ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (Alliance News): Chairman of the Nazriya Pakistan Council Trust, Mian Muhammad Javed, on Friday said Pakistan is a divine blessing achieved through the unparalleled sacrifices of the Muslims of the subcontinent, adding that the country had defied all predictions of failure and emerged as a respected and strong nation under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He expressed these views while addressing a flag-hoisting ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Quaid, Islamabad, to commemorate Pakistan’s 80th Independence Day.
Presiding over the ceremony, Mian Muhammad Javed said that at the time of Pakistan’s creation, many in India believed the newly established state would not survive for more than three months and would eventually be forced to merge back with India.
“History has proved them wrong,” he said, adding that despite enormous economic, political and administrative challenges, Pakistan stood firmly on its own feet and, through determination and visionary leadership, transformed itself into a stable, sovereign and resilient nation.
He said Pakistan had today earned honour and respect in the international community by successfully defending its sovereignty and demonstrating its capabilities despite facing adversaries much larger in size and resources.
Referring to the country’s growing strategic significance, Mian Muhammad Javed said Pakistan’s defence had become stronger than ever before, and several friendly countries were now seeking closer strategic and defence cooperation with Islamabad.
He noted that after Saudi Arabia, more countries were entering into defence partnerships with Pakistan, reflecting growing international confidence in the country’s military capability and strategic importance.
He said these achievements were a source of pride for every Pakistani and demonstrated Pakistan’s increasing role in promoting regional peace and stability.
Addressing students and young participants, Mian Muhammad Javed described the youth as Pakistan’s greatest national asset.
“You are the bright future of Pakistan. You are talented, capable and full of potential. Therefore, there is no reason to fear for Pakistan’s future,” he said.
He urged young people to dedicate themselves to education, research, innovation, character-building and national service, stressing that the country’s future prosperity depended upon an educated, disciplined and patriotic younger generation.
The chairman said Pakistan’s progress required unity, hard work and adherence to the principles envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, urging citizens to play their role in strengthening democratic institutions, economic development and national cohesion.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson of Taleem Network Pakistan (TNP), a project of the Nazriya Pakistan Council Trust, Razina Alam Khan, said the organisation was committed to educating young Pakistanis about the ideological foundations of the country’s creation.
She said it was essential for the younger generation to understand the Two-Nation Theory, which provided the ideological basis for the establishment of Pakistan.
Razina Alam Khan said educating youth about Pakistan’s history and ideology would strengthen their national identity and inspire them to contribute positively toward the country’s development.
She emphasized that awareness of the historical struggle for independence would help younger generations appreciate the sacrifices made by their forefathers and encourage them to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and ideological identity.
Earlier, the national flag was hoisted with national enthusiasm, followed by the collective singing of the National Anthem of Pakistan by participants.
Hafiz Ikram Mahmood later led a special prayer for Pakistan’s peace, prosperity, security, unity and continued progress.
The ceremony was attended by Senior Vice Chairman Faisal Zahid Malik, Executive Secretary Gauhar Zahid Malik, Executive Council members Nargis Nasser and Ambassador Salahuddin Chaudhry, Director Administration and Finance Sultan Hamid Malik, Director Media and Programs Hameed Qaiser, Senior Girl Guide Mahnoor Ali, office-bearers of the Trust, National Girl Guides, students, teachers, parents and a large number of citizens from different walks of life.
Participants renewed their pledge to uphold the ideals of Pakistan’s founding fathers and work collectively for a peaceful, prosperous and progressive nation.
