Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Pakistanis living in Pakistan and abroad on the occasion of Pakistan’s 80th Independence Day and extended his best wishes.
In his message, the Prime Minister said that freedom is a great blessing from Allah Almighty. On August 14, 1947, the Pakistani nation got an independent homeland where every citizen was given the opportunity to live with dignity. Paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and other leaders of the Pakistan Movement, he said our forefathers made unparalleled sacrifices for the creation of Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif said that all citizens in Pakistan enjoy equal freedom without discrimination, while the Constitution and national laws guarantee the fundamental rights of all citizens.
Despite challenges, the Pakistani nation has achieved remarkable success in every field of life. The youth, skilled workforce, professionals, farmers and laborers are the guarantors of Pakistan’s bright future.
The Prime Minister said the journey of national development and prosperity toward a bright future continues. Over the past two and a half years, the government has successfully dealt with difficult circumstances and achieved economic stability.
Pakistan is now steadily moving toward the goal of becoming a developed economy. He added that during the last two years, remittances from overseas Pakistanis increased by $11.3 billion, which reflects the confidence of overseas Pakistanis in government policies. According to him, promoting modern information technology, innovation, sustainable industrial and agricultural development, public welfare projects, employment, and a world-class education and skills system are among the government’s priorities.
Speaking on national defence, the Prime Minister said the Pakistan Army has responded befittingly to every difficult situation and every aggression by the enemy. The armed forces have proven that the defence of the homeland is impregnable.
In Operation Haq, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the armed forces demonstrated exemplary unity and extraordinary bravery, adding another golden chapter to the history of Pakistan’s defence and dignity.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is ready to make every sacrifice for the defence of the country and protection of national interests, and will vigorously defend national interests including water resources. The Prime Minister said Pakistan is recognized in the international community as a strong, committed and dignified country.
As a staunch advocate of peace, it is playing a constructive role for global and regional stability. Pakistan has played the role of a responsible nation in promoting world peace, regional cooperation and stability.
He termed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey as proof of Pakistan’s effective regional role, saying the agreement reflects Pakistan’s emerging strategic strength.
On Palestine and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said Pakistan expresses unwavering solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people and will continue its principled support for Kashmiri brothers and sisters.
He said lasting peace in South Asia depends on a diplomatic solution to the Kashmir issue, and that the issue should be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
On Independence Day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland. He said the nation is grateful to the armed forces, law enforcement personnel, Ghazis and martyrs.
Shehbaz Sharif urged all political parties and segments of society to play a constructive role for national unity and protection of national interests. He said the commitment to work together for national development, prosperity, peace, stability and harmony must be renewed.
The Prime Minister prayed that Allah Almighty may grant Pakistan more honour and dignity among the nations of the world and a glorious future, and that the nation renews its collective resolve for Pakistan’s progress, prosperity and success.
Read also: Independence Day ceremony held in Jamrud Bab-e-Khyber
