Islamabad (Web Desk): President Dr Arif Alvi on Friday said that Pakistani nation surmounted several challenges since its independence, taking the country to a brighter future.
Addressing the main flag hoisting ceremony of Independence Day at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, the president said the country has reached the tipping point where improvements are being witnessed in various areas.
Highlighting the nation's past achievements, President Alvi said we have overcome the menaces of terrorism and extremism, the Radio Pakistan reported.
“While other countries avoid hosting refugees, Pakistan generously hosted 3.5 million Afghan refugees for decades, and 2.7 million of them are still living in Pakistan,” the president noted.
Referring to the good news the nation received during the last two years, Dr Arif Alvi said an effective campaign was launched against corruption, which reflected the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He said Pakistan has largely controlled coronavirus pandemic as a result of its effective smart lockdown strategy.
Unlike some other countries, Prime Minister Imran Khan did not resort to complete lockdown, realising that it will badly impact daily wagers.
He said several countries wanted to replicate Pakistan's policies vis a vis coronavirus pandemic.
“I pay tribute to the prime minister for his vision and laud role of the Ulema and the media as well as services of doctors and paramedics for combating Covid-19,” the president said.
Dr Arif Alvi said under Ehsaas Programme, cash assistance was distributed among 16.9 million needy people during the difficult days of Covi-19.
He added that the health facilities proved more than sufficient during the pandemic.
"Education was also imparted to students at their homes during the pandemic", he said, adding that the government is also preparing a uniform curriculum which will further strengthen national unity and upgrade education standard.
The president said Pakistan's economy has also shown positive signs despite Covid-19 negative impacts, and Moody's has recognised it.
Expressing solidarity with Kashmiris, President Alvi reaffirmed Pakistan's support to the Kashmiris in their cause.
Pakistan will not leave Kashmiris alone, President Alvi said adding that Kashmir issue has been debated at the United Nations (UN) Security Council for four times during the last one year, which is a big success of Pakistan's foreign policy.
The President said Pakistan has also released its political map, reflecting true aspirations of its people as well as Kashmiris.
He added the new map shows Pakistan's principled stance on Kashmir issue.
On Afghan issue, President Alvi said the peace agreement between Afghanistan and the United States will lead to peace and stability in Afghanistan.
He said Pakistan is the second largest beneficiary of peace in Afghanistan.
Highlighting the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the president said it is not merely a project between Pakistan and China, but it will contribute to promoting transit trade in Central Asia and also help in establishing peace.
Earlier, the President hoisted national flag at the ceremony.
Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, federal ministers, special assistants, parliamentarians, three services chiefs and other senior officials attended the ceremony.
