President Arif Alvi says Pakistan is an emerging nation, on the course of rapid development.
Addressing the nation after unfurling national flag at the main flag hoisting ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Saturday, the President said the country is heading in right direction to become a strong nation.
Paying glowing tributes to struggle and sacrifices of founding fathers, President Arif Alvi recalled that the country achieved major successes in different fields and surmounted many challenges ever since its independence.
He stressed the need to inculcate a hope in the nation and reject all sorts of negative propaganda and fake news against the country.
Dr Arif Alvi said though Pakistan suffered human and material losses in the war against terrorism but came out victorious for which our security forces, society and the people deserve appreciation for defeating the terrorism which the super powers failed to achieve.
President Arif Alvi said Prime Minister Imran Khan set an example of compassion during the pandemic by pursuing a pro poor policy.
The President said despite Covid-19, our economy is on the growth trajectory.
He also appreciated the initiatives of Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme, Kamyab Jawan and Ten Billion Tree Tsunami programs.
Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistani nation demonstrated its morality and values by hosting millions of Afghan refugees.
He said it is because of the nation's capability and talent that it achieved the capability of nuclear deterrence in a matter of seven years after India conducted the nuclear tests in 1974.
President Arif Alvi said despite three wars were imposed on Pakistan and it was entangled in the arms race, but now it is turning into an industrial and IT state and the nation is leading the country towards knowledge economy.
He said that the present government had offered peace to India when it came to power, but India misconstruing the offer as weakness, resorted to aggression against Pakistan which was befittingly responded.
Alluding to the Indian atrocities in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, President Arif Alvi said the world community should take notice of the dire situation.
He said India is trying to change the demographic structure of the disputed territory through its illegal steps. He said the RSS ideology poses a threat to the regional peace.
The President said the minorities within India especially the Muslims are not even safe because of this extremist ideology.
Referring to the recent Lahore incident, the President said India is also involved in acts to sabotage Pakistan's peace.
Voicing concerns over the current situation in Afghanistan, the President asked the parties to pursue the course of peace.
He said Pakistan desires peace in the neighbouring country as the conflict there affects Pakistan the most.
On the occasion, the national songs were also presented.
Source: Radio Pakistan