Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari has emphatically stated that Pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty.
“Pakistan wants relations with all our neighbors. We are a peace-loving country and a responsible nuclear state. However, let me make it clear that we will not compromise on our sovereignty. We will not tolerate any efforts by terrorists or any group to destabilize our country,” the president said addressing the Pakistan Day Military Parade at Shakarparian Parade Ground in Islamabad today.
The president congratulated the nation on the Day which commemorated the historic struggle of the Muslims of the subcontinent to achieve a separate homeland under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He also paid tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis with a resolve to make all-out efforts to protect national security and sovereignty.
Besides President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, federal cabinet members, services chiefs, diplomats, notables from different walks of life and a huge number of citizens attended the ceremony. Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, who previously served as an F-15 pilot in Royal Saudi Air Force, was the guest of honour of the ceremony.
President Zardari said that today's parade is a reminder of our unity, strength and pride. He said the world community recognizes Pakistan's efforts and sacrifices in the war on terrorism.
He pointed out that the Indian illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is one of the main reasons of instability in the region. He said the Kashmiri people have been demanding their right to self-determination for the last 76 years.
Condemning the Indian brutalities and human rights violations in IIOJK, the president urged the international community to ensure the implementation of the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to always stand by the Kashmiri people in their just struggle against tyranny.
Expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, President Zardari appealed to the international community to take measures to ensure that the killings of innocent Palestinian people including children and women are immediately halted.
He emphasized that ceasefire be announced and a humanitarian corridor is opened on priority basis.
“Pakistan will continue to support the Palestinian people till the resolution of Palestine issue as per their aspirations,” President Zardari said.
Alluding to the challenges faced by the country, the president said that a democratic government is in place following the electoral exercise.
He said responsibility now rests with all of us to collectively address the challenges.
“Our people are hardworking and intelligent. The youth equipped with immense capabilities are the trustees of the country's development,” the president said.
He said that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been established to improve the economy.
The president expressed the confidence that under this platform, foreign investments will develop the agriculture, livestock, minerals and mining, information technology and energy sectors.
President Zardari also called upon all the political parties to rise above their political interests and work collectively for the country's security and prosperity.
The president also thanked the friendly countries including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for supporting Pakistan in the difficult times.