan

Each greeting from you relieves our hearts

Let this life of ours be sacrificed for you, O Pakistan!

Long live so much, Jeevay Pakistan!