Aug 14 , 2015
News'No compromise on security, defence'
Mamnoon says Pakistan wants peaceful relations with all neighbours
APPISLAMABAD – President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday said that Pakistan desired bilateral ties with neighbouring countries including India on the basis of peaceful coexistence, but in case of any threat there would be no compromise on its security and defence.
“We want to resolve all disputes including Kashmir with India through dialogue. We make it clear that we want bilateral ties on the basis of peaceful coexistence, but we will make no compromise on our security and defence in case of any threat,” the president said.
He was addressing the flag hoisting ceremony in connection with the Independence Day of Pakistan. The ceremony held at the Convention Centre was also attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, cabinet members, parliamentarians, three services chiefs, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee chairman, ambassadors, senior government officials and others.
Hosted by famous TV actors Hamza Ali Abbasi and Sanam Jung, the colourful event also featured presentation of documentaries on the Independence Day, Pakistan Movement and national culture. Performance of renowned singers Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Humera Arshad, Fakhir and others on national songs also enthralled the audience comprising students, armed forces personnel, and people from different walks of life.
- Hoisting national flag -
After the hooter was blown, the president hoisted the national flag along with the prime minister amid the melodious tunes of the national anthem. In his address, the president said the fluttering national flag reminded him of the sacrifices rendered by sages and founders of Pakistan, who had broken the shackles of slavery.
He said the level of the passion during Pakistan Movement could be judged by the letters written to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah by the children at that time. He read out three letters in which the schoolchildren donated their pocket money, or money saved by compromising their meals and assured the Quaid-e-Azam of their full support in his strife.
“Today's Pakistan also needs the similar passion to rebuild it in accordance with the dreams of our forefathers. If we look at the crises Pakistan faces today, factually most of them are caused by illiteracy. Narrow-mindedness, extremism and terrorism are also linked to it. Promotion of modern sciences is essential to deal with illiteracy in light of Sir Syed Ahmed's passion,” he remarked.
Calling for being tough at the corrupt elements in the society, the president said the present government was striving to rid Pakistan of economic instability. The economic corridor being developed with the Chinese collaboration was vital bilaterally and regionally. He said the negative and subversive elements had tried to harm national unity, constitution and democracy, but the nation was resolved to foil their designs and stabilise Pakistan’s ideologically, politically and economically.
Earlier, as the president and the prime minister entered the venue, the audience rose on their seats to welcome them. Throughout the ceremony, the recorded messages of ambassadors of various countries were played greeting the government and the people of Pakistan that received applause from the audience.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk