On this Pakistan Day, we pay homage to the founding fathers of Pakistan whose services and sacrifices led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent.
Today, we reaffirm our resolve to make Pakistan an economically stronger and prosperous country.
On this historic day, we vow to continue our struggle to make our society humane, inclusive, and tolerant to other minorities residing in Pakistan. We also pledge to uphold democratic values, rule of law, and the Islamic way of life in our country as envisioned by our founding fathers.
On this day, we must also remember our Kashmiri brethren who have been subjugated for more than seven decades by the Indian security forces. They have been subjected to the worst form of repression and state-sponsored terrorism. We pledge our commitment to continue to support Kashmiris in their just struggle for their right to self-determination.
The world must take notice of blatant human rights violations being committed by India in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The key to durable peace in South Asia is resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Today, we also salute our heroes, particularly the health workers and other concerned agencies, who have played a great role in containing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and providing healthcare to people in their hour of need. We laud our health professionals for their untiring efforts and for selflessly serving the nation during the crisis.
I am sure that with unity, faith, and discipline we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. May Allah be with us all.
Pakistan Paindabad.
• Dr. Arif Alvi is the president of Pakistan.
