BY: FT Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD —National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has congratulated the nation on Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, saying that August 14 is a landmark day in the country’s history and an opportunity to thank Allah Almighty for the blessing of freedom, pay tribute to the sacrifices made for Pakistan, and renew the resolve to make the country stronger, prosperous and developed.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said Pakistan was the result of the long struggle, determination and immense sacrifices of the Muslims of the subcontinent. He stressed that Independence Day should remind the nation of its responsibilities and encourage everyone to put national interests above personal, political, ethnic and regional differences.
He said national unity, tolerance, democratic continuity, supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law were essential for a strong, stable and prosperous Pakistan. He also paid tribute to the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the country’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
The Speaker said Pakistan would continue to play its responsible role in promoting regional and global peace through dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes. He described the recent Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as an important step towards strengthening mutual trust, cooperation and collective security.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the responsibilities of independence extended beyond protecting national borders and sovereignty. Building a Pakistan where every citizen has equal opportunities, justice, quality education, healthcare, employment and access to economic opportunities was also a national responsibility.
He emphasized empowering the country’s youth through modern education, skills, research, artificial intelligence and digital technology, saying that young people were Pakistan’s most valuable asset and the key to its bright future.
The Speaker also paid tribute to the women who played a vital role in the Pakistan Movement, including Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan and Begum Jahan Ara Shah Nawaz.
He said Pakistan must be developed in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the ideals of Allama Muhammad Iqbal as a strong, sovereign, democratic, constitutional, welfare-oriented and economically stable state.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir and Palestine in their struggle for the right to self-determination, reaffirming Pakistan’s continued support for their legitimate rights.
He said Pakistan’s progress, security and prosperity were a shared national responsibility and called for unity, hard work, honesty, discipline and prioritizing national interests.
The Speaker prayed that Allah Almighty bless Pakistan with lasting peace, stability, progress and prosperity, protect the country from all internal and external challenges, and accept the sacrifices of its martyrs and veterans. Ameen.
