H.E. Dr Arif Alvi
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
(Message on the occasion of the 75th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan)
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On the joyous occasion of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence, I extend my heartiest felicitations to the entire nation. This day reminds us of the innumerable sacrifices of our Founding Fathers under the courageous leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Today, we also reaffirm our resolve to uphold Pakistan’s ideology and make Pakistan an ideal modern Islamic nation-state.

This year, we are also celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of our independence and various ceremonies are being organized across the country to mark this propitious occasion. The aim of these events is to educate and create awareness among our people, especially the Pakistani youth, about the significance of national solidarity, Pakistan’s ideology and the Freedom Movement. I would like to commend the efforts of all stakeholders in commemorating this historic moment.

On the occasion of this Diamond Jubilee, there is a dire need to assess our successes and failures. In our 75 years of history, we successfully overcame various challenges. We not only emerged as a nuclear power but also defeated the menace of terrorism. In the recent past, we successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic. On this historic day, we pay homage to our military and security personnel who laid their lives for the defence and security of our motherland. We also appreciate our workers, labourers, women, business community, minorities and all institutions who have played their role in the development and progress of our country. Today’s Pakistan is also facing economic, political and social challenges, but I strongly believe that our nation will overcome these challenges with its determination, patriotism, hard work, unity, discipline, mutual harmony and solidarity.

While celebrating Independence Day, we should not forget our oppressed brothers and sisters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is an incomplete agenda of the Freedom Movement and the partition of the Indian sub-continent. India has been committing egregious human rights violations in IIOJK for decades and it has been three years since India unilaterally revoked the special legal status of IIOJK on August 5, 2019. I assure our Kashmiri brethren that Pakistan will continue to extend all possible political, diplomatic and moral support to them in their legitimate struggle for self-determination in accordance with the UN Resolutions.

In the end, I urge the entire nation to remain steadfast and work wholeheartedly for the development of our country. We need to unite ourselves in order to tackle the social, economic and security issues being faced by the country. Let us pledge that we will not hesitate to render any sacrifice for the dignity, greatness and glory of our beloved homeland. Insha’Allah!