On Pakistan's 65th Independence Day, I want to make a serious proposal regarding the nation's flag. The present flag comprises two sections: a green rectangle and a white bar at the mast with the respective ratio of 3/4 and 1/4 (75:25). This white bar represents the approximate ratio of non-Muslims supposed to have been Pakistani citizens at the time of the partition of the subcontinent in 1947. However, unprecedented bloody riots resulting in the large scale migration of the population on both sides of the border impacted this green-white ratio. Later, with the secession of Pakistan's eastern wing in 1971 (which used to accommodate a large number of Hindus who chose not to migrate to India in 1947), this green-white ratio drastically was reduced to 98:2. With the recent upsurge in the persecution of the Hindu community in Sindh, including the kidnapping of wealthy Hindu traders for ransom, extortion and the forced conversion of Hindu girls, there are reports of an alleged exodus of Hindus from Sindh and Baluchistan. Members of other religious groups always fear for their lives, families, businesses and honor under the ever-looming threat of blasphemy laws, a legacy of dictator General Zia. It is quite fair to presume that we shall soon complete the elimination of the white section of our flag. Therefore, we should officially change the flag so that it is completely green (with, of course, a crescent and star at the center). But once it is completely green, then what will be the reasons for continued in-fighting? Fortunately there is no need to worry about that as we have sectarian minorities within the green identity and they can carry on the fight. Masood Khan, Jubail
