President Zardari lauds PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal, DPM and interior minister for advancing national interests

Islamabad (Web Desk): Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their efforts to safeguard Pakistan’s national interests abroad and promote solidarity among Muslim countries.

Addressing the inauguration of the Yadgar-e-Fatah monument on Independence Day, which was built to commemorate Pakistan’s victory over India in last year’s conflict, President Zardari said the country’s leadership had played a significant role in strengthening unity among Islamic nations, helping bring an end to hostilities between the United States and Iran, and supporting peace across the region.

He recalled that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had laid an important foundation for Pakistan’s role in the Muslim world by hosting the Islamic Conference in Lahore and advancing the spirit of Islamic brotherhood.

The president also appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their contribution to the recently concluded joint defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

President Zardari observed that peace remained a shared aspiration across the world and said Pakistan would continue working to bring Muslim countries closer while promoting cooperation and harmony among people to help create a better world.

Referring to India’s policies, he said New Delhi pursued its own agenda under the concept of Akhand Bharat. He added that it should also be recognised that Pakistan, as a Muslim-majority country, provides better treatment to its Hindu citizens.

He made it clear that Pakistan would not accept the ongoing genocide in Gaza, saying Israel had been involved in conflicts across the region since its establishment and sought to establish a greater Israel. Pakistan, he added, along with its allies, would not permit such ambitions to materialise.

The president also remembered his father’s participation in the struggle for the liberation of Kashmir and noted that people from various regions of Pakistan had taken up arms against the Indian army during different wars.

Turning to Pakistan’s future, President Zardari said much more work was still required to improve the lives of the people and secure a better future for the generations to come.

He said achievements and setbacks were both natural parts of life, stressing that a living and determined nation must remain committed to its goals despite difficulties.

President Zardari further said Pakistanis residing overseas wished to come back and contribute to the country’s development. He said they could also play a role in helping the younger generation realise its aspirations, particularly through education.

He expressed his resolve to see Pakistan transformed into a developed nation in line with the ideals and vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The ceremony concluded with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir presenting commemorative souvenirs to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to mark the inauguration of the Yadgar-e-Fatah monument.