Murad calls for guiding Pakistan out of crisis with unity and faith

Pakistan is passing through a very critical phase, with some elements infusing hatred in society, said Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah while talking to the media at Mazar-e-Quaid, where he paid homage to the nation’s father on Independence Day on Wednesday.

“We must strive to spread positivity, thwart their nefarious designs, and guide the country out of the crisis with unity and faith, as emphasised by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.”

Shah said that the actual problem in the country has been created by those who are spreading hatred and discouraging the youth. “Our youth, our people, the nation as a whole are very resilient.”

He said that the 2022 floods are a testament to the commitment of Sindh’s people. “They drained the floodwater, prepared their lands and cultivated wheat while the international community expected prolonged flooding in the province.”

The CM said: “We are a resilient nation. We’ve sailed the country out of different crises in the past, and we’ll do it again. We’ll emerge as a strong nation because the people of Pakistan, the source of our strength, have committed to making this country strong in terms of economy, development, health and education.”

Earlier, Shah and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori hoisted the national flag, laid a floral wreath on Jinnah’s grave, offered Fateha and recorded their impressions in the visitors’ book.

Speaking at the Korangi Association of Trade & Industry’s office, where an Independence Day event was held, Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani said that those sowing the seeds of hatred are not Pakistan’s well-wishers.

Ghani lamented that Pakistanis have failed to fully act upon Jinnah’s ideology and vision despite 77 years having passed since the country’s independence. He said that the elements pursuing the divisive agenda should be exposed to achieve Jinnah’s vision.

He appreciated that members of every community in the country are enthusiastically celebrating Independence Day, irrespective of the hardships they have been enduring. He lamented that the nation stands divided along ethnic, linguistic, racial and religious lines.

He said that Pakistan’s progress and prosperity would remain an elusive task unless all Pakistanis stand united as a single nation. Everyone is keen on seeing Pakistan becoming a prosperous and developed country soon, he added.

The LG minister also hoisted the national flag at the Karachi Development Authority’s (KDA) head office with KDA Director General Shujaat Hussain. Ghani said on the occasion that Independence Day is not just about observing festivities but it is also a day to reaffirm one’s pledge to act upon Jinnah’s vision.

He also praised the sacrifices of those who had laid down their lives while defending their motherland. He said that the coming generations should get a prosperous, progressive and developed Pakistan in accordance with Jinnah’s vision.

The minister also hoisted a 60-foot national flag and cut a cake at the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) headquarters. He and SBCA DG Abdul Rasheed Solangi wished everyone happy independence, and prayed for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.

Speaking to the media after laying a floral wreath and offering Fateha at Mazar-e-Quaid, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said: “Pakistan is our future. We must put it on the path of progress. Together we’ll lead the country toward development and prosperity.”

Wahab added: “Ask our Palestinian and Kashmiri brothers how valuable freedom is. We’re grateful to the founders of Pakistan because due to their efforts, we live in a free state.”

Earlier, he had hoisted the national flag and planted a tree at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation building, marking the beginning of a tree planting campaign. He congratulated all the city’s residents on Independence Day, saying that the entire nation is celebrating the day, which expresses love for their homeland.

The mayor also led a fire engine rally from Mazar-e-Quaid to the fire brigade’s head office on Baba-e-Urdu Road. The rally is held every year to inform the residents that the fire brigade department is active and engaged in serving the public.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh DG Maj Gen Azhar Waqas also paid his respects at Mazar-e-Quaid, and laid a floral wreath on the grave of the nation’s founder.

He and other Rangers officers offered Fateha for Jinnah’s soul, and prayed for the country’s progress and prosperity. Later, Maj Gen Waqas penned his thoughts in the visitors’ book.

According to the Rangers spokesperson, the DG reviewed security arrangements across the city in connection with Independence Day celebrations. He also inspected the security arrangements at Mazar-e-Quaid.

Sindh police chief IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon also visited Mazar-e-Quaid to lay a floral wreath on Jinnah’s grave. He also offered Fateha for the soul of the nation’s founder, and offered special prayers for the country’s security.

“I thank Allah for giving us wealth like an independent state and homeland. On this day we renew our commitment to protect the lives and properties of people. Police officers and jawans are working day and night to maintain law and order in the province,” said Memon.

Meanwhile, Karachi police chief Addl IGP Javed Alam Odho attended a firing competition organised at the Special Security Unit (SSU) headquarters in connection with Independence Day.

Earlier, Security & Emergency Services Division chief DIG Dr Maqsood Ahmed hoisted the national flag at the SSU headquarters, saying that the flag hoisting ceremony is a symbol of national pride and unity, and marks the country’s struggle for independence.

Those who attended the event paid tributes to the founders of the country, and reiterated their commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and integrity. The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the national anthem, and a prayer for the prosperity and progress of Pakistan.

Independence Day was also celebrated with great enthusiasm at all the offices of the Motorway Police South Region. The main event was held at the Karachi zone office. The ceremony was attended by senior officers and employees, who saluted the national flag.

Regional Commander Addl IGP Munir Ahmed Sheikh gave a special message on the occasion, saying that the Motorway Police would always play its full role for the safety and security of Pakistan.

“This country is a special reward of Allah to us which we all have to protect,” he pointed out. At the conclusion of the ceremony, special prayers were offered for the progress, security and prosperity of the country.

Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar, HI (M), also paid homage at the Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum on the occasion of Independence Day.

He offered Fateha and laid a floral wreath on the Quaid’s tomb. He was accompanied by senior officers of the Pakistan Army. The corps commander also wrote remarks in the visitors’ book.