ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday urged the nation to make a pledge on the Independence Day not to let any harm come to the supremacy of the constitution, rule of law and continuity of the democratic system in the country.
"We cannot do justice with objectives of the independence unless Pakistan gets deliverance from all kinds of chaos, adventurism and confrontation," he said addressing colourful independence day celebrations here at the Parliament House.
Nawaz Sharif said it was imperative for safeguarding of independence that Pakistan progresses in all fields of life.
"It is essential that dams are constructed, industries are set up, highways, sea ports educational institutions are built, energy projects are setup, employment opportunities are created and the whole country becomes prosperous," the Prime Minister said.
He however regretted that unfortunately the country could not focus on this mission in past 68 years.
The ceremony that began with the recitation from the Holy Quran was followed by National songs, and tableaux depicting the supreme sacrifices rendered by the nation in country's struggle for independence.
Speaker National Assembly, Chairman Senate, Cabinet members, leaders of all political shades, members of national and provincial assemblies and Senate, Services Chiefs, diplomats, senior serving and retired government officials participated in the ceremony held in the spacious lawns of the Parliament House, with the illuminated Presidency building in the backdrop.
The Prime Minister in his address congratulated the nation on the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day and said "the day reminds us of the sacrifices rendered by the Muslims under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for independence."
He said the day also revives the memories of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal whose poetry inculcated the sense of liberation among the Muslims and gave the concept of an independent Muslim state.
He said the Independence Day also reminds us of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect the independence and for the defense of Pakistan.
Mentioning the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan, the Prime Minister said government made a sincere effort to resolve the issue through dialogue with the militants but the desired objective could not yield
He said after this, an effective operation had become inevitable for elimination of terrorism.
"Our valiant armed forces launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb that is going on successfully. This operation will continue till the terrorism is completely rooted out," Nawaz Sharif expressed his resolve.
He said the nation salutes the officers and the soldiers of armed forces who sacrificed their lives during this operation.
"These martyrs are our benefactors who sacrificed their lives to protect lives and properties of 180 million Pakistanis and for country's peace.
The Ghazis who survived this operation also deserve equal applause for showing exemplary bravery in tough conditions," he remarked.
He said the government has dedicated this year's Independence Day celebrations to the Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
Besides civilians and armed forces, the personnel of the FC, Rangers Police, security agencies as well as the law enforcement agencies were also contributing to this war against terrorism. "Today, we also pray for these brave sons of the soil," he added.
The Prime Minister said hundreds of thousands of residents of North Waziristan had to leave their homes for restoration of peace and elimination of terrorism from the country.
He said the nation too valued their sacrifices as these people were the benefactors who had rendered sacrifices to achieve peace for their countrymen.
The Independence Day celebrations also feature solidarity with these displaced people, he said.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan was a peaceful country and the government was striving for internal peace besides a desire for durable peace on its international borders.
He said Pakistan desired good ties with the world particularly promotion of friendly ties in an amicable atmosphere, with our neighbours, was an important component of country's foreign policy.
"We seriously want peaceful solution to Kashmir issue with, so that Pakistan and India may explore new avenues of ties by addressing this major cause of tension," he commented.
He said Pakistan also wanted durable peace in Afghanistan to avert any negative impact on its own internal peace.
The Prime Minister said Israeli atrocities on Gaza citizens were no lesser a tragedy. The bombardment on human settlements and massacre of innocent people was a moment of thought for the world community as well as the human conscience.
"Pakistan strongly condemns it. The civilized world must take cognizance of the situation because it was a tragedy for the whole humanity," he maintained.
He said if the world institutions like the United Nations failed to stop the Israeli aggression, they would not only lose confidence but also, the world would become more insecure.
Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan would continue playing its role for promotion of human, cultural as well as democratic values.
"We are committed to eliminate terrorism. Following our constitution and law, we are engaged to build a Pakistan where citizens would get equal opportunities without any discrimination.
He said we are going to build nation that accelerate its progress towards prosperity by promoting education, research, science and technology.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said today's army parade was true manifestation of the discipline, activeness and harmony of our armed forces and congratulated the officers and jawans who took part in the parade.
He also felicitated the fighter pilots of Pakistan Air Force and Army Aviation who performed the fly-past.
He also lauded the programme by the Inter Services Public Relations and said national songs presented in this programme were the voice of the whole nation. He also felicitated the artists and the ISPR.
Congratulating the people of Pakistan on Independence Day, the Prime Minister asked them to be prepared for serving the country with a firm resolve.
He advised them take part in the national development projects about to start in the coming days by using their capital, expertise as well as exploiting their energies.
He said the economic and political stability, progress and prosperity were the basic factors to ensure protection of country's independence.
"Let us rise to start a fresh journey to take this independence to new heights of national dignity, excellence and pride," the Prime Minister said.
The highlight of the ceremony was the march past by a contingent comprising the three services.
It was probably for the first time ever that a military parade was held inside the Parliament building, marking the Independence Day celebrations as the clock stuck midnight.
The impressive parade by a contingent of Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force on the beat of 'Mard-e-Mujahid Jaag Zara' enthralled the audience.
The contingent presented a salute to the Prime Minister. he also reviewed the guard of honour.
Following an impressive performance by the drummers the army contingent the Prime Minister joined the participants and the nation in reciting the national anthem as the clock stuck midnight.
It was followed by a fly past of the jets of Pakistan Air Force, throwing illuminating flares, lighting up the dark skies overhead.
The flypast comprised four F-16 and four Mirage fighters. It was followed by four Bell 412 helicopters and and equal number of Mi-17 helicopters with their navigation lights switched on, while helicopter carried a large green and white national flag under its belly, illuminated with its search lights.
The programme ended with a superb display of fire works as thousands of red, green, white and yellow flares, lit up the entire Constitution Avenue, with a thunderous spectacle that left the huge crowd in an awe.
At the end of the ceremony the Prime Minister warmly shook hands with the participants and greeted them over the Independence Day celebrations.
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