President urges national unity in Independence Day speech

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain stressed on Monday that the people need to shun their differences and come together to secure the country's future.

He was addressing the main Independence Day ceremony being held at Convention Centre, Islamabad. 

The president said in the wake of challenges confronted by the country today, it was imperative to promote moderation and rationality while availing the available opportunities. 

"In such a situation, it is necessary to unite under the Constitution in the national interest by setting aside differences and ensure its supremacy," he said. 

Hussain prayed for the country's welfare and thanked the Chinese guests for attending the ceremony. "This [presence] proves that the relations between the two countries are strong," said the president.

He said the youth should not be dejected when thinking about their future and advised them to strive for the betterment of the country.

"The nation's basic mood is democratic and parliamentary," said the president. 

China's Vice Premier Wang Yang, who is on a visit to Pakistan, was the guest of honour. 

Speaking at the event, Yang expressed gratitude at being invited to the ceremony. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan for eliminating terrorism and maintaining peace in the region. 

He praised the bilateral friendship of the two countries, which has "withstood the test of time". 

"China cannot thank Pakistan enough for its aid in natural disasters as well as support in the United Nations," he said. 

Earlier, Hussain hoisted the national flag following which the national anthem was recited.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, services chiefs and other senior civil and military leaders, as well as foreign dignitaries, are in attendance.

Shehbaz's address in Lahore

Addressing the media after visiting Allama Iqbal's tomb at Lahore's Hazoori Bagh, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said we need to review the balance sheet of the last 70 years to see what we have gained and what we have lost. 

He paid tribute to the founding father and sacrifices of the hundreds of thousands during Partition. 

With regards to India, Shehbaz said that despite having nuclear capability to defend ourselves, we are not an economic superpower. He stressed that with hard work, honesty and commitment, Pakistan can surpass India. 

Earlier, a change of guard ceremony had taken place at Allama Iqbal’s tomb with an army contingent taking over guard duty. 

Quaid's Mausoleum 

In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, along with senior provincial government officials, visited the Mazar-e-Quaid and took part in the flag raising ceremony. 

The otherwise political foes also addressed the media together. The governor said the special development package for Karachi announced by the prime minister earlier will bring about positive change in the metropolis. 

Replying to a question, Shah said the governor is working within his constitutional remit. He was referring to the ongoing tussle between the province and the centre with regards to the Sindh government's repealing of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 in the province. 

Later, Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Farooq Sattar visited the Quaid's tomb. Speaking to the media, he said true independence is economic independence. 

Afterwards, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said "these are troubling times; the leaders of Punjab will have to think [about what to do]". "The PPP has its own principles, we will not support the PML-N in amending the Constitution," he added.

Early morning, a change of guard ceremony had taken place at the Quaid's Mausoleum with a navy contingent taking over guard duties at the tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held in Quetta and Peshawar, where Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri and Chief Minister Pervez Khattak addressed the occasions, respectively. Similar ceremonies were held in the high courts across the country. 

Earlier in the day, the federal and provincial capitals held gun-salutes and separate flag hoisting ceremonies.

In his message, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider wished happy independence to Pakistan. 

He said for 70 years Kashmiris have been awaiting independence.

Hurriyet leader Yasin Malik’s wife Mashal Malik also wished Pakistanis on their 70th Independence Day. 

President, PM's statements 

In a message published earlier, the president called for joint efforts for development and prosperity of the motherland.

He urged the need to promote love and harmony by overcoming hatred and misgivings and secure the future of the nation by turning despondency into hope.

In his message, the prime minister said we have to strengthen and reinforce state institutions so that they can play their prescribed role within the limits of law and the Constitution.

He said only a strong economy can ensure a strong defence.

Abbasi said Pakistan desires positive and constructive relations with all countries and has made efforts to initiate the process of meaningful dialogue but unfortunately the expansionist designs of India have remained the main hurdle in this regard.

The Senate chairman and National Assembly speaker also laid a floral wreath at the Democracy Monument at Parliament House earlier in the day. Speaking to the media, Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani wished the country a happy independence day. 

He stressed on the role of Parliament in strengthening democracy.

With input from APP