President Asif Ali Zardari, addressing the nation on Pakistan Day, declared that both the nation and its armed forces stand ready to make any sacrifice to protect the motherland. He emphasized that the freedom achieved after immense sacrifices carries a huge responsibility.
Zardari congratulated the nation on the historic day, recalling the significance of March 23rd as the day Pakistan achieved freedom under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, realizing the dream of Allama Iqbal. He paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to make this dream a reality. The president stated that the goal of creating Pakistan was to establish a modern welfare state founded on equality, justice, and the rule of law. He pledged to uphold these objectives with the same spirit that marked the nation’s founding.
He highlighted the guiding principles of “Unity, faith, and discipline” given by Jinnah, affirming that these principles would enable the nation to overcome any challenge, just as it had successfully countered past instances of external and internal terrorism.
The President asserted that the nation would protect it’s younger generation from despair. This amid the growing fifth-generation warfare. He expressed resolve to build the nation, emphasizing that Pakistanis must possess what it takes to overcome difficulties and not lose hope.
Zardari acknowledged the geo-political challenges facing Pakistan and lauded the armed forces for their unprecedented sacrifices, with the support of the nation. He stressed the need to further strengthen defense, boost economic sectors like agriculture, and create jobs for the youth. He called for equipping young people with research-based education and the latest technological training, urging provincial governments to focus on social welfare.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s foreign policy is rooted in ensuring stability and peace, seeking strong ties with neighbors and the international community based on mutual respect and shared prosperity.
President Zardari also paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices. He expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to raising its voice for their right to self-determination and urging the international community to implement UN resolutions. He also voiced solidarity with the Palestinians, calling for decisive international action to stop the genocide and ensure their right to self-determination and sovereignty.
The President concluded by appealing to the nation to work towards realizing the true objectives of Pakistan and prayed for the nation’s prosperity, unity, and strength. The ceremony featured a flypast by the Pakistan Air Force, showcasing formations of Sherdil, Mirage, F16, JF 17 Thunder, and J10C aircraft.