President Dr. Arif Alvi has urged the political leadership and the people to get united to take the country in the direction of progress and development.

Addressing the nation after unfurling the national flag at the main flag hoisting ceremony held at Convention Center in Islamabad today, he said this is demand of time that  Quaid Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's message of Unity, Faith and Discipline is truly followed.

He stressed that it is unity that makes a nation. He said the time has not yet passed and the path is open for Pakistan. He was confident that Pakistan can become a developed country in a matter of few years.

The President urged the politicians and other stakeholders to embrace the path of forgiveness, drawing inspiration from the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The President stressed the importance of embracing the core values of Islam, stating that veering away from these principles would exacerbate the situation. He highlighted the necessity of breaking free from nepotism, promoting meritocracy, and ensuring comprehensive justice, particularly in the socio-economic sphere, in order to progress. 

Arif Alvi said promoting education is of paramount importance to alleviate poverty. He regretted that our twenty seven million children are out of school. He said the affluent class should come forward and make arrangements for their education.  Similarly, he said ensuring better health is also pivotal to address the issue of poverty.

The President laid great emphasis on greater participation of women in economic activities. He said they constitute almost half of population and their involvement is important to achieve high growth rate.

The President paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices that were made by the ancestors  for the creation of Pakistan. 

He said Quaid-e-Azam was amongst the few leaders who changed the world's map and also created a nation. He said it is important to recall the sacrifices of our forefathers in order to given an impetus to the struggle aimed at strengthening Pakistan.

The President said our armed forces and people continue to render sacrifices even today. He said about one hundred thousand people lost their lives in the war on terrorism, reaffirming the commitment to continue the struggle against the menace.

Strongly lamenting the Islamophobic incidents in the western countries, the President said Islam is a religion of peace and the Muslims love their holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and the Holy Quran.

He said at a time when the humanity is in danger because of threats such as global warming, we should promote harmony instead of hatred.

Turning to the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the President  said Pakistan will always stand by their Kashmiri brothers and sisters. He urged the international community to pay attention to the resolution of this dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions. He said Kashmir will become part of Pakistan.

The President also expressed his gratitude to the friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, Iran and Turkiye for supporting Pakistan in difficult times.  

Earlier, the main flag hoisting ceremony in connection with Independence Day celebrations is in progress at the convention center in Islamabad.

President Arif Alvi, who is the chief guest, has unfurled the national flag.

It was followed by the recitation of National Anthem.

The ceremony is being attended amongst others by Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf.                          

Similar flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at provincial, divisional and district headquarters level throughout the country.

Meanwhile, Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television are broadcasting special programs in connection with Independence Day, highlighting the services of heroes of Pakistan Movement and paying tributes to their extra ordinary contributions for making Pakistan a reality.