Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended Independence Day greetings to the people of Pakistan, urging citizens to fulfil their responsibilities and contribute to the country’s advancement in whatever capacity they serve.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said August 14 provides an opportunity to recall the immense sacrifices that led to the establishment of Pakistan.
He paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement, as well as those who left behind their homes, livelihoods and sense of security in the struggle to achieve a separate homeland.
President Zardari stressed that independence represents more than a historic accomplishment, describing it as a continuing obligation that every generation must honour and carry forward.
He said the developments of the past year had once again demonstrated the resilience of the Pakistani people.
Referring to the events associated with Marka-e-Haq, the president said Pakistan had shown that its commitment to peace was matched by its determination and ability to defend its sovereignty and national interests.
In his message on Independence Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s journey towards development and prosperity was progressing towards a promising future despite the challenges faced along the way.
He said the government had managed to steer the country through exceptionally difficult conditions over the last two and a half years while achieving the goal of economic stability.
The prime minister noted that remittances from overseas Pakistanis had grown by $11.3 billion dollars during the past two years, which he said reflected their continued trust in the government’s policies.
PM Shehbaz also praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their steadfast response during times of crisis and against every hostile action, saying they had repeatedly proved that the defence of the country remained strong and secure.
He said that the nation takes immense pride in its armed forces, adding that during Marka-e-Haq, the military, led by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal (CDF) Syed Asim Munir, displayed exceptional cohesion, determination and courage.
The premier said their performance had contributed another proud chapter to Pakistan’s history of defending its sovereignty and national honour.
He said Pakistan was increasingly recognised among nations as a strong, determined and dignified country, while also being a firm supporter of peace.
PM Shehbaz said that despite the difficult regional environment, Pakistan had continued to act as a responsible state and had played a constructive role in efforts aimed at strengthening peace, stability and cooperation in the region and beyond.
He described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye as a reflection of Pakistan’s growing strategic role and its effective contribution to regional affairs.
PM Shehbaz also reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said durable peace in South Asia would require a diplomatic settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute based on relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The premier urged every segment of Pakistani society, particularly political parties, to work together in the larger national interest, calling for collective efforts to preserve national unity, protect the country’s interests and advance its progress.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing moral, political and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir in their struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
In his Independence Day message, Dar said Pakistan had consistently advocated peaceful coexistence, dialogue, cooperation and respect among nations.
He said developments during the previous year had once again highlighted the pressing need to resolve long-running disputes through peaceful means, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir issue, which continues to contribute to tensions and instability in the region.
Speaking about the landmark Makkah Accord signed with Pakistan’s close allies Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, Ishaq Dar said the agreement reflected a common determination to expand strategic partnership, reinforce collective security and jointly address changing regional and international challenges concerning peace and security.