Nation celebrates I-Day with fervour

ISLAMABAD:

The nation celebrated its 80th Independence Day with national zeal and fervour on Friday, as President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid tribute to the sacrifices of the country's founders, martyrs and veterans, while calling for national unity, peace, economic progress and a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes at provincial headquarters, while special prayers were offered for the peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country, Radio Pakistan reported.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held across the country, while buildings, streets and public places were decorated with national flags, buntings and colourful lights.

The Change of Guard ceremony was also held at the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.

President Asif Ali Zardari extended his greetings to Pakistanis at home and abroad on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, saying the day was a reminder of the sacrifices that made Pakistan possible.

In his Independence Day message, the president paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement, and all those who sacrificed their homes and livelihoods in the struggle for a homeland.

President Zardari said, "Independence was not only a historic achievement but also a responsibility that each generation must carry forward".

He further said the events surrounding Marka-e-Haq had demonstrated that Pakistan sought peace while also possessing the resolve and capacity to defend its sovereignty and national interests.

He paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and police, and honoured the sacrifices of their families, saying their courage had helped safeguard the nation against external aggression and terrorism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his warmest greetings to the nation on the occasion of Independence Day as Pakistan marked 79 years of freedom.

In his Independence Day message, the prime minister paid tribute to the founding leaders of Pakistan, including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal, along with other stalwarts of the Pakistan Movement, saying the nation owed the fulfilment of its dream of an independent homeland to their vision, statesmanship and sacrifices.

The prime minister said, "Pakistan, guided by Islamic teachings and the vision of the Quaid, guaranteed equal freedom to all citizens without discrimination, adding that the Constitution and laws of the country ensured the fundamental rights of every citizen".

Highlighting the government's economic achievements over the past two-and-a-half years, PM Shehbaz said the country had successfully navigated challenging circumstances to achieve economic stability and was now moving towards becoming a developed economy.

Field Marshal Munir, Admiral Ashraf and Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, extended felicitations to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan's 80th Independence Day, the military's media wing said on Friday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Armed Forces, on the historic occasion, paid profound tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding fathers and all those whose sacrifices transformed the aspiration of freedom into the reality of a sovereign Pakistan.

"Their vision, courage and resolve remain a guiding force for the nation and continue to inspire us to uphold the principles and ideals of Pakistan," the ISPR said.

The ISPR also added that the Armed Forces of Pakistan respectfully acknowledged the supreme sacrifices of the country's martyrs, the services of its veterans, the dedication of law enforcement personnel and the contributions of every Pakistani who has served the nation.

"Their courage and selfless service have bolstered Pakistan's resilience and safeguarded its independence, security and national interests," the statement added,

The statement said that as guardians of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Armed Forces reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland against all threats, uphold the Constitution and discharge the sacred trust reposed in them by the people of Pakistan.

"United with the nation, the Armed Forces will remain steadfast in preserving peace and stability while creating an environment conducive to national progress and prosperity," the ISPR said.

It further added that Pakistan's strength lies in the unity and collective resolve of its people," the statement said.

"On this Independence Day, let us renew our commitment to the enduring principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline, strengthen national cohesion, promote tolerance and work together towards a secure, stable and prosperous Pakistan," the statement concluded.