ISLAMABAD: The nation and the armed forces have never shied
away from any sacrifice for the motherland, President Asif Ali Zardari
said on Sunday and warned the Khawarij and terrorist organisations
that their mischief will be thwarted.
The president was speaking at the Armed Forces Parade held at the
President’s House to mark Pakistan Day. Prime Minister Shehbaz
Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza
Gilani, Army Chief General Asim Munir, Services Chiefs, foreign
ambassadors, high-ranking civil and military officials attended the
parade.
President Zardari congratulated those who attended the ceremony,
highlighting the importance of the day “when the Pakistani nation
achieved independence after rendering numerous sacrifices.”
He stated that “we have fought back against both external and internal
terrorism.
“India has always looked at Pakistan with an envious eye. I want to
make it clear to the enemies, such as the Khawarij and other terrorist
outfits, that the people and armed forces are united.”
The president said that efforts were being made to spread despair
among the younger generation, but “we must confront this challenge.
We have the capability to overcome difficulties, and we are a
determined nation. We are not afraid of challenges, and despite
internal and external conspiracies, we have continued to build and
will keep building Pakistan.”
He said that the youth were the asset of the country. “We will create
employment opportunities for the younger generation and give them
latest education, research, and modern technology.”
President Zardari mentioned that Pakistan faces many geopolitical
challenges, and the soldiers of the armed forces are making immense
sacrifices.
“Our foreign policy is based on peace and stability.”
The president stated that the people of India-occupied Kashmir would
never be left alone. They have been victims of Indian terrorism for a
long time. He expressed solidarity with the people of occupied
Kashmir and saluted their sacrifices.
He assured them that Pakistan would raise their right to self-
determination on every international forum. He urged the international
community to allow Kashmiris to decide their future and emphasized
that the solution to the Kashmir issue should be in accordance with the
United Nations resolutions.
President Zardari also expressed solidarity with Palestine and
reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the right to self-
determination for the Palestinian people. He urged the international
community to take immediate and decisive action to stop the genocide
of Palestinians.
The president mentioned that “our journey is not easy, but it is not
impossible either. The true strength of Pakistan lies in its people. It is
your steadfastness and patriotism that has always led the country out
of difficult situations.”
He appealed to the people to dedicate all their energies to the
country’s development.
He said, “Let us work together, rising above our differences, for a
prosperous and peaceful Pakistan. Let us abandon despair and
negativity, and embrace unity, truth, and hope. We need to build a
Pakistan that is developed and based on justice. I pray that Allah
guides us on the path of dignity, greatness, and prosperity.”
At the end of his speech, President Zardari congratulated the parade
commander and organisers, stating that the event reflects national
unity and dignity, presenting a glimpse of a strong Pakistan. He paid
tribute to the soldiers of the three units of the armed forces “on behalf
of the nation. May Allah be our supporter and helper. Long live the
Pakistan Armed Forces, long live Pakistan.”
Earlier, the military parade was held at the President’s House.
Pakistan Air Force fighters made a fly past on the occasion.
The Pakistan Day celebrations began with 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals and 31-gun salute in the federal capital.
Special prayers were offered in mosques all over the country for the progress, prosperity and development of the country.
The Pakistan army guns roared, igniting patriotic spirit and zeal for the country. The nation is celebrating 85th Pakistan Day with devotion and patriotic sprit. On this day, the people of Pakistan pledge to safeguard their country and vow that they will not hesitate to lay down their lives for the protection of the country.
They remember the historic event of Pakistan Resolution on March 23, 1940, which paved the way for the creation of a new homeland for the people of sub-continent, who were at receiving end of discrimination and cruelty by the Hindu supremacists.
It was the towering personality of Quaid-e-Azam who led the freedom fighters and won independence for them, despite fierce opposition from Hindu majority.
Pakistan Resolution was a landmark development when it was not easy to even think about a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. But it did happen by dint of sacrifices of hundreds and thousands of people.
People from all walks of life gather at mosques and prayed for well-being and prosperity of the country. Ulema urged them to forge unity among their ranks to foil any conspiracy from the enemies of the country.
An investiture ceremony will be held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in the afternoon where President Zardari will confer awards and medals to personalities for their outstanding contribution in different fields.
Meanwhile, the ISPR has also released a special song on Pakistan Day.
