- President Zardari pays tribute to martyrs of armed forces.
- Pakistan’s security linked to global peace, stability: president.
- Pakistan moving towards goal of a developed economy: PM.
The top political leadership of Pakistan stressed the need for stability, reforms and global peace as the nation marks 79 years of independence on Friday.
The nation is celebrating Independence Day with zeal and fervour, with special prayers offered at mosques across the country for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals. An elegant change of guard ceremony was also held at the Mazar-e-Quaid mausoleum in Karachi.
On the occasion, President Zardari paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement and all those who gave up their homes, security and livelihoods in the struggle for a homeland.
In his message, the president said that independence was not only a historic achievement, but a responsibility that each generation must carry forward.
“The Pakistan that was created through the democratic will of its people must continue to grow stronger, more secure and more prosperous. Our task is not only to remember what earlier generations achieved, but to add to it through our own work,” he added.
Reflecting on the past year, he said that Marka-e-Haq demonstrated that Pakistan sought peace, but also possesses the resolve and capacity to defend its sovereignty and national interests.
A country that can defend itself must also use its strength to prevent conflict, protect peace and serve the interests of its people, he added.
President Zardari also paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and police. “Their courage and commitment have helped safeguard our nation against external aggression and the threat of terrorism. The people of Pakistan remain deeply grateful for their service.”
On the country’s global diplomacy, he said that Islamabad has effectively used its channels of communication, its geographical location and diplomatic capital to encourage dialogue and de-escalation at a time when wider conflict in the Middle East could have serious consequences for the region and the world.
“Pakistan’s approach is clear. We believe that disputes, no matter how serious, must ultimately be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy,” he added.
Pakistan’s security is linked to the peace and stability of its neighbourhood and the world, he said, emphasising that the country will continue to support efforts that reduce tensions, protect regional stability and create conditions for cooperation.
On the domestic front, the president called for strengthening the economy, creating greater opportunities for youth and bolstering institutions through a series of governance, economic and social reforms.
Terming youth Pakistan’s greatest strength, he said that it was the government’s responsibility to give young people the education, skills and opportunities they need to realise their potential.
President Zardari also renewed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming support for their legitimate struggle for their rights.
“Pakistan will continue to support a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of its people and the relevant United Nations resolutions,” he added.
The president maintained that Pakistan has always respected and supported the national sovereignty of Afghanistan despite historical differences over the years.
However, he lamented that the Afghan Taliban regime was allowing and supporting a “cocktail of terror groups” to use their soil for launching attacks against neighbouring countries, including Pakistan.
He also criticised Kabul for collaborating with India in launching terror attacks against Pakistani civilians and security personnel.
Committed to vigorously defend water rights: PM
In his message, PM Shehbaz described it as an “immense honour and pride” for the country that the struggle for independence was led by Quaid-e-Azam, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and many other distinguished leaders.
“Our forefathers endured immense hardships and made unparalleled sacrifices, ultimately bringing the struggle for freedom to a successful conclusion,” he said.
The prime minister maintained that the journey of national development and prosperity was “thriving ahead towards a brighter future” despite the challenges along the way.
According to PM Shehbaz, the people of Pakistan have achieved remarkable success in every sphere of life despite numerous difficulties.
Detailing the government’s performance, he said that the country has successfully navigated through extremely challenging circumstances and achieved the objective of economic stability over the last two and a half years.
“We are now moving steadily towards the goal of a developed economy. During the past two years, remittances of overseas Pakistanis have increased by $11.3 billion, reflecting their continued confidence in the policies of the government,” he added.
The premier said that harnessing modern information technology, promoting innovation-driven sustainable industrial and agricultural development and skills development remained among the government’s foremost priorities.
He also lauded the armed forces for ensuring that Pakistan’s defence remains invincible, saying the nation took immense pride in its valiant armed forces.
During Marka-e-Haq, the armed forces, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, demonstrated exemplary unity, unwavering resolve and extraordinary courage, the premier said.
Pakistan remains committed to making any sacrifice for the defence of the country and to vigorously defend its national interests, including its inalienable right to water resources, he added.
Amid the complex and challenging regional situation, Pakistan has played a constructive role as a responsible nation and as a stabilising force in promoting global peace, stability and regional cooperation.
The prime minister said that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye was a testament to Islamabad’s effective role in the region and its emerging strategic strength.
He also expressed solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people and with brothers and sisters in IIOJK, reiterating steadfast principled support for them.
“Lasting peace in South Asia hinges on diplomatic resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” he said.
PM Shehbaz paid tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the beloved homeland, saying the nation owed a profound debt of gratitude to brave armed forces, courageous personnel of law enforcement agencies, and all those martyrs.
“Let us, on this day, renew our national resolve to work together for the development and prosperity, peace and stability, mutual harmony and national unity,” he said.
The premier extended an invitation to all the segments of society and political parties to “join hands and work constructively together” for the national integrity and for the protection and advancement of national interests.
