70th Independence day of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Message

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow citizens!

While we happily hoist the national flag today we need to reiterate our strong resolve to always uphold the values of determination and dedication for the objective of development of Pakistan. Seventy years ago while struggling for freedom our elders had resolved that this nation through constant endeavors will make our country a cradle of peace, brotherhood and a welfare society which will be an example for the world to follow.
In the wake of challenges confronted by the country today, it is imperative to promote moderation and rationality while availing the available opportunities. In such a situation, it is necessary to unite under the Constitution in the national interest by setting aside our differences and ensure its supremacy. The Constitution is a document which will show us the path to realize national objectives by rising above our personal interests. It will also guarantee progress and stability of the motherland as a manifestation of national aspirations, God Willing.
    Today let us make a firm commitment that we will adhere to our national objectives and goals. This will pave the way for better governance. It will lead to maturity of democratic traditions and will also strengthen the process of national progress.
Let us join hands for development and prosperity of the motherland by keeping aside our differences. Let us promote love and harmony by overcoming hatred and misgivings and secure the future of our nation by turning despondency into hope in order to celebrate freedom in its true sense.
Mamnoon Hussain
President Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Message

The independence that we achieved seventy years ago was an outcome of the unparalleled sacrifices made by our ancestors. Millions of Muslims rendered sacrifices for our as well as the future of the posterity. Today we are treading the path of prosperity and progress in a peaceful and dignified country because of those sacrifices. We are greatly indebted to our ancestors for their sacrifices and we can repay that debt only by making Pakistan a free and independent country.
We may belong to different tribes, fraternities and ethnicities; we may be working in different spheres of national life; our political vision and thinking can be different and our economic vision may have different perspectives but ascendency of national interests and invincible defence are common objectives of the entire nation, for which we have to make collective endeavours.
Quaid-e-Azam had envisioned Pakistan as a modern democratic entity. This dream faces myriad of challenges and the PML (N) government notwithstanding the confronting difficulties has made the realization of Quaid’s dream as its abiding mission. The recent transition of power through a democratic process was quintessential of the accelerated strengthening of democratic values in the country.
We have to strengthen and reinforce the state institutions so that they can play their prescribed role within the limits of law and the constitution. Only a strong economy can ensure strong defence. A moderate society guarantees stability of the state, where people enjoy all their fundamental rights and national resources are equitably and judicious distributed.
Pakistan desires positive and constructive relations with all the countries of the world, especially with its neighbours on the basis of sovereign equality. The people of South Asia have suffered enormously in the last fifty years due to the festering conflicts. Until and unless those conflicts are resolved amicably the people of the region cannot achieve prosperity and progress.
Our government has invariably made efforts to initiate the process of meaningful dialogue and adoption of peaceful means to resolve the issues but unfortunately the expansionist designs of India have remained the main hurdle in this regard. It is incumbent upon the international community to play its role in the resolution of the regional conflicts, particularly the Kashmir dispute in conformity with the UN Resolutions on the subject with a view to ensuring durable peace in the region.
Terrorism is the biggest challenge confronting the world in the twenty first century. Pakistan has rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against this menace as well as for the world peace. Our armed forces, law enforcing agencies and the people have written imperishable stories of sacrifices in this regard. Now the time has come for the international community not only to acknowledge those sacrifices by rising above their interests in the region but also to fully support Pakistan in taking the fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion.
          The younger generation of Pakistan is endowed with exceptional talent and has a burning desire for advancement. They are making admirable contribution in the fields of Information Technology, Engineering, Medical and Management all over the world, in a distinct manner. My government has a vision of accelerating the pace of development and prosperity in Pakistan so that all those professionals can return to contribute to this national effort.
I assure the Pakistani youth that tomorrow’s Pakistan will ensure the implementation of guiding principles of rule of law and ascendency of merit. On the seventieth independence day of the country, I make a solemn pledge that we will not relent until the achievement of those objectives.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Message

On the auspicious occasion of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s 70th Anniversary of  Independence, I wish to express my profound felicitations to the Pakistani community residing in Bangladesh.
 The day is an occasion to pay tribute to the enormous sacrifices of our forefathers, the proponents and workers of the Pakistan Movement and is also a moment to recognise, honour and appreciate all those who have been safeguarding our ideological and geographical borders. Pakistan’s reality only became possible through relentless struggle, perseverance and the extraordinary sacrifice of thousands of Muslims of the sub-continent under the unparalleled and charismatic leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Since independence, Pakistan has been steadily moving towards the path of progress and development. Our men and women, from all faiths and sections of society, have recorded renowned services in all fields of life and placed Pakistan on an elevated pedestal among the comity of nations. Our dynamic and motivated young generation is emerging on the global arena imprinting rich impressions in the fields of science, information technology, art and culture, cinema, music and sports; whereas the diversity of our people from Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab has blended the rich cultural and ethnic heterogeneity into a cohesive national brilliance.
Cognizant of our enormous national potential, the present government fast-tracked the country’s journey to prosperity through an elaborate social and economic development agenda. It is heartening to note that within a short span of time, Pakistan’s socio-economic indicators are showing positive improvement. International financial institutions acknowledge that Pakistan’s economy is on an upward trajectory. With a growth rate of 5.3% in 2017, Morgan Stanley Capital International has classified Pakistan as an Emerging Market. The World Bank in its annual ‘Doing Business 2017’ report concluded that Pakistan is among the ‘10 most improved’ economies out of the 190 that they reviewed.
The launch of the flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in April 2015 has played a pivotal role in shaping a new narrative about Pakistan. The CPEC, a project of energy generation, roads, railways, infrastructure and designated economic zones, will bring more than US$ 60 billion of Chinese investment into the country, providing impetus to Pakistan’s long-term growth. By linking China with Gwadar through road and rail network measuring 3000 kms across Pakistan’s entire North-South length, the CPEC will act as a catalyst for economic connectivity and integration in Central  and South Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Hence, the CPEC will be a game-changer not only for Pakistan, but also for the entire region. I also wish to invite Bangladeshi investors to involve themselves in the unfolding silent revolution in Pakistan. It is an ideal opportunity for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to explore new vistas of cooperation between our two countries. While celebrating the Independence Day, let us also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening further the ties of friendship between Pakistan and Bangladesh and dedicate ourselves to bringing our two great nations closer. I undertake, through this message, to work tirelessly, alongwith the full team of officers assigned to the Mission, towards achieving these objectives. However, the journey would be incomplete without participation from the Pakistani community. I hope their presence will continue to promote friendship, peace and harmony between the two countries as well as understanding and awareness in Bangladesh about Pakistan, its people, and culture.
To conclude, I extend, our deepest gratitude to the great visionary leader, Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for providing our nationals with the opportunity to prosper in this beautiful land of Bangladesh.
May Allah protect Pakistan and Bangladesh and bless our people.

Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui,
High Commissioner of Islamic Republic of Pakistan
to Bangladesh

Pakistan the journey after independence

Malik Muhammad Ashraf

Pakistan will turn seventy on 14th of August this year ready to celebrate the day in a befitting manner. Nations celebrate their national and independence days to rejoice at their achievements and to renew pledges to keep marching on the course chartered by the founding fathers to fulfill the objectives of attaining independence. They provide the nations with an opportunity to introspect and reflect on their mistakes and the detours taken from their cherished goals with a view to take corrective measures and reiterating their commitment to tread the path envisioned by the architect of the independence. They offer them the chance to make an assessment of their strengths and weaknesses as well as to ask themselves the questions like, do they really have something to rejoice at and celebrate?
With regard to Pakistan, before evaluating and answering the posed question it would be pertinent to have a brief insight into how and for what Pakistan came into being.The independence movement for the creation of Pakistan was arguably the shortest ever struggle to throw off the yolk of subservience to a colonial power. What made that miracle to happen owes it to the fact that despite a thousand years co-existence with Hindus in the sub-continent, the Muslims ever since their arrival in India either as conquerors or traders, maintained their distinct identity culturally and politically and were already a homogenous nationality in India before the movement to end the colonial rule in India started.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah who initially was a staunch supporter of Hindu-Muslim Unity and believed in peaceful co-existence with Hindus under a constitutional arrangement that protected the political rights of the Muslims and gave them their due share in governance---after his disillusionment with the designs of the Hindus who only wanted India for Hindus and did not acknowledge the Muslims as a separate entity---used this factor to rally round the Muslims to the cause of an independent state for the Muslims.
The process of his transformation into a supporter and leader of the independence movement began with his statement in 1937 that asserted “India is not a national state. India is not a state but a sub-continent composed of nationalities, the two major nations being Hindus and Muslims whose culture, art, architecture, names and nomenclature, sense of value and proportion, laws and jurisprudence, social moral codes, customs and calendar, history and traditions, aptitudes and ambitions, outlook on life and of life are fundamentally different. By all cannons of international law we are a nation” The vision given by Allama Muhammad Iqbal provided a clear direction to this thought process. Pakistan Resolution was finally adopted on 23rd March 1940 and within a span of seven years Pakistan became a reality on 14th August 1947, notwithstanding the fact that the Hindus and British did not want partition of the sub-continent and made several overt and covert attempts to sabotage Muslim claims to a separate statehood.

70th Independence day of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Message Happy Independence Day to all my fellow citizens! While we happily hoist the national flag today we need to reiterate our strong resolve to always uphold the values of determination and dedication for the objective of development of Pakistan. Seventy years ago while struggling for freedom our elders had resolved that this nation through constant endeavors will make our country a cradle of peace, brotherhood and a welfare society which will be an example for the world to follow. In the wake of challenges confronted by the country today, it is imperative to promote moderation and rationality while availing the available opportunities. In such a situation, it is necessary to unite under the Constitution in the national interest by setting aside our differences and ensure its supremacy. The Constitution is a document which will show us the path to realize national objectives by rising above our personal interests. It will also guarantee progress and stability of the motherland as a manifestation of national aspirations, God Willing. Today let us make a firm commitment that we will adhere to our national objectives and goals. This will pave the way for better governance. It will lead to maturity of democratic traditions and will also strengthen the process of national progress. Let us join hands for development and prosperity of the motherland by keeping aside our differences. Let us promote love and harmony by overcoming hatred and misgivings and secure the future of our nation by turning despondency into hope in order to celebrate freedom in its true sense. Mamnoon Hussain President Islamic Republic of Pakistan Message The independence that we achieved seventy years ago was an outcome of the unparalleled sacrifices made by our ancestors. Millions of Muslims rendered sacrifices for our as well as the future of the posterity. Today we are treading the path of prosperity and progress in a peaceful and dignified country because of those sacrifices. We are greatly indebted to our ancestors for their sacrifices and we can repay that debt only by making Pakistan a free and independent country. We may belong to different tribes, fraternities and ethnicities; we may be working in different spheres of national life; our political vision and thinking can be different and our economic vision may have different perspectives but ascendency of national interests and invincible defence are common objectives of the entire nation, for which we have to make collective endeavours. Quaid-e-Azam had envisioned Pakistan as a modern democratic entity. This dream faces myriad of challenges and the PML (N) government notwithstanding the confronting difficulties has made the realization of Quaids dream as its abiding mission. The recent transition of power through a democratic process was quintessential of the accelerated strengthening of democratic values in the country. We have to strengthen and reinforce the state institutions so that they can play their prescribed role within the limits of law and the constitution. Only a strong economy can ensure strong defence. A moderate society guarantees stability of the state, where people enjoy all their fundamental rights and national resources are equitably and judicious distributed. Pakistan desires positive and constructive relations with all the countries of the world, especially with its neighbours on the basis of sovereign equality. The people of South Asia have suffered enormously in the last fifty years due to the festering conflicts. Until and unless those conflicts are resolved amicably the people of the region cannot achieve prosperity and progress. Our government has invariably made efforts to initiate the process of meaningful dialogue and adoption of peaceful means to resolve the issues but unfortunately the expansionist designs of India have remained the main hurdle in this regard. It is incumbent upon the international community to play its role in the resolution of the regional conflicts, particularly the Kashmir dispute in conformity with the UN Resolutions on the subject with a view to ensuring durable peace in the region. Terrorism is the biggest challenge confronting the world in the twenty first century. Pakistan has rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against this menace as well as for the world peace. Our armed forces, law enforcing agencies and the people have written imperishable stories of sacrifices in this regard. Now the time has come for the international community not only to acknowledge those sacrifices by rising above their interests in the region but also to fully support Pakistan in taking the fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion. The younger generation of Pakistan is endowed with exceptional talent and has a burning desire for advancement. They are making admirable contribution in the fields of Information Technology, Engineering, Medical and Management all over the world, in a distinct manner. My government has a vision of accelerating the pace of development and prosperity in Pakistan so that all those professionals can return to contribute to this national effort. I assure the Pakistani youth that tomorrows Pakistan will ensure the implementation of guiding principles of rule of law and ascendency of merit. On the seventieth independence day of the country, I make a solemn pledge that we will not relent until the achievement of those objectives. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Message On the auspicious occasion of the Islamic Republic of Pakistans 70th Anniversary of Independence, I wish to express my profound felicitations to the Pakistani community residing in Bangladesh. The day is an occasion to pay tribute to the enormous sacrifices of our forefathers, the proponents and workers of the Pakistan Movement and is also a moment to recognise, honour and appreciate all those who have been safeguarding our ideological and geographical borders. Pakistans reality only became possible through relentless struggle, perseverance and the extraordinary sacrifice of thousands of Muslims of the sub-continent under the unparalleled and charismatic leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Since independence, Pakistan has been steadily moving towards the path of progress and development. Our men and women, from all faiths and sections of society, have recorded renowned services in all fields of life and placed Pakistan on an elevated pedestal among the comity of nations. Our dynamic and motivated young generation is emerging on the global arena imprinting rich impressions in the fields of science, information technology, art and culture, cinema, music and sports; whereas the diversity of our people from Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab has blended the rich cultural and ethnic heterogeneity into a cohesive national brilliance. Cognizant of our enormous national potential, the present government fast-tracked the countrys journey to prosperity through an elaborate social and economic development agenda. It is heartening to note that within a short span of time, Pakistans socio-economic indicators are showing positive improvement. International financial institutions acknowledge that Pakistans economy is on an upward trajectory. With a growth rate of 5.3% in 2017, Morgan Stanley Capital International has classified Pakistan as an Emerging Market. The World Bank in its annual Doing Business 2017 report concluded that Pakistan is among the 10 most improved economies out of the 190 that they reviewed. The launch of the flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in April 2015 has played a pivotal role in shaping a new narrative about Pakistan. The CPEC, a project of energy generation, roads, railways, infrastructure and designated economic zones, will bring more than US$ 60 billion of Chinese investment into the country, providing impetus to Pakistans long-term growth. By linking China with Gwadar through road and rail network measuring 3000 kms across Pakistans entire North-South length, the CPEC will act as a catalyst for economic connectivity and integration in Central and South Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Hence, the CPEC will be a game-changer not only for Pakistan, but also for the entire region. I also wish to invite Bangladeshi investors to involve themselves in the unfolding silent revolution in Pakistan. It is an ideal opportunity for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to explore new vistas of cooperation between our two countries. While celebrating the Independence Day, let us also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening further the ties of friendship between Pakistan and Bangladesh and dedicate ourselves to bringing our two great nations closer. I undertake, through this message, to work tirelessly, alongwith the full team of officers assigned to the Mission, towards achieving these objectives. However, the journey would be incomplete without participation from the Pakistani community. I hope their presence will continue to promote friendship, peace and harmony between the two countries as well as understanding and awareness in Bangladesh about Pakistan, its people, and culture. To conclude, I extend, our deepest gratitude to the great visionary leader, Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for providing our nationals with the opportunity to prosper in this beautiful land of Bangladesh. May Allah protect Pakistan and Bangladesh and bless our people. Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui, High Commissioner of Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Bangladesh Pakistan the journey after independence Malik Muhammad Ashraf Pakistan will turn seventy on 14th of August this year ready to celebrate the day in a befitting manner. Nations celebrate their national and independence days to rejoice at their achievements and to renew pledges to keep marching on the course chartered by the founding fathers to fulfill the objectives of attaining independence. They provide the nations with an opportunity to introspect and reflect on their mistakes and the detours taken from their cherished goals with a view to take corrective measures and reiterating their commitment to tread the path envisioned by the architect of the independence. They offer them the chance to make an assessment of their strengths and weaknesses as well as to ask themselves the questions like, do they really have something to rejoice at and celebrate? With regard to Pakistan, before evaluating and answering the posed question it would be pertinent to have a brief insight into how and for what Pakistan came into being.The independence movement for the creation of Pakistan was arguably the shortest ever struggle to throw off the yolk of subservience to a colonial power. What made that miracle to happen owes it to the fact that despite a thousand years co-existence with Hindus in the sub-continent, the Muslims ever since their arrival in India either as conquerors or traders, maintained their distinct identity culturally and politically and were already a homogenous nationality in India before the movement to end the colonial rule in India started. Muhammad Ali Jinnah who initially was a staunch supporter of Hindu-Muslim Unity and believed in peaceful co-existence with Hindus under a constitutional arrangement that protected the political rights of the Muslims and gave them their due share in governance---after his disillusionment with the designs of the Hindus who only wanted India for Hindus and did not acknowledge the Muslims as a separate entity---used this factor to rally round the Muslims to the cause of an independent state for the Muslims. The process of his transformation into a supporter and leader of the independence movement began with his statement in 1937 that asserted India is not a national state. India is not a state but a sub-continent composed of nationalities, the two major nations being Hindus and Muslims whose culture, art, architecture, names and nomenclature, sense of value and proportion, laws and jurisprudence, social moral codes, customs and calendar, history and traditions, aptitudes and ambitions, outlook on life and of life are fundamentally different. By all cannons of international law we are a nation The vision given by Allama Muhammad Iqbal provided a clear direction to this thought process. Pakistan Resolution was finally adopted on 23rd March 1940 and within a span of seven years Pakistan became a reality on 14th August 1947, notwithstanding the fact that the Hindus and British did not want partition of the sub-continent and made several overt and covert attempts to sabotage Muslim claims to a separate statehood.