JUST like the military parade this year was unique in so many ways presenting both the country’s military might and rich cultural diversity in a highly structured manner, the very speech President Arif Alvi delivered on this occasion in a very articulate manner was also very potent and all embracing, which impressed all and sundry.
In our view, the address will always be regarded and remembered as one of the best ones ever delivered on this auspicious occasion.
In his speech, the President touched upon all the relevant topics, both internal and external, and forcefully presented Pakistan’s position on it.
Whilst highlighting the country’s military capabilities to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty, he again extended a message of goodwill and peace to regional countries.
Indeed despite having immense potential, the region is lagging behind in development because of mutual conflicts and discords, and the South Asian leadership will have to rise up to free their peoples from the clutches of poverty, illiteracy, disease and backwardness.
Pakistan has always endeavoured to promote cooperation in the region and the same message was echoed by President Alvi, showing the perseverance to this objective.
However at the same time, the President very rightly made it clear that resolution of Kashmir dispute is imperative to restore peace in the South Asian region and that Pakistan will continue to stand by their oppressed Kashmiri people.
The President also particularly mentioned the friendship with China which indeed has always stood by Pakistan through thick and thin.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are a topic of special interest for the President and he never misses any opportunity to give his inputs on using them in the best national interest.
Using the occasion, he said gaining capabilities in the scientifically advanced fields would really help the young generation meet the challenges of the contemporary world.
Since political instability and increasing polarization is adversely affecting the country, the President also gave the message of unity and keeping the national interests supreme as it is a must if we are really interested to see Pakistan progressing.
Indeed we need to relive the spirit and passion of the Pakistan Movement to achieve the goals for which Pakistan was created.
We are confident that leaders like Arif Alvi will continue playing their role to take forward the country as per the vision of founding fathers.
