Dear Kids, Assalam-o-Alaikum!
We hope that your new academic year is off to a fantastic start. Whether you’re decorating new notebooks, exploring exciting subjects, or simply adjusting to a new routine, it’s an exciting time filled with endless possibilities. These early days are a chance to build lasting friendships, and lay a strong foundation for the year ahead. So, let’s embrace the new beginnings, and make the most of this fresh start!
Dear Friends!
As we strive for a promising future, why not also cherish our glorious past, which has shaped us into who we are today? We certainly owe a debt of great gratitude to the restless struggle of our forefathers, and to the selfless sacrifices of our Armed Forces – Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, as well as Police, security and intelligence agencies – who have always religiously guarded our so precious independence. This month, as we observe the 59th Defence and Martyrs Day of Pakistan, let us honor our heroes, the Shuhada and Ghazis, for their unparalleled courage and unquestionable commitment to the sanctity and integrity of our homeland, in a befitting manner.
    6^th September is a day when the entire nation joins hands together with the Armed Forces of Pakistan and pays rich tributes to the valiant sons and daughters of soil – especially the Shuhada and Ghazis – who fearlessly fought and repelled the surprise attack by Indian forces, in 1965, with an indomitable spirit and unconquerable will. This month’s edition of Hilal for Kids carries exclusive articles about the legendary heroes of 1965 and 1971 wars like Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider), and Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider), whose acts of supreme sacrifice not only inspire us all, but also leave an unerasable mark that leads us to resolve that we shall leave no stone unturned in serving the motherland with same zeal and zest which our nation showed, and the fearlessness and professionalism which our Armed Forces displayed.
Dear Young Leaders!
You are the architects of Pakistan’s tomorrow. Your potential is boundless, and the future of our nation rests in your capable hands. You inherit a legacy of courage, determination, and sacrifice. Our Armed Forces have guarded our sovereignty and integrity with utmost dedication and resilience. Let us honor their memory by transforming ourselves into responsible, compassionate, and forward-thinking citizens. Armed with modern-day knowledge and AI-empowered innovation, you possess the power to transform this country into a vibrant, resilient, and shining nation that stands tall in the contemporary world. Your contribution to education, technology, and society can be instrumental to propelling Pakistan to new heights. In this era of misinformation, digital terrorism is a serious threat that is corrupting our youth. Let's combat this by embracing truth and rejecting lies and always verifying information from reputable sources. Together, we can protect our nation and build a future where knowledge prevails.
    Remember that every step you take towards excellence brings us closer to the homeland that our national heroes envisioned. Believe in yourselves, and let your actions inspire the generations to come. Remember that our nation’s future and the Earth planet’s well-being are inextricably linked together. As the challenge of climate change intensifies, we being a part of this globe would immediately need to embrace a sustainable living by adopting Zero Waste Lifestyle. In the upcoming pages, you can find stories and articles about the importance of cleanliness and having a sustainable lifestyle. Saving our planet requires sustained efforts. We must transform our lifestyles to be kinder to the environment. Hopefully, this magazine will inspire you all to make healthier and greener choices. 

Have a very happy new academic year. Many cheers!

Farooq-uz-Zaman