It is my proud privilege to greet all Pakistanis, my brothers and sisters living in Pakistan and abroad on the auspicious occasion of our 59th Independence Day.
We all know that Pakistan came into being as a result of a long and arduous struggle by the Muslims of South Asia under the dynamic and unmatched leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The guiding principles in this struggle were unswerving faith in Allah, discipline in our ranks and unity in the face of adversity.
Our beloved country has indeed come a long way since emerging as a fledgling state on the map of the world on 14th August 1947. Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with His bounties. We have an abundance of natural resources. Our land is home to rivers, mountains, deserts and fertile plains. The people of Pakistan are intelligent, dynamic and hardworking. We have also taken tremendous strides in the fields of agriculture, industrial growth, science and technology.
While today is undoubtedly an occasion of rejoicing, it is also a day for introspection. We need to take stock of how far have we as a nation been successful. A major reason that we had yet to realize our tremendous potential stemmed from a lack of strategic direction in the past.
Alhamdolillah, the last six years have been a watershed in the history of our country. A strategic direction was given in almost every sphere of governance of the country, the results of which are clearly visible on ground for all to see. Pakistan’s economy has emerged from a near state of insolvency in 1999 as one of the most vibrant economies of Asia. Reforms initiated in every major field of endeavor have yielded dividends, and as a result of prudent policies Pakistan’s stature in both the Ummah and the comity of nations has risen significantly. Today, the ‘Pakistan Model’ is being used as a reference point by international development organizations.
The country has been put on the path of sustainable democracy. We have carried out empowerment of the people at the grass roots level; representation of women at all tiers of governance has been ensured, rights of the minorities have not only been protected, but through electoral reforms, they have been brought into the mainstream of national life.
The main focus of the government now is to accelerate the transfer of economic benefits to the people. We are firmly committed to providing better health and education facilities to every citizen and a comprehensive plan for the supply of safe drinking water and electricity to every household in Pakistan by year 2007 is under implementation.
On this occasion, I appeal to every Pakistani to come forward and join hands to defeat the forces of obscurantism and negativism, which exist on the fringes of society. Have pride in yourselves as Pakistanis. The country needs you to stand up and be counted. Let us pledge anew that we will adhere to the guiding principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline and strive for making Pakistan a truly modern, dynamic, progressive and democratic Islamic welfare state in accordance with the aspirations of the Muslims of South Asia and ideals of the founders of the nation. My Allah Almighty be our protector and guide. Ameen.
Gen. Pervez Musharraf
President of Pakistan