Unity, strength, and sacrifice: President Zardari rallies nation on Pakistan Day

ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari addressed the Pakistan Day event, saying, “Pakistan’s goal is to be a strong, modern Islamic welfare state where equality prevails and law and justice rule.”

He said that March 23 is a very important day for the Pakistani nation. The leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Iqbal’s dream ensured Pakistan. “Today we remember the sacrifices of millions of Muslims. Today we pay tribute to the martyrs and ghazis of our countrymen,” President Zardari said.

Spectacle of strength and patriotism at Aiwan-e-Sadr’s Pakistan Day Parade

“We have achieved freedom by making many sacrifices. Protecting freedom is an even greater duty. The armed forces have not hesitated to make any sacrifice to protect the motherland,” the president said, adding, “We have fought against internal and external terrorism. India always looks at Pakistan with a malicious eye.”

He said that the people of Pakistan and the armed forces stand together and will thwart the ambitions of the evils of Fitna al-Khawarij and other terrorist organisations. “An attempt is being made to disillusion the young generation. Fifth Generation Warfare has become a challenging situation,” he said. However, he reassured that Pakistan has the capabilities to overcome such difficulties. “I have confidence in the nation’s abilities. We are not afraid of difficulties. Despite internal and external conspiracies, we have been building Pakistan and will continue to do so,” he added.

The president said that Pakistan is facing geopolitical problems, and the brave armed forces are making countless sacrifices alongside the people. He added, “We will strengthen the economy and agriculture, secure our borders; and ensure education, health and security. We will create employment opportunities for the young generation. Youth are the capital of the country, they should be introduced to education, research and technology. All provincial governments should focus on basic education.”

Speaking on the national foreign policy, the president said that it is based on peace and stability. “I desire to establish strong relations with neighboring countries and the international community… based on mutual respect and lasting prosperity,” he added.

He also spoke on Kashmir’s plight at the hands of Indian occupation, saying, “We have never forgotten our Kashmiri sisters and brothers. Kashmiris have been victims of Indian state terrorism for a long time. I stand in full solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir. I will raise my voice at every forum in the world for the right of Kashmiris to self-determination. I demand from the international community to let the Kashmiris decide their own future. I demand from the international community to implement UN resolutions.”

He also spoke on the issue of Palestine. Expressing Pakistan’s strong resolve to support Palestinian cause, he said, “I express solidarity with Palestine and for its right to self-determination. The international community should take immediate action to stop the genocide of the Palestinian people. The Palestinians should have the right to complete independence in their homeland without any external interference.”

Bringing his speech back to Pakistan, he said, “The journey before us is not easy but not impossible either. The real strength of Pakistan is its people. Your steadfastness, hard work and patriotism have always brought the country out of difficulties. Dedicate all your strength to the development of the country.”

Traffic restrictions in place for Pakistan Day ceremony in capital

President Asif Ali Zardari said, “Be brave enough to work for a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan. Abandon despair and negative thinking and embrace unity, truth and hope. We have to create a Pakistan that is developed and based on justice.”

He said, “The parade is giving a full glimpse of a strong Pakistan and national unity; [our] youth highlighted the national spirit with their talents.”