ISLAMABAD — I extend my heartiest felicitations to all Pakistanis, living within the country and abroad, on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day.

The day reminds us of the unmatched sacrifices rendered by our forefathers to protect and safeguard our religious, cultural and social values. It also reminds us of the objectives that led to creation of an independent Muslim state.

This day reinvigorates our spirit to make Pakistan stand out in the comity of nations as a dignified country. Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a progressive Pakistan where one could lead one’s life in accordance with the golden tenets of Islam, a state where democratic norms could flourish and rule of law prevailed, and where compassion characterized the bonds between the state and citizens. To this end, the state of Medinah is our model.

Allah Almighty has bestowed our country with great bounties and huge resources and a bright future awaits us. Quaid’s principles of unity, faith and discipline, are beacon of light, to overcome the challenges faced by the country. Let us today rededicate ourselves to make Pakistan a developed and prosperous country. Let me emphasize here the role of overseas Pakistanis and I am sure they will continue making us proud with their concerted efforts for the greater good of their homeland.

On this occasion, I also pay tribute to those sons of the soil who sacrificed their lives while protecting ideological and geographical boundaries of the motherland and kept aloft the banner of its freedom.

While the Independence Day is an occasion to rejoice and celebrate, we feel saddened to see our Kashmiri brethren in “IoK” (Indian-administered Kashmir) being subjected to the worst kind of oppression and ruthless state terrorism. The tyranny unleashed against innocent civilians has crossed all limits in total disregard to the international norms and the values of humanity and has endangered the peace of the region. Let me reassure our Kashmiri brethren that we stand by them and Pakistan will continue to provide its political, moral and diplomatic support to their just struggle for self-determination. The recent events in “IoK” have reinforced the two-nation theory envisioned by our forefathers.

May Allah grant us the strength to develop Pakistan on the model of state of Medinah. May Allah grant us the ability to transform Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal. May Allah help us secure for our country its rightful place among the comity of nations. Pakistan Paindabad.