Message on 79th Independence Day: Zardari urges people to honour sacrifices behind country’s creation

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called on Pakistanis to honour the sacrifices behind the country’s creation by strengthening the economy, empowering youth, advancing democratic and institutional reforms, and contributing to peace and stability in the region.

In his message on Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, the president said August 14 was a day to remember the sacrifices of those who made the creation of Pakistan possible, paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement and millions who sacrificed their homes, security and livelihoods for a separate homeland.

“Independence is not only a historic achievement. It is also a responsibility that each generation must carry forward,” he said, stressing that Pakistan, created through the democratic will of its people, must continue to become stronger, safer and more prosperous.

Referring to the events surrounding the Marka-e-Haq during the past year, President Zardari said they had demonstrated that Pakistan desired peace but possessed the resolve and capability to defend its sovereignty and national interests.

He said Pakistan’s strength must ultimately be accompanied by responsibility, adding that a country capable of defending itself must also use its strength to prevent conflict, preserve peace and protect the interests of its people.

The president paid tribute to the martyrs of the Armed Forces, law-enforcement agencies and police, as well as their families, saying their sacrifices had helped protect the country from external aggression and terrorism.

“The people of Pakistan remain deeply grateful for their service,” he said.

Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic role in promoting dialogue in the region, President Zardari said the country had effectively used its communication channels, geographical position and diplomatic capital to encourage dialogue and de-escalation at a time when a wider conflict could have serious consequences for the region and the world.

He reiterated that Pakistan believed disputes, regardless of their seriousness, should ultimately be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

“Our security is linked to the peace and stability of our neighbourhood and the world at large,” he said, adding that Pakistan would continue supporting initiatives aimed at reducing tensions, safeguarding regional stability and creating opportunities for cooperation.

Turning to domestic priorities, the president said the country must focus on strengthening the economy, creating opportunities for young people, improving education and skills, and reinforcing institutions through governance, economic and social reforms.

He described the youth as Pakistan’s “greatest strength”, saying young Pakistanis were demonstrating their abilities in science, technology, business, education and the creative industries both at home and abroad.

“Our responsibility is to give them the education, skills and opportunities they need to realise their potential,” he said.

President Zardari said national progress should ultimately be measured by its impact on ordinary citizens, including access to quality education and healthcare, better career opportunities and greater economic confidence for farmers, workers, traders and businesses.

“The strength of Pakistan will ultimately be judged by whether our national progress improves the lives of its people,” he said.

The president also reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated Islamabad’s support for a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of its people and relevant United Nations resolutions.

On Afghanistan, President Zardari said Pakistan had always respected and supported its neighbour’s national sovereignty despite historical differences and expected the same reciprocity.

He criticised the Afghan interim government, saying that it was allowing and supporting militant groups to use Afghan soil to launch attacks against neighbouring countries, including Pakistan.

“Sadly, the Taliban regime of Afghanistan is collaborating with India in launching terror attacks against Pakistani civilians and security personnel,” he said, alleging that such actions were intended to undermine Pakistan’s peace-building efforts.

President Zardari warned the Afghan authorities to stop what he described as “evil actions” against the Pakistani people and said the country’s Armed Forces were capable of defeating threats against Pakistan.

Concluding his message, the president called upon all Pakistanis to play their part in the country’s progress, regardless of their field of work.

“May Allah Almighty protect Pakistan, grant peace and prosperity to our people, strengthen our country and guide us towards a better future,” he prayed.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026