Pakistan: President Alvi urges leaders to resolve differences on 77th Independence Day

Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi on Monday appealed to political leaders to put aside differences and estrangement on the 77th Independence Day of his country, which is facing economic crisis. Pakistan celebrated its anniversary of independence amid political and economic turmoil. At the flag-hoisting ceremony held at the convention center here, the President thanked friendly nations like China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran and Turkey for helping Pakistan during the economic crisis. He expressed confidence that Pakistan can become a developed country in a few years. Appealing political leaders and parties to follow the path of ‘forgiveness’, Alvi said, “I appeal to the leaders of this country to unite.” The President said that to achieve progress, it is important to get rid of nepotism, promote talent and ensure justice for all, especially in the socio-economic sphere.

He expressed grief over the fact that 2.7 crore children of the country do not go to school. He requested the rich class of the country to come forward and make arrangements for the education of these children. The President also noted the greater participation of women in economic activities. On terrorism, he said that about one lakh people have been killed in the fight against terrorism and assured that Pakistan is committed to fight against terrorism. Separately, in a special message, Alvi urged the citizens to work towards the welfare and upliftment of the underprivileged sections of the society. He said, “It is time to renew our commitment to build a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan as envisioned by the Father of the Nation. I urge my countrymen to work for the welfare and upliftment of the underprivileged sections of our society. The President also reiterated the need for national unity to overcome social, political, economic and security challenges.

Outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a message on the occasion of Independence Day that the country has defeated many difficulties and achieved many achievements, yet the story of Pakistan has not yet reached its end. Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers and said the country knows how to defend its hard-won independence. In his address at the Pakistan Military Academy’s Independence Parade in Kakul late Sunday evening, the army chief said the nation has maintained this tradition of celebrating freedom, equality and the pursuit of happiness, which we must cherish. General Munir acknowledged that the country has faced numerous challenges, from geopolitical conflicts to internal threats. He said, “I want to warn them all in the words of our great Quaid that there is no power on earth that can destroy Pakistan. He also said that the army is ready to defend the sovereignty of the country at any cost.

Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan also released a pre-recorded message for Independence Day and urged the countrymen that they should strive for the progress of Pakistan. The Independence Day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital Islamabad and 21 gun salutes in the provincial capitals, Radio Pakistan reported. Prayers were offered in the mosques for the peace, unity and prosperity of the country. A minute’s silence followed by the sound of sirens throughout the country to mark the start of the flag-hoisting ceremony at 9 am. ‘Change of Guard’ ceremonies were held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi and Maza-e-Iqbal in Lahore.

Disclaimer: IndiaTheNews has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.