ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for “unity” and “resilience” as the nation marked Pakistan Day, paying tribute to the sacrifices of the "founding fathers" that led to the country’s creation.
In his message, the president sent his felicitations to the nation, saying that the occasion served as a reminder that “unity and solidarity are the most important elements in transforming national resolve into reality.”
“We pay tribute to our elders whose struggle and sacrifices led to the creation of Pakistan,” he said, adding that the country had overcome major challenges through “mutual cooperation, hard work, and capability.”
Zardari pressed that the country continues to face both internal and external challenges, but reaffirmed Islamabad's resolve to face them with determination.
“We will not allow any group to use Afghan soil for actions against Pakistan,” he said, while adding that those who sponsor terrorism would be eliminated.
Highlighting the situation in the region and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), he mentioned India's marginalization of minorities, especially Muslims, calling it "proof" for the creation of a separate homeland. He also called upon the international community to play its role in helping Kashmir achieve "self-determination".
The president urged the strengthening of democratic institutions and the promotion of equality, saying, “Unity, faith and discipline are the guiding principles through which we can make Pakistan even stronger and more prosperous.”
Separately, PM Sharif extended his felicitations to Pakistanis at home and abroad, calling March 23 a defining moment in the country’s history.
“It was on this day in 1940 that the Muslims of the Subcontinent passed the historic Lahore Resolution and demanded a separate homeland,” he said, adding that the vision was realized through the sacrifices of the founding fathers.
Sharif said Pakistan had faced “unprecedented challenges” since independence but had shown resilience at every stage. “We are completely cognizant of the serious challenges confronting Pakistan currently including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit, and above all the growing scourge of terrorism,” he said.
He assured that the government remained committed to economic recovery. “We stand committed to put Pakistan on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a cogent policy reform framework,” he added.
Calling for collective effort, the prime minister urged the nation to move forward together. “Let us renew our firm resolve to follow the footsteps of our founding fathers to make Pakistan a pivot of peace, progress and stability,” he said.
He added that unity and shared purpose would define the country’s future. “Let us work for a Pakistan that is not driven apart by differences but is united around shared values,” he said.
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