Pakistan, Aug. 13 -- We spend much of the year lamenting our problems, and sometimes we perform this ritual with such regularity that it has almost become a fashion. But in these moments of celebrating our Independence, we should also pause and remember some of the achievements of which we, as Pakistanis, can genuinely be proud.

The truth is that our achievements outweigh our failures, and the record of our successes is far longer and brighter than our failures would have us believe.

One of Pakistan's greatest achievements is that it is the only nuclear power in the Muslim world. Acquiring this capability was no small feat. It was an act of extraordinary resolve, a mountain that we ourselves saw many people lose heart at the very though...