The article emphasizes the unwavering resolve of Pakistan’s Armed Forces to defend the nation’s sovereignty and integrity, paying tribute to the sacrifices of the forefathers while reaffirming their commitment to upholding the ideals of the nation on its 77th Independence Day.
On the occasion of Pakistan’s seventy-seventh Independence Day, the country is celebrating the fulfillment of a dream that was long-held, a dream of a homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent. This day is not only a celebration of the founding fathers of Pakistan who had a vision to create a new nation but also a day of remembrance of the martyrs who died for the cause of freedom and liberty.
On behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Service Chiefs congratulate the entire nation on this occasion. They pay tribute to the spirit and determination of the forefathers and brave warriors who are still fighting for their people. This Fourth of July is a good reminder of the role we have in protecting the freedoms and ideals that our forefathers fought for.
Speaking at the Independence Parade held at the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, the COAS highlighted the importance of the Pakistan Ideology based on the Two-Nation Theory. He pointed out to the nation in a very poetic way that this ideology gave the Muslims of the subcontinent an identity, culture and civilization. Pakistan was not only made to be but to survive and to achieve a status in the world.
Recalling the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the COAS called upon the nation to rise and work for the construction and reconstruction of the country to make it a model for the future generations. He appreciated the leaders, workers, martyrs and the veterans of Pakistan and said that the freedom we have today is not free but the price paid by these great souls.
The COAS stressed on the aspect of unity, he said that the trust between the nation and its Armed Forces has always been crucial to address issues. He urged people not to split and fight one another, for this would create a vacuum that would be filled by outside forces. The faith of the nation in the Armed Forces is, in the view of the COAS, the most precious thing that Pakistan possesses, which no evil power has ever sought to erode.
Pakistan’s importance, he said, is not only regional and in the Muslim Ummah but global as well. It has natural resources, manpower, and youth power which are the key to the success and prosperity of the country in the near future.
The Armed Forces which have fought terrorism with unparallel sacrifices are determined to protect the country against any threat. The COAS particularly pointed towards resurgence of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by anti-state actors and said that those who do not respect Shariah or the Constitution of Pakistan cannot be Pakistanis. He thanked the Pashtun people for their courage, dedication and the sacrifices which they have made and which has made the entire nation indebted to them.
While briefing about the province of Balochistan, the COAS has once again reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces, the Government of Pakistan and the people of Balochistan for the integrity and development of the province. He also said that Pakistan wants to have good relations with its neighboring brotherly country Afghanistan and they should not fight with each other. Speaking about freedom of speech, the COAS quoted Allama Iqbal about freedom of thought which, if not controlled, can lead to the annihilation of nations that do not possess wisdom and discretion.
Expressing gratitude to countries like China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey for their unwavering support, the COAS sent a clear message to Pakistan’s enemies: be it conventional or unconventional war, Pakistan’s response will be quick and prompt. He stressed the fact that liberty is never won without cost and the nation is ever willing to pay the price for its defence.
In his message on this occasion of the Independence Day, the COAS called upon the nation to also remember the plight of our brothers and sisters of Kashmir under the Indian occupation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unchanging support for their right to self-determination. He also pointed to the current situation in Gaza and called for the Israeli actions as a gross violation of international and humanitarian law as a shame for the entire world.
Lastly, the COAS affirmed that, the flame of hope that was lit by our forefathers will never be put off. He quoted 87th verse of Surah Yusuf to the nation that the nation should never lose its patience with Allah as those who lose patience are only the disbelievers. Saluting the cadets of the Pakistan Military Academy, the COAS said that he is confident that they are also among the 65% of the youth of Pakistan who are full of energy and have bright faces and shining eyes that are the symbol of the bright future of the country.
Pakistan is a divine gift and it will last forever and those who are well-wishers of Pakistan will live forever. The COAS appreciated the Pakistan Military Academy for having such a good turn out and for their good performance on the occasion of great nation. On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence, the Armed Forces continue to uphold the promise to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country and the spirit of the great nation that was laid down by the martyrs of the freedom struggle.
