By Uzma Zafar
ISLAMABAD: The whole nation and its leadership have reiterated firm resolve to transform the country into a true Islamic welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
March 23, the Pakistan Day, has a special significance not only in the history of Pakistan but also in the Islamic world when the Muslims of the subcontinent began their struggle by passing a historic resolution for establishment of a separate homeland based on a single ideology. As a result of the seven-year’s unprecedented struggle and invaluable sacrifices, Pakistan came into being on August 14, 1947 after the passage of Lahore Resolution, commonly known the Pakistan Resolution, on March 23, 1940.
This was the day when the Muslims living in the subcontinent decided to have an independent state, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Since the creation of Pakistan, under the ideology of ‘one-nation one-destination,’ the entire nation celebrates this day with zeal and fervor to achieve the goals of a strong and prosperous Pakistan. Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser sees this day as of utmost importance. “March 23rd has great significance in our history. On this day we celebrate our independence. On this day we had laid foundation for achieving a great target.”
However, he noted, “although the goal of establishing an independent state had been achieved but the nation was still moving towards its real destination of self-sufficiency and prosperity.”
He expressed hope that Pakistan would soon become a state as dreamt by its founders. “Our government is taking far-reaching steps to transform the country into a state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam.” Asad Qaiser appreciated the role of Armed Forces in national defence and termed them as ‘great and valuable asset’ for the nation playing an important role to ensure national integrity and sovereignty. “I must pay homage to ‘Jawans’ who sacrificed their lives in line of duty to defend the motherland.”
He called upon all segments of society to fully participate in celebrating Pakistan Day to prove them to be a lively and vibrant nation. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan highlighted background and objectives of the Pakistan Day that had a basis on just socio-economic principles. “Our elders created an independent homeland for us and now it is our responsibility to take practical measures instead of raising mere slogans.”
He said it was unfortunate that with the passage of time we forgot our commitment to the nation and could not carry forward the vision of the creators of Pakistan. “It seems an outcome of the failures of our predecessors that people elected Imran Khan as Prime Minister with a hope to achieve the goal of a welfare state.”
The minister called for promoting the culture of self-accountability and said, “let us promise on this March 23rd that everyone holds himself accountable for his deeds. Let us rethink whether we all are doing justice to our country and the nation.” He also mentioned to the sufferings of people of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, who were blood-bathed whenever they said “We are Pakistanis, Pakistan is ours.”
