The people of Pakistan have demonstrated remarkable resilience, courage, fortitude and resolve in the face of various regional and international challenges. Their valiant resistance repelled the rising tide of communism during the Cold War. Today, their sacrifices against extremism and terrorism are the bedrock on which international efforts to fight this scourge are based.
The courage of our nation has been tested not only by manmade disasters but also by several natural disasters in the last five years. Each time, the people of Pakistan have risen to the occasion and displayed unflinching faith in Almighty Allah as well as extraordinary generosity and philanthropy towards their suffering brethren. It was, first and foremost, their concern for each other that helped them deal with the effects of natural disasters. Disasters and crises, have further cemented, and not weakened our unity and cohesiveness.
Pakistan has been a firm proponent of unity and solidarity among Islamic peoples and states. Its positions on international issues are formulated to protect fundamental interests of Islamic Ummah and to encourage Islamic Joint Action.
The government of Pakistan is today making all efforts to put the country on a rapid track of progress and development. It is fully aware of international cultural and civilizational transformations that the world has been witnessing since the inception of the 21st century. All its efforts are, therefore, dedicated to promoting interfaith cooperation through dialogue and reconciliation.
Brothers and Sisters, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are tied in eternal and unbreakable Islamic relations. The two countries and peoples have stood by each other in times of adversity and crises and have celebrated their moments of joy together.
I take this opportunity to once again felicitate the people and government of Saudi Arabia on the recovery and return of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to the Kingdom with health and safety. I also wish to particularly thank King Abdullah for always supporting Pakistan and taking special care of the Pakistan community in Saudi Arabia. The dedication and diligence with which the Pakistan community is contributing to social and economic development of Saudi Arabia is praiseworthy. I hope that our community will continue their endeavors with characteristic zeal and devotion. We must not forget that Saudi Arabia’s accomplishments and achievements are successes of our own and that Saudi Arabia’s stability and progress are a source of strength for Pakistan.
The National Day reminds us of the need to rededicate ourselves for the realization of the political, social and economic tenets on which our dear homeland was founded. We must spare no effort to shape a tolerant, progressive and egalitarian polity at national, regional and international levels. Let us work hard to realize Quaid’s ideal of “peace within and peace without.” Let us renew our commitment to further enrich Pakistan’s brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia. Pakistan Paindabad.
