Premier Nawaz arrives with UN chief Ban Ki-moon for a ceremony to mark Independence Day. PHOTO: AFP
Listing militancy as the biggest challenge for his government, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday vowed to defeat terrorism and turn Pakistan into a peaceful welfare state.
“Extremism and terrorism has cast a dark shadow [over the country] … [But] I’m confident that with the active support of the people, armed forces and law-enforcement agencies, we shall be able to eliminate terrorism and make the country a hub of peace,” the premier said in his address at the Jinnah Convention Centre to commemorate Independence Day.
The prime minister said he was aware of the public’s anxiety due to the threats posed by extremism and terrorism and was ‘extremely worried at heart’ himself. However, he added that “the nation, too, realises that such difficulties do come in the life of nations and that it has to demonstrate unity and solidarity under the present circumstances.”
“Our morale is high and we have all the capacity to defeat the terrorists … We shall transfer a safe and peaceful Pakistan to our coming generations,” he said.
While felicitating the nation on Independence Day, the premier said the occasion invites us to carry out a process of ‘self-accountability’.
“Our forefathers played their due role [in earning independence] but have we fulfilled our responsibilities? We obtained this country to live freely in accordance with our traditions, no internal or external force was supposed to dictate us … [But] did we achieve this objective? Did we allow democracy to prosper and survive? Were our basic rights protected?” he asked.
“We had promised to develop Pakistan as an exemplary modern welfare state. We wanted to make Pakistan a beacon of light for the people of the world and a hub of peace. Did we make Pakistan such a state?”
Noting that Pakistan was the result of the protest of a minority, he also drew attention to the state of the country’s minorities. “Are the rights of minorities protected in a country that was established on the principle of mutual co-existence? Did we fulfill the promise that the Quaid-i-Azam made to them on August 11, 1947?” he questioned.
“Today Independence Day requires us … the rulers, the nation, the intellectuals and politicians … to answer all these questions.”
At the same time, however, Premier Nawaz said he was optimistic about Pakistan. “The way the nation behaved in the recent elections is a shining example of its wisdom… As a nation, we have the potential and capacity to make correct decisions. This is a sign of great hope,” he said.
The premier also acknowledged the country’s importance in the regional situation. “No decision in this region can be taken without involving Pakistan now… [this is] acknowledged the world over.”
He added that projects such as the Gwadar Port would also usher in an economic revolution in both the country and the region.
Meanwhile, the premier welcomed UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon – who attended the ceremony at the Jinnah Centre – to the country.
“It is a matter of honour and privilege that the UN secretary general has joined us on our Independence Day. I would also like to express my gratitude to him for visiting Pakistan on a day so close to the heart of each and every Pakistani.”
Apart from the UN chief, federal ministers, parliamentarians and envoys from several countries attended the flag-hoisting ceremony to mark the country’s 67th Independence Day.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2013.
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The similarity between Pakistan and Egipt has been well exposed by the visit of Banikl Moon . That is why when he should be in Egipt he prefered to land in Pakistan . These similarities are as follows: 1-Military in both nation having good relation with US . and recieves sallary by the petro dollers deposites of UAE in US banks .
2- Majorty of muslims in both nation wants to realise what they can't get till the Kayamat . Egiptian muslims wants to defeat Israeil and Pakistani muslims wants to defeat India . 3- About 55% muslim ,mostly sunni muslims are capable to form govt. of their choice and they done it in both the country . 4- Rest of the 45% includes Shia muslims, liberals muslim, seculars, christians etc. etc....in both . 5-Now this 45% people along with army and support from out side can over power people supporting muslim brother hood or such existing hood in Pakistan .
The developments in Egipt will have far reaching effects in days to come .
@Candid1: To your whims friend. You are entitled to your opinion sir. If your cause is so right, then with out any doubt Allah will guide you to get what you want.
If only we could see that Pakistan your honorable PM wished, i would love to salute all contributors whole heartedly.
NS got the blessings of Banki Moon and now it seems to me that the new gont. will do what the world community expects from NS on issues related to terrorism and regional peace . NS. will get all support if he followed the wishes of Banki Moon and will get success to complete his term without being toppled by the army .He as a seasoned politician can sail the nation in a turbulant sea . Otherwise condition of Egipt is before him .
Good of UN Secretary General to support Pakistan by visiting on Independence Day, but when is he going to implement his Security Council's decades old resolutions on Kashmir so that his organization can gain some credibility?
The agencies let the genie out of the bottle. Good luck with trying to put it back in. Vision is the ability to see something before it happens. Unfortunately, this was sadly lacking. Now, the price has to be paid.
These rulers are incompetent they could not eliminate terrorism during the last 10 years? The other threat to existence which rulers are responsible are debts accumulation. The two biggest challenges are
1) Terrorism - elimination 2) Economy - revival
To revive economy Nawaz immediately ordered for 07 billion loan. This is not the solution he should have used his assets 1st and then should go to IMF, WB, ADB etc
Promises, Promises, Promises ! We have heard all this before, for past six decades, yet there are more broken ones that always come back to haunt us ! So many regime changes and very weak foundations is the actual nature of this Nation. They really need to deal with internal threats first and stabilise the nation, before trying to deal with its neighbours !
“Our morale is high and we have all the capacity to defeat the terrorists … We shall transfer a safe and peaceful Pakistan to our coming generations,” he said. By God we will do that Insha Allah!
NS can't do a thing. Except for issuing SROs. You can't ride with the hare and hunt with the hound. That's what NS has been doing all his political life. Too bad the Pakistani voter can't see that. But then it is the voter who gets what they deserve.