Today is a watershed mark in the history of the country as on this day, 63 years ago, Pakistan was founded as a separate homeland wherein we could live in freedom and shape our lives according to our values. It is therefore an occasion of joy and celebration for all of us.
The enthusiasm of the Independence Day this year, however, has been dampened because of the unprecedented floods that has devastated the lives of thousands of people and left scars on the lives of several hundred thousands more in all parts of the country. The best way to celebrate the Independence Day this year therefore is to reach out to the victims of this natural disaster, heal their wounds and help them to help themselves.
Pakistan was envisaged by its founding fathers to be a homeland for the Muslims of South Asia where democracy, constitutionalism and respect for human rights would reign supreme.
It was envisaged to be a country driven, above anything else, by the consideration of the welfare of its people. It was not envisaged to be a sanctuary for the privileged few. It was to be a country where there would be no discrimination on the basis of creed, gender or sect and where minorities would enjoy equal rights as citizens of the state.
On this occasion, let us ask ourselves whether we have upheld these pristine principles and values.
Extremists and militants wishing to impose their political ideology on our people pose the greatest threat to the security and stability of the country that was founded on this day. Violent extremism has tended to make Pakistan a security driven rather than a welfare driven country. Let us therefore on this day also resolve to defeat the militant mindset and make Pakistan a truly welfare-driven rather than a security-driven state.
The Pakistan Peoples Party has a long history of struggle for the achievement of the objectives for which Pakistan was created. Four Bhuttos in two generations have laid down their lives for the country and the nation.
I wish to reiterate that the PPP will continue to struggle for the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, Quaid-e-Awam and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for achieving the goal of a federal and democratic polity that is driven by the welfare of its people and from where militancy has been banished.
On this occasion I also wish to reiterate that the PPP, which has given a manifesto of peace and prosperity, will pursue the goal of peace with honor and good neighborly relations with countries in the region.
On the eve of this anniversary of our independence I salute the courage and heroism of flood victims and assure them that the government will do everything possible to alleviate their sufferings. I also salute the tillers, the workers, traders, teachers, intellectuals, professionals, students, women and minorities for their heroic struggle.
I urge them all to support the Party to restore law and order, end militancy and provide security and dignity to every citizen and open doors of opportunity to all.
