NOT TO BE PUBLISHED /BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 14TH AUGUST, 2010
Message from Mr. Asif Ali Zardari
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
On the occasion of Independence Day 14th Aug, 2010
Islamabad; August 13, 2010On the auspicious occasion of the 64th Independence Day I wish to compliment all Pakistanis living within the country and abroad.
Today is a watershed mark in the history of the country as on this day sixty three years ago, Pakistan was founded as a separate homeland wherein we could live in freedom and shape our lives according to our values. It is therefore an occasion of joy and celebration for all of us.
The enthusiasm of the Independence Day this year however has been dampened because of the unprecedented floods that has devastated the lives of thousands of people and left scars of the lives of several hundred thousands more in all parts of the country. The best way to celebrate the Independence Day this year therefore is to reach out to the victims of this natural disaster, heal their wounds and help them to help themselves.
Pakistan was envisaged by its Founding Fathers to be a homeland for the Muslims of South Asia where democracy, Constitutionalism and respect of human rights would reign supreme. It was envisaged to be a country driven, above anything else, by the consideration of the welfare of its people. It was not envisaged to be a sanctuary for the privileged few. It was to be a country where there would be no discrimination on the basis of creed, gender or sect and where minorities would enjoy equal rights as citizens of the state.
On this occasion let us ask ourselves whether we have upheld these pristine principles and values.
Extremists and militants wishing to impose their political ideology on our people pose the greatest threat to the security and stability of the country that was founded on this day. Violent extremism has tended to make Pakistan a security driven rather than a welfare driven country. Let us therefore on this day also resolve to defeat the militant mindset and make Pakistan a truly welfare driven rather than a security driven state.
The Pakistan Peoples Party has a long history of struggle for the achievement of the objectives for which Pakistan was created. Four Bhuttos in two generations have laid down their lives for the country and the nation.
I wish to reiterate that the PPP will continue to struggle for the vision of Quaid-e- Azam, Quaid e Awam and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for achieving the goal of a federal and democratic polity that is driven by the welfare of its people and from where militancy has been banished.
On this occasion I also wish to reiterate that the PPP which has given manifesto of peace and prosperity will pursue the goal of peace with honor and good neighborly relations with countries in the region.
On the eve of this anniversary of our independence I salute the courage and heroism of flood victims and assure them that the government will do everything possible to alleviate their sufferings. I also salute the tillers, the workers, traders, teachers, intellectuals, professionals, students, women and minorities for their heroic struggle. I urge them all to support the Party to restore law and order, end militancy and provide security and dignity to every citizen and open doors of opportunity to all.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED /BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 14TH AUGUST,2010
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED /BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 14TH AUGUST,2010
PRIME MINISTER YUSUF RAZA GILANI’S MESSAGE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY (AUGUST 14, 2010)
Islamabad August 13, 2010By the grace of Allah Almighty, we are celebrating the 64th Independence Day of Pakistan today. The day reminds us of the heroic and relentless struggle the Muslims of the sub-continent waged for a separate homeland under the inspiring and dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Our forefathers rendered numerous sacrifices in man and material form for the establishment of Pakistan. Their demand for a separate state was premised on the right to self-determination. They wanted a state where they could order their lives in accordance with the principles of Islam and enjoy the fruits of freedom as equal citizens of the state. The 14th of August represents the fulfillment of aspirations of the millions of the Muslims.
We should be proud of the fact that our freedom struggle was fought along constitutional lines. Pakistan came into being through a political and democratic process. Unity, faith and discipline and unwavering confidence in the leadership epitomize the spirit of freedom movement, which infused conviction among the Muslims in their destiny. Equipped with steel-like determination and will power, they achieved the ideal of Pakistan within a short span of seven years.
We are celebrating our 64th Independence Day at a time when the country is up against many challenges of grave nature, the chief being rehabilitation of flood affectees, fight against terrorism, struggling economy and ensuring political stability. The recent floods have wreaked havoc across the country causing human casualties, damaging road & telecommunication infrastructure, and crops at massive scale. According to the United Nations’ assessment, the total damage done by these raging floods is more than what the world suffered in Tsunami in 2004 and what Pakistan had to face in the aftermath of earthquake in October 2005. Similarly, terrorists and extremists are out to impose their exclusive and conservative agenda on the peaceful Pakistani nation. Our national economy has been hit hard both by the ongoing war against terrorism and natural disasters.
Despite these challenges, the government and the people of the Pakistan remain committed to protect their motherland. Howsoever grave these challenges may be but our resolve and determination to take on these is greater. We have already traversed that road a number of times in the past but each time we came out victorious and more resolute with renewed faith in our ability to steer the ship of the state out of unchartered waters. The need of imbibing the spirit of unity, faith and discipline as a weapon to fight off these challenges could not be overstated. Our spirit of nationalism presents a shield against the forces of extremism and terrorism and is capable of eliminating these negative forces. I have my complete faith and trust in our people. I am sure that together we can rise to the occasion with determination and will power.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED /BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 14TH AUGUST,2010
