President, PM, Gilani, Bilawal greet nation on Pakistan Day

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while facilitating the nation on Pakistan Day, urged every Pakistani to rise above differences, reject division and negativity, and work together to build a prosperous, inclusive, and just Pakistan.

President Zardari on the eve of Pakistan Day said, “The road ahead is challenging, but not impossible. The same spirit that led to the creation of Pakistan can propel us toward a brighter tomorrow. The president said the true strength of Pakistan lies in its people—their resilience, hard work, and patriotism have carried this nation through the toughest of times. “Let us honour the sacrifices of our heroes by shaping a strong, united, and prosperous Pakistan,” he said.

According to the announcement of President House on Saturday, President Zardari congratulate the entire nation on Pakistan Day and said Pakistan has been established after great sacrifices and untiring efforts of our founding fathers and workers of the Pakistan Movement.

“Today, we face significant political, economic, and security challenges,” he said. In today’s world, the president said Pakistan must navigate complex realities, tackle economic pressures, and pursue sustainable development. At the same time, he said we continue to confront the menace of terrorism and our brave armed forces are making immense sacrifices to safeguard our homeland. “Yet, we also possess the potential to overcome these challenges and emerge stronger,” he said.

President Zardari said the spirit of the Pakistan Resolution reminds us that Unity, Faith, and Discipline should be our guiding principles for success. “We should focus on strengthening national security, revitalising the economy, advancing agriculture, ensuring energy security, and creating opportunities for our youth. We must invest in healthcare and social welfare to ensure no Pakistani is left behind,” he said.

Zardari said following a foreign policy under the guidelines given by the Father of the Nation, Pakistan continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence, regional stability and mutual cooperation. “We are determined to build stronger relationships with our neighbours as well as the global community, based on mutual respect and shared prosperity,” he said.

At the same time, the president said we remain steadfast in defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Our armed forces and law enforcement agencies have made immense sacrifices to protect our homeland, and we salute their bravery and dedication,” he said.

On this day, the president said we reaffirm our steadfast support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, who continue their struggle for self-determination. The president said Pakistan urges the international community to take immediate and decisive steps to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, allowing the people of Kashmir and Palestine to decide their future. “Let us honour the sacrifices of our heroes by shaping a strong, united, and prosperous Pakistan,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif greeted Pakistanis on the momentous day of national celebration on March 23 and said the nation was blessed with immense potential to achieve economic prosperity and secure its rightful place among the nations.

In a message on Pakistan Day, he said, “Heartfelt greetings to all Pakistanis on this momentous day of national celebration! “He said, “This day stands as a defining moment in the history of South Asia’s Muslims.

Eighty-five years ago, on March 23rd, the visionary Muslim leadership of the subcontinent united with an unwavering resolve to lay the foundation for an independent homeland.”

“Guided by the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, they envisioned a state where Muslims could live with dignity, freedom, and self-respect, a land shaped by their aspirations and values,” he added.

He said, “On this landmark day in 1940, the Lahore Resolution set the course for that vision. Just seven years later, on August 14, 1947, Pakistan emerged as an independent nation, a testament to the unyielding spirit, perseverance, and sacrifices of our forefathers. Over the decades, Pakistan has shown extraordinary strength.”

“From an emerging nation to a nuclear power, our journey has been shaped by perseverance and unwavering determination. Yet, this is not where we stop. It will take steadfast will, tireless effort, and a collective vision to transform Pakistan into the nation envisioned by our founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” he continued.

The prime minister said, “Our armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and security personnel continue to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and stability with great valour. We salute our martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty, embodying the spirit of sacrifice to ensure that our nation remains strong, united, and prepared for any challenge.”

“This year, Pakistan Day falls in Ramazan, a month of deep spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and renewed commitment to faith. It is a time that reinforces our collective will and serves as a powerful reminder of the values of sacrifice and perseverance principles embedded in our nation’s very foundation,” he added.

The prime minister said, “Our nation has been blessed with immense potential, and with the right policies, dedicated efforts, and national unity, we can achieve economic prosperity, uphold social justice, and secure our rightful place among the nations of the world.”

“No challenge is insurmountable, no adversity too great, if we stand united in our purpose and committed to our ideals. With determination, hard work, and a shared vision, we will continue to build a stronger, more prosperous, and progressive Pakistan.

Pakistan Paindabad!” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Saturday said March 23 marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history, as on this day in 1940, the Muslims of the subcontinent made a historic pledge to create a separate and independent state.

“The passing of the Pakistan Resolution was more than just a document; it was a revolutionary declaration that united the Muslims of the subcontinent toward a shared vision,” he said in a message on the Pakistan Day.

He said, “The Pakistan Day serves as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to leaving no effort behind in advancing the nation’s development, prosperity, and stability. Guided by the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the ideas of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, we must dedicate ourselves to creating a modern, democratic, progressive, and welfare-driven state.

“The strength of democracy, the supremacy of the constitution and law, national unity, and strong institutions are the cornerstones that will lead us to a prosperous and stable Pakistan,” he said.

Senate chairman reiterated that this moment in history demands that ‘we promote unity and solidarity, set aside differences, and focus on the nation’s development and stability. We must embrace the golden principle of national unity, which was the foundation of our predecessors’ success’.

Gilani also emphasized the role of the Upper House of Pakistan in reaffirming its commitment to utilizing all available resources for the welfare of the people, the enhancement of parliamentary traditions, the preservation of democratic values, and addressing the challenges facing the country.

“Through united efforts, we aim to position Pakistan among the world’s developed nations. May Allah Almighty bless our beloved country with peace, stability, and continued progress,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while felicitating the nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day falling on 23rd March, urged every Pakistani to commit to the shared goal of building a brighter and prosperous future for our beloved country.

“The nation honors the visionary foresight, sacrifices and firm determination of its forebears. They worked tirelessly to establish a homeland where freedom, justice, and equality reign supreme,” he said on the eve of Pakistan Day.

On this historic occasion, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said let us honor the unwavering determination of our martyred leaders, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who fearlessly championed the rights of the people and sacrificed their lives for the noble cause”.

He further said that their legacy serves as a guiding light for us as we continue the journey towards fulfilling the dreams of our founding fathers. He reiterated PPP’s unwavering commitment to upholding their ideals, particularly the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.