Pakistan surmounted challenges since independence for brighter future: President Arif Alvi

Says the country reached tipping point where improvements are being witnessed in various areas

President Dr Arif Alvi on Friday said that Pakistan had surmounted several challenges since its independence which has taken the country towards a brighter future.

President Alvi was addressing the main flag hoisting ceremony country’s 73^th Independence Day at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.

The president said the country had reached the tipping point where improvements are being witnessed in various areas.

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Highlighting the nation's past achievements, President Alvi said that Pakistan had overcome the menaces of terrorism and extremism.

“While other countries avoid hosting refugees, Pakistan generously hosted 3.5 million Afghan refugees for decades, and 2.7 million of them are still living in Pakistan,” he said.

The president also added that said an effective campaign was launched against corruption, which reflected the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic the president said that Pakistan has largely controlled it as a result of its effective smart lockdown strategy.

“Unlike some other countries, Prime Minister Imran Khan did not resort to complete lockdown, realising that it will badly impact daily wagers,” he said. “Several countries wanted to replicate Pakistan's policies vis a vis coronavirus pandemic.”The president paid tribute to PM Imran for his vision and lauded the role of the religious scholars and the media as well as services of doctors and paramedics for combating Covid-19.

He added that under the Ehsaas Programme, cash assistance was distributed among 16.9 million needy people during the difficult days of the outbreak.

“The health facilities proved more than sufficient during the pandemic,” he said. “ adding that. “Education was also imparted to students at their homes during the pandemic. The government is also preparing a uniform curriculum, which will further strengthen national unity and upgrade education standard.”

Pakistan's economy has also shown positive signs despite Covid-19 negative impacts, and Moody's has recognised it, he said.

Expressing solidarity with Kashmiris who have been facing the worst human rights violations at the hands of Indian occupation forces particularly after August 5 last year, the President reaffirmed Pakistan's support to the Kashmiri people in their cause.

“Pakistan will not leave Kashmiris alone,” the president assured. “Kashmir issue has been debated at the UN Security Council for four times during the last one year, which is a big success of Pakistan's foreign policy.”

The president added that Pakistan had also released its political map, reflecting true aspirations of its people as well as Kashmiris.

“The new map shows Pakistan's principled stance on Kashmir issue,” he said.

On Afghan issue, the president said the peace agreement between Afghanistan and the United States will lead to peace and stability in the region.

He said Pakistan is the second largest beneficiary of peace in Afghanistan.

Talking about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the president said that the mega project is not merely a venture between Pakistan and China, but it will contribute to promoting transit trade in Central Asia and also help in establishing peace.

Earlier, the president hoisted the national flag at the ceremony.

Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, federal ministers, special assistants, parliamentarians, three services chiefs and other senior officials attended the ceremony.