Pakistan stands firm against security threats: President Zardari

In their messages on Pakistan Day, they said undoubtedly, with the blessing of freedom, Pakistan stands as a testament to the wisdom, determination, perseverance, and sacrifices of our ancestors.

The President and Prime Minister said the entire nation stands resolute in upholding its proud traditions and remains ever ready to face any challenge.

“Despite numerous challenges, the government has steered Pakistan’s economy towards sustainable growth,” PM Shehbaz said, emphasising that sustainable peace in South Asia is linked to the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

He added that “Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to its brothers and sisters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir”.

President Zardari, reflecting on the country’s early years, said, “Despite early challenges after independence, Pakistan made significant progress through determination and cooperation, including building strong institutions, enhancing defense capabilities, and combating terrorism. No group will be allowed to use foreign soil to act against our country.”

Pakistan Day was commemorated across the nation on Monday, with official celebrations kicking off with the customary 31-gun salute in the federal capital, and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals.

Special prayers were offered after morning prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Pakistan Day commemorates the adoption of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, which set the agenda for a separate homeland for Muslims of the Subcontinent.

People across the country “renewed their pledge to transform Pakistan into a true Islamic welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah”, according to Radio Pakistan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar extended warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

“Today, we honour the Lahore Resolution adopted on 23 March 1940, under which Muslims of the subcontinent demanded a separate homeland where they could live according to the principles of Islam,” he said in a statement shared by the Foreign Office Pakistan on X.

He noted that the country marks its national day at a time when the region is engulfed in conflicts. “Today, we celebrate our national day at a time when our region is engulfed in conflicts,” he said, adding that “the economic and political repercussions of the ongoing conflict in our region have affected us as well.”

The statement added that Pakistan remains firmly committed to eradicating the menace of terrorism. “Pakistan’s actions inside Afghanistan against the menace of Fitna-ul-Khawarij and Fitna-ul-Hindustan are directed towards this goal,” it said.

He also paid tribute to the nation’s martyrs and heroes. “We pay tribute to our martyrs and heroes who have rendered the supreme sacrifice for the betterment of our collective future,” the statement added.

In his Pakistan Day message on X, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said, “The entire nation is grateful to the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the great thinker of Pakistan, Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal, and other founders of Pakistan, who turned the dream of a separate state for the Muslims of India into a reality.”

He added, “Pakistan was created in the name of ‘Kalima’ and it will last until the Day of Judgment. On this day, we also salute our martyrs and those great heroes who dedicated their lives for the defence of our beloved homeland.”

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and newly appointed Governor Nehal Hashmi in their first joint press conference called for national unity on Pakistan Day.

“With the threat of war looming, we must unite, overcome internal conflicts, and move forward together as a strong and resilient nation,” CM Shah said, stressing the need to pledge to follow Quaid-i-Azam’s principles of unity, faith, and discipline.

The provincial leaders were visiting the Quaid’s mausoleum, where they paid tribute and offered a prayer.

“We have faced many challenges, but Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s atomic program gave our country strength, bolstering our defense. Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chief of Defence Staff Asim Munir, Pakistan has taken significant steps, making it hard for enemies to even look at us with malice,” the chief minister added.

Governor Hashmi also emphasised national unity, saying, “Let us strengthen Pakistan’s unity on this auspicious occasion. Through our voices, words, and actions, we must show the world that we are a great nation.”

He added, “As we look ahead to 2040, it is our responsibility to start preparing today to turn Pakistan into the country of our dreams. This is the message of the day. May Allah keep our beloved homeland safe and prosperous.”