PM, ministers to celebrate Independence Day in AJK

Prime Minister Imran Khan will celebrate the Independence Day of Pakistan in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) where he is scheduled to address the legislative assembly after India revoked Article 370 of the Constitution which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Imran, accompanied by several ministers, will fly to Muzaffarabad on Wednesday and hold an all-parties’ conference there. He will be presented with a Guard of Honour.

“The Pak PM will be travelling by helicopter for his one-day trip to Azad Kashmir, along with other ministers,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Besides, he will also hold meetings with other political representatives, including the All Parties Hurriyat Conference members and other Kashmiri leaders, according to IANS.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had visited Muzaffarabad on the occasion of Eid on Monday and had prepared the ground for Imran Khan’s visit.

“Pakistani nation and political leadership is united on the issue of Kashmir and one voice will be sounded on Aug.14 in support of Kashmiris,” Qureshi had said. Pakistan has already announced that it will observe Aug.15, Indian Independence Day, as a black day.

In a tweet, on Sunday, Imran lashed out at the Narendra Modi government and compared the ideology of the RSS to that of the Nazis.

Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi stressed upon unity and harmony among the ranks of the nation to face the challenges and issues confronted by the country for achieving the national objectives of progress and prosperity.

The president, in his message on the 73rd Independence Day, observed that all the segments of society should work hard, irrespective of the factional or individual interests.   

He called upon all the citizens to play their due part in the progress and development of the country.

Felicitating the countrymen, Alvi said their forefathers had given immense sacrifices and due to their untiring efforts, Pakistan emerged on the world’s globe as an independent country on Aug.14, 1947.

“No doubt, freedom is a huge blessing. Now onus is upon us to present Pakistan as highly reputable, progressive and prosperous country among the comity of nations and thus transforming Pakistan under the visions of its founding leaders Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.”

The president also reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance over Kashmir issue by extending full assurance to the Kashmiris, struggling for freedom from the Indian subjugation, of its political, moral and diplomatic support.

Imran, in his message on the 73rd Independence Day said:  “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 his/her life in accordance with the golden tenets of Islam, a state where democratic norms could flourish and rule of law prevailed, and where compassion characterised the bonds between the state and citizens. To this end, the state of Madina is our model.” Ahmed Amjad Ali, Consul General of Pakistan, felicitated Pakistanis living in the UAE on the occasion of Independence Day.

“The UAE and Pakistan enjoy historical relations. For more than four decades, the Pakistani diaspora has contributed to a lasting bond of friendship between our countries. Today, nearly 1.6 million Pakistanis live in the UAE. They remain committed to UAE’s continued development and progress and have adopted a more inclusive approach to be part of mainstream Emirati society.”

“Due to tremendous sacrifices by the valiant civil and armed forces personnel, peace and stability has returned to Pakistan. Today’s Pakistan is an inclusive, tolerant and forward looking society, Pakistan is as safe as any other place in the world.

“The government of Pakistan has initiated a new visa policy by providing the facilities of online visas and also visas on arrival for nationals of various countries. UAE is one of the five initial countries, which are now part of this new visa policy,” he added.