Zardari and Shehbaz pay tribute to resilience of nation and armed forces on Pakistan Day
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: Archive
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday called for national unity, resilience and collective efforts to guide Pakistan through current challenges as the nation celebrates Pakistan Day with renewed determination to uphold the ideals of its founding fathers.
In separate messages on the occasion, both leaders paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan Movement leaders and workers and emphasized the need to strengthen democratic institutions, ensure rule of law and pursue economic stability while addressing internal and external challenges.
President Zardari said Pakistan Day served as a reminder that unity and solidarity remain the most vital elements in transforming national aspirations into reality.
He recalled that on March 23, 1940, the Muslims of the subcontinent adopted the Pakistan Resolution, laying the foundation for a separate homeland where they could live in accordance with their beliefs and values.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s ancestors, the president said Pakistan had overcome numerous challenges since its inception in 1947 through collective efforts, hard work and determination.
He highlighted achievements including the establishment of strong state institutions, the development of an impregnable defense capability and the acquisition of nuclear deterrence.
The president also referred to Pakistan’s success in fighting terrorism and its resilience during natural disasters, describing them as examples of national unity and sacrifice.
He said that despite these achievements, the country continues to face challenges on both the internal and external fronts.
Referring to the recent security operations, he said Pakistan had responded effectively to the threats and would not allow any group to use foreign soil against its interests. He reiterated that elements sponsoring terrorism or attempting to undermine peace would be dealt with decisively.
On regional issues, President Zardari condemned human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and described Kashmir as the unfinished agenda of Partition.
He urged the international community to ensure the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
He also called for global efforts to end atrocities against Palestinians and stressed the need to resolve tensions in West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy.
Emphasizing domestic priorities, the president called for strengthening democratic institutions, reducing inequality, empowering women and eliminating extremism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said the nation had shown remarkable resilience since independence and was steadily progressing towards a better future despite economic and security challenges.
