Pakistanis celebrate Independence Day with fervor
Source : IslamDag
Moscow | 15 Aug 2011
Russia' Pakistani community marked the 65th Pakistan Independence Day on Sunday with fervor and enthusiasm at the Pakistan Embassy in Moscow.
Various functions were held in this regard.
The start of the day was solemnized with recitations from the Holy Qur’an and flag hoisting ceremonies.
H.E. Ambassador Mohammad Khalid Khattak unfurled the national flag at a largely attended function at the embassy at Moscow. Invited guests, dignitaries and people from all walks of life witnessed the ceremony.
In his address congratulating the Pakistani community, the ambassador said today was a day to thank Allah for blessing Pakistan with independence.
Pakistan's independence day (also known as Yom-e-Azaadi) is observed on 14 August, since Pakistan became an independent country in 1947. The day is a national holiday in Pakistan and it is celebrated all over the country with flag raising ceremonies, tributes to the national heroes and fireworks taking place in the capital, Islamabad. The main celebrations takes place in Islamabad, where the President and Prime Minister raise the national flag at the Presidential and Parliament buildings and deliver speeches that are televised live.
Below we give full speeches of both Pakistani President and Prime Minister addressed to the nation.
Government committed to democracy
Message from Mr. Asif Ali Zardari
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
(On the occasion of Independence Day 14th August, 2011)
Islamabad: August 13, 2011
On this auspicious occasion of the 65th Independence Day I wish to compliment all Pakistanis living in the country and also those abroad.
Sixty-four years ago, the birth of Pakistan epitomized the successful culmination of a long and arduous struggle against heavy odds by Muslims of the subcontinent under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Quaid envisioned Pakistan as a homeland for the Muslims of South Asia where democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law would reign supreme. It was envisaged to be a country where there would be no discrimination on the basis of creed, gender and sect and where minorities would enjoy equal rights as citizens of the state and be fully integrated into the mainstream of national life.
Pakistan, today, is confronted with many challenges. The PPP-led coalition government is determined to vigorously pursue the objective of taking Pakistan along the path of prosperity, progress and democracy.
The Pakistan People’s Party has a long history of striving for the achievement of the objectives for which Pakistan was created. Countless political workers and activists have laid down their lives in the pursuit of this objective. Let us on this day join hands in upholding the principles for which Pakistan was created.
We are witnessing the power of democracy in action. Let us collectively employ the democratic power in the service of the country and people.
On this day there is also a thought that sometimes bites the soul; could we not have achieved much more if the democratic process had not been repeatedly subverted and the constitution abrogated and held in abeyance by dictators. It is also sad thought on this day that the pillars of the state validated the subversion of the constitution. The nation can take pride that it has closed that sorry chapter. Let us pledge that we will never allow the subversion of the constitution and the democratic process.
Let us on this auspicious occasion also resolve to make Pakistan a truly modern, dynamic, progressive and democratic country. Our thoughts also go to the founding fathers and all those who made untold sacrifices to make Pakistan a free, independent and sovereign country. They suffered and made sacrifices so that we could freely shape our lives and destinies in accordance with their values for which Pakistan was created.
May Almighty Allah be our Protector and Guide. Ameen!
Asif Ali Zardari
President of Pakistan
We’re at a defining phase of our history
Message from Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani
Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan
(On the occasion of Independence Day 14th August, 2011)
Islamabad: August 13, 2011
August 14 is a historic day wherein the Muslims of the subcontinent chronicled a glorious chapter of sacrifice, commitment and selfless devotion under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The establishment of Pakistan was a culmination of the Muslims’ relentless struggle to preserve their unique cultural identity, heritage, and civilization and protect their political and economic rights. The combined opposition of the Indian National Congress and the ruling British could not stop Muslims from realizing the dream of Allama Muhammad Iqbal for an independent state.
It is a matter of immense pride that Pakistan came into being as a result of democratic, political and constitutional struggle. It is in democracy and representative rule that Pakistan’s future lies. At a time when the people are celebrating this auspicious day both inside and outside Pakistan with traditional zeal and zest, the country is up against certain challenges. I would not be wide off the mark if I say that we are at a defining phase of our history. I call it “defining phase” because many positive developments have taken place in the country, which have the potential of steering our national direction as envisaged by the founding fathers.
In line with our national interest and global commitments, Pakistan has successfully taken on the challenge of terrorism and extremism. With the support of people of Pakistan, the control and command system as well as organizational infrastructure of terrorist organizations has been broken. Pakistan’s security forces and people have rendered huge sacrifices both in material and physical terms to protect the national identity and preserve the sovereignty of Pakistan.
After a protracted rule of dictatorship, Pakistan has a functioning democracy, independent judiciary, and strong Parliament. Similarly robust media, active civil society and rising middle class are the manifestation of vibrant Pakistan. The Parliament has approved historic constitutional amendments, which have reset the direction of administrative and political power in favor of the federating units.
The passage of the 18th, 19th Constitutional Amendments and consensual adoption of the 7th NFC Award are some of the major steps taken by the present government, which have resulted in strengthening federation. All elements of national power are on the same page on the fundamental operating norms such as democracy. Democratic Pakistan enjoys respect and leverage in the comity of nations.
The Pakistani expatriate community living abroad is also playing an important role in the development of not only their host country but also of Pakistan. You, being the ambassadors of Pakistan, have great responsibility on your shoulders to project the positive elements of present-day Pakistan, which I have stated above.
I would like to congratulate the people of Pakistan and the expatriate community living abroad on the Independence Day.
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani
Prime Minister of Pakistan
