President Alvi, PM Imran vow to make Pakistan prosperous, progressive

President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday pledged to turn Pakistan into a prosperous and progressive country and reiterated to stand with the Kashmiris in their struggle.

"On this Pakistan Day, we pay homage to the founding fathers of Pakistan whose services and sacrifices led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent," president Alvi said in his message.

"Today, we reaffirm our resolve to make Pakistan an economically stronger and prosperous country," he added.

He further said that "on this historic day, we vow to continue our struggle to make our society humane, inclusive and tolerant to other minorities residing in Pakistan. We also pledge to uphold democratic values, rule of law and the Islamic way of life in our country as envisioned by our founding fathers."

The president also stressed remembering the Kashmiri brethren who have been subjugated for over seven decades by the Indian security forces.

"They have been subjected to the worst form of repression and state-sponsored terrorism. We pledge our commitment to continue to support Kashmiris in their just struggle for their right to self-determination."

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He urged the world to take notice of the blatant human rights violations being committed by India in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

President Alvi observed that the key to durable peace in South Asia is in the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

Paying homage to the frontline workers during the pandemic, he said, "today, we also salute our heroes, particularly the health workers and other concerned agencies, who played a great role in containing Covid-19 and providing healthcare to the people in the hour of need."

"We laud our health professionals for their untiring efforts who selflessly served the nation during the crisis."

He urged fellow countrymen to follow all SOPs concerning Covid-19 so as to overcome the third wave of the pandemic.

"I am sure that with unity, faith and discipline we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. May Allah be with us all," the president concluded.

In a separate message, Prime Minister Imran Khan reaffirmed his pledge to make Pakistan a progressive and prosperous state akin to the first state of Madina based on the principles of rule of law, meritocracy, egalitarianism and compassion.

PM Imran noted that March 23, 1940, was a momentous occasion as it was when the Muslims of the sub-continent pledged to acquire a separate homeland to set free from oppression and slavery of the Hindutva mindset.

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He also expressed solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir who are being targeted with the worst form of atrocities in the held valley.

The premier said that the nation salutes the courage of Kashmiris and will continue to support them morally, politically and diplomatically for the actualisation of their right to self-determination in line with the relevant resolutions of the UNSC.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan is committed to pursue the policies of peace, stability, development and connectivity.

In his message on the day, he highlighted that rather than partaking in geo-political rivalries, Pakistan is advocating for the cause of co-existence and mutual cooperation.

The minister reaffirmed the nation's support for Kashmiris in their struggle for the right to self-determination.