It is my proud privilege to extend heartiest greetings to every citizen of our country living in Pakistan and abroad on the occasion of our Independence Day.
Sixty-one years ago, the birth of Pakistan epitomized the successful culmination of a long and arduous struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds by the Muslims of the Subcontinent, under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Quaid envisioned Pakistan as a modern and progressive state, promising a prosperous and happy life to its people, and at the same time devoted to the service and glory of our great religion, Islam. Islam stands for peace, justice, equality and respect for fellow human beings. Islam enjoins upon all of us to practice egalitarian values in all spheres of life.
While today is undoubtedly an occasion of rejoicing, it is also a day for introspection — a day to ponder over our failures and achievements. This day calls upon us to take stock of how far we have been able to achieve the ideals and objectives set forth by founders of our nation.
Pakistan is passing through a difficult phase of its history. In the prevailing geopolitical and economic situation our adversaries are trying to destabilize Pakistan from several fronts, internal as well external. The preservation of our freedom and the defense of the country are amongst our foremost obligations. We harbor no offensive designs against anyone but peace and security is only guaranteed through strength. Be assured, my countrymen, that our defense forces are stronger than ever before, and our valiant people and armed forces are fully capable of defending the national frontiers against external and internal threats.
We must also not forget that the objectives of the creation of Pakistan can never be achieved unless we eradicate the evils of terrorism, extremism and intolerance from our society and establish socio-economic justice in our country. Tolerance and forbearance are not only the prerequisites for the successful working of democracy; but also the cardinal principles of a just Islamic social order. On this auspicious occasion we must let petty differences be subordinated to higher values of life and strive together to make Pakistan a truly modern, dynamic progressive and democratic Islamic state in accordance with the ideals of our founder.
May Allah Almighty be our Protector and Guide. Ameen!
Pakistan Paindabad!