This year’s Pakistan Day will go down in the country’s history as a memorable day when a democratically elected parliament and government have completed their constitutional mandate for the first time and the nation is poised for a democratic transition. It is indeed a watershed and a giant leap forward in the nation’s quest for democracy, federalism and constitutionalism for which Pakistan was created. On this auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day, I would like to greet the entire nation of Pakistan today and also appeal to the people to recommit themselves to these principles. Seventy-three years ago on this day, the Muslims of the subcontinent decided to achieve an independent homeland for themselves and then decided to actually achieve it in the short span of seven years. It is thus an auspicious day as it symbolizes the expression of the collective will of the Muslims of the subcontinent and is a reminder of their unity of thought in the pursuit of a common destiny. Every year, Pakistan Day is an opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the ideals for which Pakistan was created. It is also an opportunity to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, as well as all those who fought, suffered and sacrificed for the cause. Let us remember today that Pakistan came into being as a result of a democratic struggle and its survival and well-being also depend on democracy. It is a manifestation of the democratic ethos of our people that the elected parliament first purged the constitution of dictatorial clauses and then completed its full five-year term. I would like to commend the nation for this. Let us decide today that we will not allow anyone to trample the democratic aspirations of the people. This requires us to work in a spirit of tolerance, mutual accommodation and respect for differing opinions. It also requires parliament, the people and all state institutions to work in harmony. My Allah bless us in our efforts to prove ourselves as worthy inheritors of the homeland and heritage bequeathed to us by our forefathers.
