President Dr. Arif Alvi stated that the day would come when Pakistan will be economically powerful and affluent.
In a statement on the occasion of Pakistan Day, which was observed on March 23, he noted that Pakistan Day was a watershed moment in the subcontinent’s history on many levels. The Muslims altered their demand from separate electorates to a separate state on this day in 1940.
He went on to say that the Muslims made it obvious to the British that the partition of the subcontinent could not be postponed any longer, and that the Congress was not a representative political party of the Muslims.
“On this historic day, therefore, it becomes our duty to pay homage to the founding fathers of this nation for taking timely and prudent political decisions. The demand for a separate homeland for Muslims has proved to be politically correct over time.”
He claimed that the illegal accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India, denial of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, human rights violations in the valley, forcible disappearances, persecution of minorities, communication blockade, and extrajudicial killings were sufficient grounds to believe that the leaders of the time had a clear vision of what lay ahead for them if they remained at the mercy of India’s Hindu majority.
“Achieving national freedom is considered as half work done in such struggles. The remaining half, being crucial for a state’s security and stability, is equally important. This includes blending of various ethnic and minority groups into a single nation, ensuring the supremacy of law, curbing differences on the basis of social and class status, eliminating terrorism and internal disturbances, achieving economic growth, promoting good relations with the world, especially with the neighboring countries, and above all, protecting human rights of all the citizens of the state.”
“These tasks are achievable. The way the Pakistani nation has overcome polio and COVID-19, there remains no doubt that the challenges which Pakistan is facing now can be addressed by the collective efforts of all. We need to stand united and collectively work for the unity and socio-economic development of the country to materialize the dream of our forefathers. May Allah be with us all. Ameen!,” he concluded.
