Pakistan Independence Day:

Reach out to victims, heal their wounds - Pakistani President

The Pakistan High Commission and the Pakistani community in Sri Lanka celebrated the 64th Independence Day of Pakistan with traditional fervour and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, dynamic progressive tolerant and democratic Islamic welfare state.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in his message said that today is a watershed mark in the history of the country as on this day 63 years ago, Pakistan was founded as a separate homeland wherein we could live in freedom and shape our lives according to our values. It is therefore an occasion of joy and celebration for all of us.

The enthusiasm of the Independence Day this year, however has been dampened because of the unprecedented floods that have devastated the lives of thousands of people and left scars on the lives of several hundred thousands more in all parts of the country. The best way to celebrate the Independence Day this year therefore is to reach out to the victims of this natural disaster, heal their wounds and help them to help themselves.

In his message, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said, “we are celebrating our 64th Independence Day at a time when the country is up against many challenges of grave nature, the chief being rehabilitation of flood victims, fight against terrorism, struggling economy and ensuring political stability.

The recent floods have wreaked havoc across the country causing human casualties, damaging roads and telecommunication infrastructure, and crops at massive scale. According to the United Nations’ assessment, the total damage done by the floods is more than what the world suffered in Tsunami in 2004 and what Pakistan had to face in the aftermath of earthquake in October 2005.

Similarly, terrorists and extremists are out to impose their exclusive and conservative agenda on the peaceful Pakistani nation. Our national economy has been hit hard both by the ongoing war against terrorism and natural disasters. In her message Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Mariam Saeed thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Sri Lankan people for their support, kindness, thoughtfulness and prayers for Pakistan in this moment of great distress.

She said that Pakistan will never forget the physical and moral support rendered to us by its Sri Lankan friends during these difficult times.

This gesture of Sri Lankan Government and the Sri Lankan people will further strengthen our traditionally close and cordial relations. And to reciprocate it, on the occasion of our Independence Day, I wish to extend to the people of Sri Lanka, its leadership and the Government of President Rajapaksa, continued growth, success and peace in the years ahead.

A large number of Pakistani community, Embassy officials, dignitaries, media men and others attended the ceremony.