75th Independence Day: A nation on the move

Jamil Khan, Gulf Today

Dr Arif Alvi, President of Pakistan said: “I wish to share in the happiness of my fellow countrymen on the auspicious occasion of the 75th Independence Day of Pakistan. This day reminds us to pay rich tribute to the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement who created a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian sub-continent.

During this 74 years journey, Pakistan faced many challenges but it successfully overcame them with hard work, sacrifices and the support of the entire nation. Pakistanis are a brilliant and brave nation, that has made tremendous successes in various fields making the country distinguished from other nations.”

Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, said: “As we hoist our national flag to mark Independence Day, we must reiterate the firm resolve to uphold our national values of unity, faith and discipline as envisioned by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. We have surmounted monumental challenges during the course of our history to emerge as a united, peaceful and resilient nation. Even today, the changing regional dynamics along with some domestic issues continue to test our resolve. Like each time, we will also overcome these obstacles with our characteristic determination and come out stronger as a nation.  

Pakistan today can stand tall among the comity of nations. Our policies towards reviving the economy, handling the pandemic, and protecting the environment have received universal acclaim.

On this occasion, we should not forget our Kashmiri brothers and sisters struggling for their right to self-determination under extremely adverse circumstances marked by illegal Indian occupation and unspeakable repression.”

Afzaal Mahmood, Pakistan Ambassador to the UAE, said: “It is indeed a matter of great honour and pleasure for me to extend warmest greetings to fellow Pakistanis in the UAE on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day 2021. It was on 14th August 1947 when Pakistan emerged on the world map as an independent state. This was a result of political, democratic and constitutional struggle of our forefathers under the able and selfless leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Today, we bow our heads to convey deepest gratitude to Almighty Allah for blessing us with our own country. We also pay homage to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the martyrs of Pakistan Movement who laid their lives to secure a better future for us.

“While we have achieved a lot during the brief history of our country, a lot more needs to be done to be recognised as a great nation. The Government of Pakistan is fast tracking socio-economic development to ensure wellbeing of our people.

Hassan Afzal Khan, Consul General of Pakistan, said: “Today marks the 75th Independence day of Pakistan. On this occasion I wish to convey heartiest felicitations to my fellow citizens in the UAE. It was on 14th August 1947, the Muslims of Sub-continent under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, gained independence. The day reminds us of the unmatched sacrifices rendered by our forefathers to protect and safeguard our religious, cultural and social values. Today we pay tribute to our forefathers for their struggles and sacrifices in creation of our beautiful homeland.

Almost 1.6 million Pakistanis live in UAE, making them the second largest expatriate community outside Pakistan. They have contributed immensely through their dedication, hard work and commitment to the development of Pakistan and of the UAE.”