Karachi: Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah have said that Pakistan’s Independence Day was an occasion to renew nation’s commitment to the principles of unity, faith and discipline.
Talking to the media persons during their visit to Quaid’s masoleum on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day on Friday, they said, ‘We have visited the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah today and prayed for the integrity, unity and progress of the country.’
The Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said that the country came into existence after sacrifices of our forefathers. He said that the nation would have to follow the principles of Quaid for the development of the country.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that the struggle for independence had begun in 1857 and gained momentum in Sindh’s separation from the Bombay Presidency.
He said that the elders of Sindh had foiled conspiracy to keep Sindh part of the Bombay Presidency. He recalled that the Sindh Assembly was the first provincial assembly to pass a resolution in favour of Pakistan on March 3, 1943.
Murad Ali Shah said that the Sindh played a leading role in laying the foundation of and creating Pakistan. He urged the nation to follow Quaid-e-Azam’s principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline. ‘We must unite to defend Pakistan’s borders and its foundations,’ he said adding that Independence Day was also an occasion to remember the founders of Pakistan and all those who had made sacrifices for the country. Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the Chief Minister said that Shaheed Bhutto made Pakistan a nuclear power and embraced martyrdom without bowing before anyone.
He also paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, saying she strengthened Pakistan’s missile technology and never compromised on the country’s sovereignty, ultimately sacrificing her life for Pakistan.
The Sindh Chief Minister congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and the federal and provincial governments on Independence Day.
Referring to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he said that Bilawal had handled the foreign ministry effectively during a difficult period and represented Pakistan’s position around the world, particularly during his visit to India.
He said that when India had cast an ‘evil eye’ on Pakistan about a year and a half ago, the entire nation had united.
Shah said that the armed forces, government, political forces, farmers, workers and youth stood together like a wall of steel for the country,’ He expressed hope and prayed for an end to grievances and improvement in the situation in Azad Kashmir.
He said that our elders have played their role in its development and protection, and our youth will continue to do so. Shah condemned the ongoing oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He also strongly condemned Israeli atrocities against Palestinians, He extended heartfelt 79th Independence Day greetings to all Pakistanis living across the world.
