- President calls for focus on economic development, end to unnecessary political adventurism
ISLAMABAD
APP
President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday said Pakistan could only progress if it stayed away from unnecessary political adventures and focussed on political stability, economic development and socio-economic prosperity.
Addressing a gathering after the flag hoisting ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president said the country must keep in view examples of the contemporary world where many countries achieved great economic prosperity and progress within a short span of 30 to 35 years.
The president said, “The key to their progress lies in hard work, commitment and dedication and the strategy that they followed to remain focused on political stability, economic development and socio-economic prosperity.”
“If we resolve that we will protect this country from unnecessary political adventures, I assure you that Pakistan would progress tremendously and would emerge as a great power within no time.”
The president, who along with Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif earlier jointly hoisted the national flag at an impressive ceremony marking the country’s 68th Independence Day, said, “Only those nations prosper who ensure rule of law and eradicate corruption and malpractices from their societies.”
“Let us pledge on this auspicious occasion that we will wage holy war against corruption. Let us promise that we would take lead in following rule of law. We need to abide by law individually as well as collectively. If we ensure supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law, I assure you that all our problems would be solved.”
The flag-hoisting ceremony was shifted inside the Presidency building due to rain and was attended by the National Assembly speaker, members of federal cabinet, heads and representatives of political parties, services chiefs, diplomats, senior government officials and specially invited guests from all sections of society.
The event began with the blaring of the sirens at 9am sharp across the country, as all traffic came to a standstill. A moment’s silence was observed to pay respects to those who paid the supreme sacrifice of laying down their lives in the defence of their motherland, particularly those who lost lives during the operation Zarb-e-Azb. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and Naat.
In his address, Hussain greeted the nation on 68th Independence Day and said that Pakistan was in a state of war.
“The brave officers, jawans of the Armed forces and sons of the soil are offering huge sacrifices to rid our homeland from the scourge of terrorism. The whole nation is indebted to them and salutes their courage and valour.”
The president said that during the past 10-12 years, the scourge of terrorism had inflicted heavy losses upon us and thousands of our citizens, personnel of armed forces and law-enforcing agencies had lost their lives as a result of terrorist activities.
The president said, “Our forefathers founded this state on the basis of great ideology offering unprecedented sacrifices. They entrusted this great gift to the coming generation with clear mission. We are grateful to them for their great efforts and huge sacrifices.”
The president said the people and the government of Pakistan believed in peace and wishes to have friendly relations with its neighbours.
“If we follow the principles of our Quiad, I assure you that success would be our destiny,” the president said and concluded with the slogan Pakistan-Paindabad.
