President, PM Shebaz pay tribute to martyrs, national heroes

Islamabad:President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to the national heroes and to the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed for the creation and stability of Pakistan.

In their messages on Pakistan Day, they said undoubtedly, with the blessing of freedom, Pakistan stands as a testament to the wisdom, determination, perseverance, and sacrifices of our ancestors.

The President and Prime Minister said the entire nation stands resolute in upholding its proud traditions and remains ever ready to face any challenge.

The President in his message said that despite early challenges after independence, Pakistan made significant progress through determination and cooperation, including building strong institutions, enhancing defense capabilities, and combating terrorism.

Reaffirming Pakistan's resolve against security threats, he stressed that no group will be allowed to use foreign soil to act against the country.

The Prime Minister in his message said the government, has steered Pakistan's economy towards sustainable growth despite numerous challenges.

He said sustainable peace in South Asia is linked to the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue and Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to our brothers and sisters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

In his message, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar also extended his warm greetings to nation on the momentous occasion of Pakistan Day.

He said we pay homage to the unwavering and courageous efforts, vision, and determination of our ancestors that resulted in the establishment of an independent Pakistan. He said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the Pakistan movement, overcoming numerous challenges with remarkable resilience, bravery, and conviction. Amid the austerity measures, he expressed the hope that the nation will be steadfast and together to successfully navigate this challenge as well.

Ishaq Dar said Pakistan remains firmly committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism and our actions inside Afghanistan against the menace of Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna-ul-Khwarij are directed towards this goal. He further said the brave sons of the soil are sacrificing their lives in its pursuit. We pay tribute to our martyrs and heroes, who have rendered supreme sacrifice for the betterment of our collective future.

The Deputy Prime Minister said on this day, we cannot forget our Kashmiri brothers and sisters and the exceptional sacrifices given by them in their quest for the inalienable right to self-determination. He said that Pakistan committed to providing moral and diplomatic support until the oppressed individuals of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir attain their right to self-determination.

In his message, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said the entire nation is grateful to the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the great thinker of Pakistan, Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal, and other founders of Pakistan, who turned the dream of a separate state for the Muslims of India into a reality.

The Minister said Pakistan was created in the name of 'Kalima' and it will last until the Day of Judgment.

Attaullah Tarar said on this day, we also salute our martyrs and those great heroes who dedicated their lives for the defence of our beloved homeland.

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu have also extended their heartfelt congratulations to the nation on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day.

In their messages, they said that 23rd of March 1940 stands out as a defining moment in our history as it crystallized our collective vision and set the course for the creation of an independent homeland.

They said that the Armed Forces of Pakistan, alongside our resilient people and law enforcement agencies, remain united and unwavering in our resolve to eradicate the threats to Pakistan's security.