Pakistan stresses need for unity, reforms

ISLAMABAD, Aug 14: Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership has stressed the need for unity and reforms as the nation celebrates 79 years of independence today.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the day dawned with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute at the provincial headquarters. A change of guards ceremony was also held at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam, those behind the Pakistan Movement and those who sacrificed their homes, security and livelihoods in the struggle for a homeland.
He said that the security and stability enjoyed today had come at a great cost, paying tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and police.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate dialogue in the region.
He reiterated that all disputes must be ultimately addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.
The president also went on to say that the country must focus on the work that will determine Pakistan’s future.
He also voiced Pakistan’s support for the people of occupied Kashmir, saying Pakistan will continue to support a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with the aspirations of its people and the relevant United Nations resolutions.
On Afghanistan, the president said that Pakistan had always respected and supported the national sovereignty of our neighbour Afghanistan and expected the same reciprocity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also in a message paid tribute to the founding leaders of Pakistan, saying the nation owed the fulfilment of its dream of an independent homeland to their vision, statesmanship and sacrifices.
Highlighting the government’s economic achievements over the past two-and-a-half years, PM Shehbaz said the country had successfully navigated challenging circumstances to achieve economic stability and was now moving towards becoming a developed economy.
Paying tribute to the armed forces, the prime minister said the military, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed AsimMunir, had demonstrated exemplary unity and courage during Marka-i-Haq, adding another chapter to the country’s history of defence.
He cited the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye as testimony to the country’s growing strategic role in the region.
CDF Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also issued a message to mark Independence Day.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the armed forces paid tribute to the Quaid and those whose sacrifices resulted in a sovereign Pakistan.
 “Pakistan’s strength lies in the unity and collective resolve of its people. On this Independence Day, let us renew our commitment to the enduring principles of faith, unity and discipline, strengthen national cohesion, promote tolerance and work together towards a secure, stable and prosperous Pakistan,” it concluded.
He also paid special tribute to armed forces, police and paramilitary forces of the country, saying their “courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment remain a bulwark of our national security”.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar noted the country always “stood for peace, dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect among nations”.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Chaudhry Latif Akbar, addressing a flag-hoisting ceremony in Muzafarabad, expressed gratitude to Pakistan for standing by the Kashmiri people and advocating their cause at international forums, as well as repeatedly calling for implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions.�"DAWN