WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting global peace and stability, saying the country would continue to play its role in resolving conflicts and strengthening regional security.
Addressing a ceremony at the Yadgar-i-Fatah monument in Islamabad on the occasion of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated the nation and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s founding generation.
The prime minister said the Yadgar-i-Fatah was a symbol of Pakistan’s national unity, resolve and courage, as well as the professionalism and superiority of its armed forces.
He congratulated the nation on what he described as the “historic victory” in Marka-i-Haq and paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership.
Shehbaz said the completion of the monument within eight months was the result of the field marshal’s personal interest, adding that the Yadgar-i-Fatah would continue to represent national unity.
“We want peace, but our desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness,” the prime minister said, stressing that Pakistan would stand for peace with honour and dignity.
He said the success in Marka-i-Haq had raised the nation’s head with pride, while warning that the enemy would remember its defeat.
Shehbaz also declared that Pakistan’s water rights were a red line and said there would be no compromise on the issue.
“If India does not come to the right path, we will respond,” he said.
The prime minister said Pakistan had emerged as a symbol of stability in the region and that the government’s priority was to provide new opportunities for the country’s younger generation.
He said Pakistan wanted the world to remain free from new conflicts and had played its role in efforts to end the conflict between the United States and Iran.
Shehbaz also highlighted Pakistan’s defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and said the recent joint defence agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye would send a message of peace to the Muslim world and contribute to global stability.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled position on the rights of Palestinians and said the country would continue its moral, political and diplomatic support for Kashmiris.
Speaking on the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan had defeated India under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, describing the victory as a source of pride for the nation.
He said the Yadgar-i-Fatah was a tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs and veterans and a reminder of the country’s historic achievements.
President Zardari said Pakistan was committed to working with the international community for global peace and prosperity, adding that the world recognised the country’s role in promoting peace and stability.
He said the field marshal, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had played an important role in the US-Iran ceasefire.
The president strongly condemned the situation in Gaza, saying the genocide of Palestinians was unacceptable.
He said the dream of a Greater Israel would never be fulfilled and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian cause.
President Zardari also called for greater attention to the social sector, particularly education, to ensure sustainable development and prosperity in the country.
