Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chairs a consultative meeting in Islamabad on the production of two historical historical web series on Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. SCREEN CAPTURE
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, on Pakistan Day, highlights the need for national unity and economic revival, urging the country to overcome pessimism and focus on self-reliance, while highlighting the role of the leadership in making Pakistan a nuclear power and strengthening its defence.
In a ceremony held in connection with March 23, he said that the vision of Pakistan was conceived on March 23, 1940, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and was materialized in just seven years of struggle.
He noted that despite his serious illness, Quaid continued to lead the Pakistan Movement, hiding his condition and intensifying efforts until the nation achieved independence.
“We cannot fully repay the sacrifices of Quaid-e-Azam, but it is our responsibility to follow in his footsteps and put the country on the path of progress,” he said.
The minister said Pakistan today possesses strong defense capabilities, which have gained global recognition in recent years, adding that vigilance and force are essential in a changing regional environment.
He credited Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, General Zia-ul-Haq, Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Nawaz Sharif for their key role in making Pakistan a nuclear power, making its defense invincible.
Regarding economic challenges, Ahsan Iqbal said the country must reduce dependence on foreign loans, increase exports to earn dollars and make collective efforts to win the “development battle.”
He urged the nation to go beyond inferiority and negative thinking, and emphasized that Pakistan is a great blessing from Allah and must be strengthened through hard work and determination, in line with the legacy of its ancestors.
