‘We also reaffirm our resolve to uphold Pakistan’s ideology’

The nation celebrates the 75th Independence Day with a renewed pledge to work with the spirit of the Pakistan Movement to make the country a true formidable Islamic welfare state

SALUTE TO FOUNDING FATHERS

“On the joyous occasion of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence, I extend my heartiest felicitations to the entire nation. This day reminds us of the innumerable sacrifices rendered by our Founding Fathers under the dynamic leadership of qua id-e-az am muhammad Ali Jinnah for carving this homeland “Pakistan” for us. Today, we also reaffirm our resolve to uphold Pakistan’s ideology and make Pakistan an ideal modern Islamic welfare nation-state.

This year, we are also celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of our independence and in this regard various ceremonies are being organised across the country to mark this propitious occasion. The aim of these events is to educate and create awareness among our people, especially the Pakistani youth, about the significance of national solidarity, Pakistan’s ideology and the Freedom Movement. I would like to commend the efforts of all stakeholders in organising events to commemorate this historic moment.

On the occasion of this Diamond Jubilee, there is a dire need to assess our successes and failures. In our 75 years of history, we successfully overcame various challenges. We not only emerged as a nuclear power but also defeated the menace of terrorism. In the recent past, we successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic.

On this historic day, we pay homage to those personnel of our armed forces and Law Enforcement Agencies who had laid their lives for the defence, security and safety of our motherland. We also appreciate our workers, labourers, women, youth, business community, and minorities and all those who have played their role in the development and progress of our country.

Today’s Pakistan is although facing challenges on the economic front but I strongly believe that our nation will overcome these challenges with its proven commitment, determination and patriotism as well as with hard work, unity, discipline, mutual harmony and solidarity.

While celebrating Independence Day, we should not forget our brothers and sisters in Kashmir. Pakistan will continue to extend its all possible political, diplomatic and moral support to them in their legitimate struggle for self-determination in accordance with the UN Resolutions.

In the end, I urge the entire nation to remain steadfast and work wholeheartedly for the development and progress of our country and prosperity of our people. We need to remain united to overcome financial, economic and security challenges faced by the country. Let us pledge that we will remain steadfast to render any sacrifice for the dignity and self-respect of our people and greatness and glory of our beloved homeland. Insha’allah!”

ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY KEY TO REAL FREEDOM

“The 75th Independence Day is a watershed moment in our nation’s history. Today we pay rich tributes to Muslims of the sub-continent and express our collective gratitude to them for their heroic struggle, and epic sacrifices for the creation of a new state. The establishment of Pakistan is an outcome of the Quaid-i-azam’s single-minded devotion, unflinching resolve and his unwavering struggle. From the conception of an idea in 1930, Pakistan emerged on the map of the world as the largest Muslim country in a short span of 17 years. The coming of Pakistan into existence was not less than a miracle that stunned friends and foes alike, beating all predictions and assessments.

Where the 75th Independence Day is an occasion of jubilation and festivity, it is also a moment of reflection and self-accountability. We, as a nation, have achieved many milestones during the last seven and a half decades. From thwarting external aggression to puting together federal constitution to becoming the 7th nuclear power of the world to beating the scourge of terrorism, we have come a long way. The odds were definitely heavier than anyone could imagine but our national will to defeat them was stronger.

At the same time, it is also a fact that we have not been able to fully realise the dream that our founding fathers dreamed; the dream of socio-economic justice, rule of and equality before the law, and the dream of an egalitarian society.

While we are an independent nation, a precious git for which we cannot thank Allah Almighty enough, true freedom lies in being free from want, hunger, poverty and backwardness. As long as we do not have economic sovereignty, the concept of freedom will remain incomplete.

Nothing is more dangerous for a nation than the internal division; disruption and chaos, for such negative forces undermine the solidarity and integrity of the country and rob societies of their national purpose.

The Quaid-i-azam warned against such evils and gave us the moto of “unity, faith and discipline” as an antidote.

The greatest strength of our country is the people, particularly the youth. It is their energy, resolve and passion that is capable of overcoming any odd, beating any hurdle and lighting the candle of hope. We can push back the divisive and nihilistic forces with the power of the people and protect our freedom and identity. I have my full faith in their capabilities to chart a way forward.

While celebrating the 75th Independence Day, let us seek guidance from the ideology and thoughts of our founding fathers and put the welfare of our people at the center of our mission of national rejuvenation. Let us vow to turn Pakistan into a nation-state that is reflective of the ideals of our founding fathers.”

BABARA Z AM: RUN MACHINE

Pakistan’s cricket team captain Babar Azam is currently the only player in the top three of the baters’ rankings in all three formats, occupying the top spot in T20I as well as ODI rankings and currently ranked number three in Tests.

Babar has managed to hang on to his No.1 bating spot in T20IS despite the fact that several India stars have made giant strides on the latest ICC Men’s Player Rankings.

Currently, Babar is placed at the top with 818 rating points.

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has tipped Babar to dethrone talismanic England bater Root at the top of the Test Rankings in future.

ARSHAD NADEEM WINS GOLD, HEARTS TOO

Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem created history as he became the first South Asian to cross the 90.18-metre barrier in the sport and the first ever Pakistani to claim the athletics gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

His performance, while also being injured, hailed by politicians, celebrities and netizens.

Nadeem thanked the entire nation for praying for his success. “Due to prayers of the nation, Allah (God) has rewarded me a gold medal,” he said.

Nadeem said that despite elbow and knee injuries, he was very happy for winning the gold medal. “However, I thanked my physicians who had worked with me during my training.”

That brought Pakistan’s first athletics medal at the Games since 1966 and a first javelin gold for the country since Mohammad Nawaz finished top of the podium at the inaugural edition of the quadrennial multi-sport spectacle in 1954.