Felicitating the nation on Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have stressed the need for unity and inclusivity to make Pakistan stronger and more prosperous.
In their separate messages, the two leaders focused on important issues like economic stability, investing in youth and women, and standing in solidarity with the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
Paying tribute to the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement, Zardari said that Pakistan had been created through peaceful and democratic means. He said the nation’s forefathers had sacrificed a lot to achieve the country. “Their legacy should be honored by upholding unity, integrity and economic stability,” he said.
He said that in order to meet the high expectations of the nation, the authorities needed to uphold the rule of law, strengthen democratic institutions, and work in public interest.
Shehbaz Sharif calls for preparing youth for global economy, says efforts to stabilize financial systems have started bearing fruit
The premier said Pakistan had been blessed with abundant natural and human resources, so it was now up to the people to harness those resources for the welfare of the masses. He also stressed the need for setting aside differences and working with dedication, adding that it was the only way to steer the country out of the current challenges.
The president urged the nation to focus on the well-being of its citizens, especially the underprivileged segments of society. He called for investing in youth and women so that their true potential could be utilized for the betterment of the nation. He also stressed the need for enhanced service delivery and creating a business-friendly environment to build a stronger Pakistan. For this purpose, he said, the nation needed to concentrate wholly and solely on the socioeconomic uplift of the people.
Zardari also highlighted the struggles of oppressed population around the world and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for people in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestinians. He said the people in those two regions had been fighting for their right to self-determination for more than seven decades.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s message focus more on economy. He said the government’s efforts to stabilize the financial systems had started to bear fruit, and the economy was now on its path to stability. He noted that inflation had decreased significantly from 38 percent to 11.1 percent in July, and said it would hopefully come down to a single digit soon.
Felicitating the countrymen on Independence Day, the premier paid tribute to countless unsung heroes of the Pakistan Movement without whom Pakistan would have stayed just a dream. He also praised the resilience of the people, saying they had faced challenges like natural disasters and economic crises over the years with determination. He said the spirit of determination and unity had always carried the nation through despite all odds. He hoped the people would continue to work together for the betterment of the country.
The premier also praised overseas Pakistanis for their contributions to the progress and prosperity of the country, and called them the true ambassadors of Pakistan. He said they had been promoting a positive image of Pakistan abroad, and thanked them for their continued support. He also thanked the armed forces for not just safeguarding the borders but also protecting the nation’s sovereignty.
Shehbaz also talked about the plight of Kashmiris and Palestinians, reiterating Pakistan’s full moral, political and diplomatic support for their struggles. He said that while the nation celebrated its freedom, it should not forget the people who had been fighting for theirs and facing the worst of state atrocities.
Coming to internal issues, Shehbaz said the country stood at a crossroads, facing challenges like skyrocketing energy costs, unemployment and increasing debt. However, he was optimistic about the future. While the challenges are significant, there are also opportunities for growth and development, he said.
He said that from day one, the government had consistently been trying to create perfect conditions for economic growth and stability, which included attracting investment, promoting industrialization and creating jobs. He also stressed the importance of education and skill development, and noted that they were important to empower the youth and prepare them for the global economy.
He talked about the government’s drive to digitize the economy and broaden the tax base. He said the government was also working hard to reduce electricity tariff, and people would witness the results of those efforts soon.