Nawaz warns against ignoring Pakistan in regional matters

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said that nuclear Pakistan was an important regional power and no decision could be made in the region without involving the country.

Addressing the nation after hoisting the national flag at the Independence Day’s main function at Convention Centre, Sharif said: “No decision in the region can be taken without involving Pakistan. Pakistan is an important country of the region, which is acknowledged the world over.”

He said that Gwadar Port and related facilities which were agreed during his recent visit to China would bring an economic revolution in the region where Pakistan would be a hub for economic and political activities.

The ceremony was attended by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, diplomats, the Senate chairman, National Assembly speaker, federal ministers and other dignitaries.

The prime minister said that the menace of terrorism was haunting the country but the security institutions would overcome it with the support of the masses.

“The whole nation is united. We are in high spirits and would give an absolute defeat to the terrorists with the full cooperation of army and other national security institutions,” the prime minister said.

Nawaz said the government was fully cognizant of the people’s concerns on the menace of terrorism and extremism, adding that the people also know that such challenges come in the history of nations and they fight these with unity and courage. He said that his government was on the right track and working day and night to make the country a welfare state as envisioned by the founder of the nation.

The prime minister said that the present circumstances demand that the economic and democratic intuitions should be strengthened and true democratic governance should be instituted.

“Our commitment to world peace is an open secret. In recognition of Pakistan’s role, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is present today with us. It is a matter of honour and privilege that the UN secretary general has joined us on our Independence Day,” he said.