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Message on 60th Independence Day Anniversary of Pakistan for Readers of
Sada-e-Watan
Dr Ashraf Choudhary QSO -
Member of Parliament -
New Zealand
Pakistani people in
Pakistan and across the globe are celebrating the 60th anniversary of Pakistan's
independence. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all Pakistanis in New
Zealand, Australia and elsewhere at this auspicious occasion.
The creation of Pakistan was, no doubt, the finest hour of its history.
Pakistani people saw in it the promise of long-cherished freedom, democracy and
prosperity.
The vision of a democratic and progressive Pakistan was unambiguously
articulated in a resolution adopted at the first meeting of the Council of the
Pakistan Muslim League in December 1947, when it pledged
"To work for an ideal democratic state based on social justice, as an upholder
of human freedom and world peace, in which all citizens will enjoy equal rights
and be free from fear, want and ignorance."
Pakistan has made significant achievements over last 60 years. These need to be
celebrated. Unfortunately, Pakistan's difficulties have been aggravated by inept
political leadership, weakened political institutions, incessant corruption and
general aversion to the rule of law. There has also been constant erosion of law
and order.
This is not what the founders of Pakistan had envisioned when they led the
struggle of the Muslims of South Asia for a separate homeland. Pakistan did not
come into being merely as a geographical entity or an empty idea. It represented
the collective resolve of its people to live in peace and with dignity and
honour, as a free nation, imbued with Islamic ideology and democratic values.
Pakistan needs to harness the unique asset of its people and its geographical
location for economic growth. She needs to be stable politically and strong
economically with a moderate, liberal and progressive outlook. We need to
celebrate freedom from ignorance, hatred, war, illusions, power and control. A
freedom day is one where we can all love each other as human beings and cast out
our fears and hatreds from our hearts.
A culture of social integration and cohesion is required to reinforce national
unity. There is need for an effective and realistic foreign policy premised on
economic diplomacy and friendly relations with all (enmity with none) and
focused on protecting Pakistan's vital national interests.
Both New Zealand and Australia have enjoyed friendly diplomatic relationship
with Pakistan for many years. The opening of the Pakistani High Commission in
Wellington has been a welcome news for all Pakistanis and others in New Zealand.
We look forward to further improvement and deepening in relations in
agriculture, trade, education, politics and tourism between the two countries.
Our countries are members of UNO, Commonwealth and many other international
organisations. There are huge opportunities for further cooperation and
collaboration between our nations.
Once again, I wish every Pakistani a happy 60th anniversary celebration on this
occasion.
