Sada-e-Watan Sydney ™
sadaewatan@gmail.com
High Commissioner’s Message for the Pakistani community on the occasion of Independence Day – 14 August 2007
I am delighted to greet my Pakistani
brothers and sisters living in Australia and Fiji Islands on the auspicious
occasion of the Independence Day of Pakistan.
2. Pakistan has come a long way in the 61 years of its existence. We still have
to work hard to fulfill the dreams of our Founding Father Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad
Ali Jinnah as well as those who struggled hard for an independent country.
3. We are proud of the fact that Pakistan, a country of 160 million people is
playing a significant rule in the maintenance of peace and security in the
region and the world. Pakistan today is considered a partner in the fight
against international terrorism, poverty, social injustice and exploitation.
Being a moderate Islamic country, Pakistan acts as a bridge between the Islamic
world and the West.
4. It is a matter of great satisfaction that our economic performance in terms
of macro-economic stability, growth, poverty reduction and employment generation
has been stellar. Apart from 7% GDP growth rate achieved by Pakistan during the
last 4 years, other economic indicators are also very positive. Our exports have
doubled, fiscal deficit has been reduced, external debt has been halved, poverty
incidence has fallen and unemployment rate has been reduced significantly. Per
Capita Income has grown manifold It is due to the strength of our economy that
Pakistan received Foreign Direct Investment of more than 5 billion dollars last
year. Despite enormous challenges faced by Pakistan, we are moving in a positive
direction. Our economic development is being sighted as a reference point by
international organizations. By the Grace of God the democratic institutions
have been strengthened. We have a vibrant Parliament, an independent judiciary
and the Government is committed to good governance. We have been able to
establish a polity where minorities enjoy full rights and women have been
empowered at all levels. The Government has evolved a Poverty Reduction Strategy
and is firmly committed to providing health and education facilities to all its
citizens.
5. Since independence Pakistan has withstood many challenges domestic as well as
external. In order to meet all the multifarious challenges faced by Pakistan
both a home and internationally, all Pakistanis whether living in Pakistan or
abroad will have to work hard to make Pakistan a prosperous and strong country.
The Pakistani community living outside Pakistan has been at the forefront in
helping their country of birth. They are considered as one of the most
law-abiding and hard working communities abroad. The Pakistani Australian
community has also contributed significantly in the development of
Pakistan-Australia bilateral relations. I am happy to inform that Pakistan
Australia relations are improving significantly. Besides strong economic and
political ties, we share a common desire to have peace and stability in the
world and we are both partners in our fight against international terrorism.
6. I would like to take this opportunity to felicitate all of you on this day.
We should reaffirm our pledge to stand together as a nation, united to face the
challenges with courage and fortitude and work hard to make our nation stronger
and more prosperous.
