ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi Friday said Pakistan had surmounted several challenges since its independence, which had taken the country towards a brighter future. Addressing the main flag-hoisting ceremony on the country's 74th Independence Day at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, he said that the country had reached the tipping point where improvements were being witnessed in various areas.

Highlighting the nation's past achievements, he said that Pakistan had overcome the menaces of terrorism and extremism. "While other countries avoid hosting refugees, Pakistan generously hosted 3.5 million Afghan refugees for decades, and 2.7 million of them are still living in Pakistan," the president said.

Dr Alvi also added that said an effective campaign was launched against corruption, which reflected the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, he said that Pakistan had largely controlled it as a result of its effective "smart lockdown" strategy.

Unlike some other countries, Prime Minister Imran Khan did not resort to complete lockdown, realising that it would badly impact daily wagers, he said, adding, several countries wanted to replicate Pakistan's policies vis-à-vis coronavirus pandemic.

The president paid tribute to Prime Minister Imran Khan for his vision, and lauded the role of the religious scholars and the media as well as services of doctors and paramedics in combating the Covid-19.

He added that under the Ehsaas Programme, cash assistance was distributed among 16.9 million needy persons during the difficult days of the outbreak. "The health facilities proved more than sufficient during the pandemic," Dr Alvi said, adding, "Education was also imparted to students at their homes during the pandemic. The government is also preparing a uniform curriculum, which will further strengthen national unity and upgrade education standard."

Pakistan's economy has also shown positive signs, despite Covid-19's negative impacts, and Moody's has recognised it, he said. Expressing solidarity with Kashmiris who have been facing the worst human rights violations at the hands of Indian occupation forces particularly since August 5 last year, the president reaffirmed Pakistan's support to the Kashmiri people in their cause.

"Pakistan will not leave Kashmiris alone," the president assured.

"Kashmir issue has been debated at the UN Security Council for four times during the last one year, which is a big success of Pakistan's foreign policy."

The president added that Pakistan had also released its political map, reflecting true aspirations of its people as well as Kashmiris. "The new map shows Pakistan's principled stance on Kashmir issue," he said.

On Afghan issue, the president said the peace agreement between Afghanistan and the United States would lead to peace and stability in the region. He said Pakistan was the second largest beneficiary of peace in Afghanistan.

Talking about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the president said that the mega project was not merely a venture between Pakistan and China, but it would contribute to promoting transit trade in Central Asia, and would also help in establishing peace.

Earlier, the president hoisted the national flag at the ceremony. Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, federal ministers, special assistants, parliamentarians, three services chiefs, and other senior officials attended the ceremony.

Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country's highest civil award on noted Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Gilani to recognise his decades' long struggle for Kashmiris' right to self-determination.

The award was conferred at a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, during the flag-hoisting ceremony. The award was received by convenor All Parties Hurriyat Conference Muhammad Hussain Khateeb along with other Hurriyat leaders.

The government conferred civil awards on 184 Pakistanis and foreigners in recognition of their services to the country, and showing excellence in their respective fields.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020