President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday stressed upon the nation to participate in the nation-building process actively, embracing the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion.
Speaking at a parade in Islamabad, President Zardari honoured the commitment and sacrifices made by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his compatriots.
He noted that at this time, Pakistan is facing a confluence of economic, social and political challenges, including an increasing population, climate change, unemployment and poverty.
“I am happy that after elections, a democratic government has been established. It is our collective responsibility to unite and find a solution to these issues,” he said.
“It is my faith that, just like we have risen to challenges in the past, we will take Pakistan out from these challenges today also.”
He further remarked that the Pakistani people are “hard working and intelligent” and that the youth will make great use of the resources at their disposal for the country’s progress and a brighter future.
The president was hopeful that the Special Investment Facilitation Council would be a positive step for the nation’s economy, particularly in areas of foreign investment, agriculture, livestock, minerals, mining, information technology and the energy sector.
He further requested all political parties to set aside their political differences and work together for the nation’s progress and well-being.
President Zardari stressed that the key to durable peace in South Asia is the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
“In our region, one of the main reasons for instability is the Indian illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “We condemn the brutalities, human rights violations carried out by the Indian government against innocent and unarmed Kashmiri people.”
He reminded the people of India-held Kashmir that Pakistan will “always stand by them in their just struggle against tyranny.”
With regards to humanitarian catastrophes unfolding in Gaza, Zardari appealed to the international community to ensure the killing of innocent Palestinians is “immediately halted, a ceasefire is announced and a humanitarian corridor is opened at priority.”
Zardari emphasised that Pakistan was a peace-loving country and a responsible nuclear state that wanted relations with all its neighbours.
“However, let me make it clear that we will not compromise on our sovereignty. Our nation and armed forces are always ready to respond to any aggresion at all times.
“We will not tolerate any efforts by terrorists or any group to destabilise our country,” he said, adding that today’s parade is a reminder of the country’s unity, strength and pride.
He concluded his speech by thanking Saudi Arabia, China, UAE, Turkiye and other friendly countries for standing with Pakistan in every hour of difficulty.
The day’s celebrations began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in the provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered in mosques for the progress, prosperity and solidarity of the country. The national flag has also been hoisted on major government buildings. The grand military parade featured contingents of the three armed forces and other security forces conducting a march past, while fighter planes presented aerobatic manoeuvres.
It must be noted that the parade was the first time that scouts from Gilgit-Baltistan took part. Marching alongside various factions of Pakistan’s armed forces were military contingents from countries with whom Pakistan has friendly relations, including Azerbaijan and China.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu led the flypast which included the J-10C and F-7PG fighter aircraft. Different aircraft and helicopters belonging to the Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, and Army Aviation demonstrated aerobatic feats for the audience present at the Parade Ground while skydivers of airborne units also demonstrated their skills.
Later, the parade showcased the local cultures of the four provinces.
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud was the guest of honour in today’s event while the contingents of China and Azerbaijan also featured in the parade.
President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and all the services chiefs were present at the occasion. The president said that Pakistan is a strong country in terms of defence and the country’s armed forces are always ready for the nation.
Speaking about the issues being faced by the nation, Zardari said that the country is facing economic, social and political challenges, as well as increasing population, climate change, education and poverty. “I request all political parties to keep aside their political benefits to find a solution to the problems and work together for the development of Pakistan,” said President Zardari.
