- Mamnoon advises youth to demonstrate wisdom, instead of becoming frustrated
- ‘All issues should be judged in their true perspective, rather than out of context’
President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday urged the nation especially all stakeholders to unite under the constitution in the national interest by setting aside their differences for the stability and development.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Jinnah Convention Centre to mark 70th Independence Day, he said that those nations tread on the path of development and progress that had castaway despondency with determination to achieve their national objectives. He said that they were hoisting the national flag to pay tributes to the historic struggle of the leaders of the independence movement.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Chinese Vice Prime Minister Wang Yang, Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, cabinet members, lawmakers, senior government officers, diplomats, students and people from different walks of life.
Joint Chief of Staff Committee (JCSC) Chairman General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sohail Aman and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah also attended the event.
President Mamnoon said that it was the time to retrospect over the long history of construction, development and stability of Pakistan. Amid huge applause by the audience, he said that certain issues confronted by the country also required review by all and sundry.
“While we happily hoist the national flag today, we need to reiterate our strong resolve to always uphold the values of determination and dedication for the objective of development of Pakistan,” he added. He said some elders raised questions about certain matters whereas the youth felt anxious about their future.
He advised the youth that instead of becoming frustrated they should demonstrate wisdom and become a source of fulfillment of national goals. He stressed that emulation of basic principles in life and sticking to respect for the rule of law by individuals in their personal lives could help achieve marvels. He said the national issues should be judged in their true perspective rather than seeing them out of context.
He noted that democratic and parliamentary system reflected the desire of the whole nation and urged the nation to rise above their minor divides and work for the solidarity and stability of the country. He said since the creation of Pakistan, the country experimented with different systems of the government but what was the reason that continuity has not been attained in these matters.
One reason could be that instead of giving due time to these systems for proper development, they became restless due to which these systems could not fully develop according to their natural pace. “That is why it is imperative that before treading a new path, experiences of the past should be thoroughly reviewed,” he added.
“It is ironic that the system in line with our temperament could not fully develop. In such cases, it is necessary that the nation should create a broader consensus by rising above parochial and class interests,” he added. He said it was imperative that they all respected their collective decisions to smoothly continue the journey of national development instead of undertaking new experiences.
“It will lead to stability of the state and its system, maturity of democratic behaviors and also pave the way for national development. Unless all segments and schools of thought of the society are completely united on a national strategy, success remains elusive,” he stressed.
The president said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal were the leaders who remained unnerved and encouraged the Muslims to follow the path of moderation and sagacity. Welcoming the presence of Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, he said it reflected the deep ties between Pakistan and China as both the countries had shared views on various global issues.
The president said that the glittering moon and star on the national flag were reflective of happiness of the people of this country and guided them towards the path to progress and excellence. He expressed the hope that the nation, especially youth, would perform their national duty in such a befitting manner that they would forever be remembered in golden words in history.
