CM stresses unity, accountability

Stressing the need for unity, stability and accountability, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif asserted in her speech at an Independence Day ceremony in Huzuri Bagh, "This country was created to last. We have to move this country forward like a living nation."

She said, "We are grateful to Allah Almighty that we are breathing in free air. Ask the oppressed people of Palestine the price of freedom, we pray for their freedom."

The chief minister said, "We pay tribute to all politicians who contributed to the development of this country, especially Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who made it a nuclear power."

She added, "I pay tribute to all martyrs of this soil, the martyrs of Pakistan Army, security forces and police who sacrificed their lives for the dear homeland. I pay tribute to the young men who are protecting us and our soil without caring about their lives."

She highlighted, "I also pay tribute to all people of Pakistan, police, security forces, bureaucracy and people belonging to all walks of life who worked for the development of this country."

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Every living nation is accountable, we have to be accountable individually as well as as a nation about whether our success in these 77 years is satisfactory or not." She added, "Let bygone be bygone. Let's move forward."

Mentioning the Olympic record set by javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, she said, "Moments like the Paris stadium should come every day because there is so much talent in our youth. We have not taken full advantage of the talent of our youth."

She said, "There is no discrimination in Pakistan, we all are Pakistanis. Young children have to set an example of faith, unity and discipline.

It is very important for all of us to take action where the minority community is being abused, where they are being hurt. As much as this country belongs to us, it belongs to the minority community living here. Open the doors of your heart and mind to the minority community."

The chief minister said, "If there is political stability, there is no temptation, no fighting and no abuse, if we move forward as one nation, we can become an ideal country."

She added, "Let's get rid of political differences and unite for the country."

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz hoisted the national flag at the Alamgiri Gate of Lahore Fort. She paid a visit to the Mazar-e-Iqbal, laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha.

She was presented a salute by a contingent of scouts standing on the stairs of Badshahi Mosque and school bands presented tunes. With additional input from APP