President, PM, armed forces mark Independence Day with calls for unity, progress

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leadership of Pakistan’s armed forces have extended greetings to the nation on the country’s 79th Independence Day, calling for national unity, economic progress and a renewed commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty.

In their Independence Day message, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces; Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf; and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding fathers and those whose sacrifices led to the creation of Pakistan.

The armed forces also honoured the sacrifices of martyrs, veterans and law enforcement personnel and reaffirmed their resolve to defend Pakistan against all threats, uphold the Constitution and protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and other leaders of the Pakistan Movement, saying their vision and sacrifices had made an independent homeland possible.

He said Pakistan had achieved economic stability after difficult circumstances and was now moving towards becoming a developed economy. The prime minister said remittances from overseas Pakistanis had increased by $11.3 billion over the past two years and identified information technology, innovation-led industrial and agricultural growth, employment creation and improvements in education and skills as key government priorities.

Shehbaz also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, saying lasting peace in South Asia depended on a diplomatic resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions, international law and the aspirations of Kashmiris.

President Zardari, meanwhile, said independence was not only a historic achievement but also a responsibility for every generation to make Pakistan stronger, safer and more prosperous.

He said Pakistan believed disputes should ultimately be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy and would continue supporting efforts aimed at reducing tensions and maintaining regional stability.

The president stressed the need to strengthen the economy, create opportunities for young people, improve education and skills and pursue reforms in governance and other institutions. He described Pakistan’s youth as its greatest strength and called for greater investment in their education and opportunities.

Zardari also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and called for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in line with relevant UN resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiris.

The president accused Afghanistan’s interim government of allowing militant groups to use Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan and warned that the country’s armed forces were capable of defeating threats to national security.

All three messages urged Pakistanis to contribute to the country’s development and work collectively for peace, stability and prosperity.