Islamabad: Pakistan celebrated its Independence Day on Saturday with a renewed promise to attain “peace within and peace without” - the message of the founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the capital city Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in all four provincial capitals. The celebration commenced with the change-of-guards ceremonies at the mausoleum of the founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, and the national poet Allama Mohammad Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore.
Pakistanis marked the day with fireworks and small gatherings due to the pandemic restrictions. People decorated their cars, bikes, and homes with the flag of Pakistan. The parliament building and landmarks all across the country were lighted in Pakistan’s flag colours.
The main ceremony was held at the President’s Office where President Dr Arif Alvi hoisted the national flag and conferred Pakistan’s civil awards to 126 Pakistanis and foreigners in recognition of their services to Pakistan and demonstrating excellence in their respective fields. The President also approved the conferment of military awards.
Addressing the nation, President Alvi said the country is heading in the right direction to become a strong nation as the government’s focus is on industrialisation, technology and knowledge economy. “We have significantly improved all our macro-economic indicators.” During the 74 years journey, “Pakistan faced many challenges but it successfully overcame them with hard work, sacrifices and the support of the entire nation” he said.
“Pakistan is a brilliant and brave nation… Pakistan singularly fought a long-drawn war against terrorism and eventually defeated the menace. The development of nuclear deterrence by Pakistan is a great achievement that has made the country’s defence impregnable” he said. The Pakistani nation demonstrated its compassion and values by hosting millions of Afghan refugees for many decades, he added.
Pakistan is still facing many social and economic challenges but the government has initiated steps such as social welfare programmes under the “Ehsaas Program” to provide education, health, and financial assistance to the impoverished segments. “Let’s pledge to follow the ideals of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and work for the unity and prosperity of Pakistan” he said as he paid glowing tributes to the struggle and sacrifices of the founding fathers.
In his special message for Pakistanis, Prime Minister Imran Khan said: “We have surmounted monumental challenges during the course of our history to emerge as a united, peaceful and resilient nation. Even today, the changing regional dynamics along with some domestic issues continue to test our resolve.” However, he assured that “we will overcome these obstacles with our determination and come out stronger as a nation.”
Reiterating that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, he said “Pakistan will continue to support a negotiated political settlement for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan. We want peace within and peace without to pursue our socio-economic agenda.”
Urging all citizens to play their part in making Pakistan a prosperous and peaceful nation, Khan said that “Pakistan has shifted its focus from geopolitics to geoeconomics, with the well-being and welfare of our people as the topmost priority” and his government is undertaking every possible effort for the development and prosperity of the country.
