Existential threat: PM vows to defeat terror
Nawaz says he is confident the ‘scourge’ can be defeated with the support of people, armed forces.
Premier Nawaz arrives with UN chief Ban Ki-moon for a ceremony to mark Independence Day. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
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.
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.