President MamnoonHussain paid tribute to leaders of Pakistan Movement and millions of people who rendered immense sacrifices in their struggle to carve out a separate homeland and called for following in the footsteps of forefathers to collectively realize cherished goals and objectives.
The President was addressing the Pakistan Day Parade, held after a gap of seven years, as part of Pakistan Day celebrations, here in Islamabad on March 23rd, 2015.
The President said that the best way to pay tribute to leaders of Pakistan Movement is to emulate their struggle and commitment and put the country on trajectory of progress, growth and development. President MamnoonHussain stated that 75 years ago, our forefathers sought a separate homeland and realized that dream in just seven years. It was an unprecedented event in the annals of history.
The President reiterated that our destination is the realization of a democratic, peaceful, prosperous, developed and educated Pakistan wherein every Pakistani would be free to live life according to his/her belief and the country would be purged of any linguistic, regional and religious prejudices .
The President stated that Pakistanis are a brave nation which, despite facing many adversities, withstood it all and remained steadfast. Sixty eight years ago, Pakistan started off from scratch and within only five decades became an atomic power, said the President. The President noted with satisfaction that a consensus based National Action Plan against terrorism and extremism has been formulated expressing hope that the unity of nation will defeat the twin menace once and for all.
The President said that today Pakistan is facing many challenges and called for making concerted efforts to overcome these problems. Paying tribute to personnel of armed forces and law enforcement agencies valiantly fighting the terrorists, the President reiterated that Operation Zarb-e-Azb would continue till its logical conclusion. I myself would go to the battle fronts and embrace the brave sons of soil gallantly fighting the dark forces of terrorism and extremism, affirmed the President. The President also paid tribute to martyrs of Army Public School adding that their sacrifices have proved that enemies cannot deter the resolve of Pakistani nation.
The President reiterated that Pakistan is a peace loving country and believes in global peace which is evident from participation of braved personnel of Pakistan armed forces in numerous peacekeeping missions of United Nations. The President said that Pakistan desires equal and friendly relations with all its neighbors adding that Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues with India amicably. The President reiterated that resolution of Jammu and Kashmir issue as per the aspirations of Kashmiri people and in the light of United Nations resolutions is the key to regional security and peace.
The President also called for taking effective measures for curbing corruption emphasizing that corruption erodes the very fabric of a society. The President said that the government is striving hard to revive country’s economy underscoring that it is the responsibility of every citizen to play his/her role in the development of the country.
The President also congratulated the nation on extension of Pakistan’s sea boundary limits from 200 nautical miles to 350 nautical miles adding that it would also enhance country’s resources. The President congratulated Ministry of Science & Technology, Pakistan Navy and National Institute of Oceanography for achieving this landmark success. The President also appreciated the organizers on organizing the iconic Pakistan Day Parade and expressed hope that the green flag of the country would always stay exalted.