I wish to extend heartiest felicitations to all the Pakistanis, living within the country and abroad, on the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of Pakistan. Aug. 14 reminds us of the epic democratic struggle of our forefathers for securing a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent where they could fashion their lives according to their religious, cultural and social values. Indeed, we are indebted to our ancestors for their innumerable sacrifices for the cause of freedom and dignity of their future generations.

This day provides us an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of our Quaid and to the aspirations of Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal who wanted to see the Muslim community flourishing in a separate homeland without any fear of oppression, intolerance, inequality and injustice. Our great Quaid Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned a democratic, tolerant and progressive Pakistan where every citizen could utilize his or her faculties to the fullest and could reap the benefits of socio-economic progress in an equitable manner. He strived and stood for rule of law, egalitarianism and establishment of a democratic polity. Let us on this day rededicate ourselves to those ideals and also to reassess as to what extent we have been able to achieve those ideals.

Undoubtedly, our beautiful country is blessed with every gift of the nature. From an ideal geo-strategic location to the most talented and progressive youth, we have all the ingredients to carve out our own destiny and rise as a successful nation of the world. Unswerving commitment to the ideals of the Quaid and following the principle of ‘Unity, Faith and Discipline’ would certainly help us overcome our present-day challenges and make Pakistan a self-reliant, economically vibrant and a prosperous country.

Let us on this day renew our pledge to build the Quaid’s Pakistan. Let us on this day also pay our tributes to our heroes and to all those who have put their heart and soul towards ensuring that our freedom is not marred by any internal or external factors.

Happy Independence Day!

Pakistan-Paindabad.

Justice (Retd) Nasir-ul-Mulk

Prime Minister of Pakistan