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ISLAMABAD: A flag hoisting ceremony was organised at President House in Islamabad on Friday as a part of celebrations to observe the 73rd Independence Day being celebrated across the nation.
Addressing the ceremony, President Dr Arif Alvi said the nation has surmounted several challenges since its independence and has reached the tipping point where improvements are being witnessed in various areas.
The president expressed solidarity with Kashmiris who have been facing the worst human rights violations by Indian forces since the past one year.
He reaffirmed support to the Kashmiris in their cause and said Pakistan will not leave them alone. He said Kashmir issue has been debated at the UN Security Council for four times during the last year which is a huge foreign policy success.
The president said Pakistan has also released its political map, reflecting true aspirations of its people as well as Kashmiris which shows Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir issue.
While highlighting the nation’s past achievements, the president said the nation has overcome the menace of terrorism and extremism. He said Pakistan generously hosted 3.5 million Afghan refugees for decades when others avoided them and 2.7 million are still living in the country.
READ MORE: Independence Day: President Alvi calls for unity to confront challenges
The president said an effective campaign was launched against corruption which reflected the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said Pakistan has largely controlled the coronavirus pandemic as a result of its effective smart lockdown strategy.
He said unlike some other countries, Prime Minister Imran Khan did not resort to complete lockdown, realising that it will impact daily wagers and now several countries want to replicate Pakistan’s policies regarding the pandemic.
The president also lauded the services of doctors and paramedics as well as the role of religious scholars and the media for combating COVID-19. He said the economy has also shown positive signs despite the adverse impact of the pandemic.
The president said under Ehsaas Programme, cash assistance was distributed among 16.9 million needy people during the difficult days of the pandemic. He added the health facilities proved more than sufficient during the pandemic and education was imparted to students at their homes.
Regarding Afghan issue, the President said the peace agreement between Afghan Taliban and the United States will lead to peace and stability in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan is the second largest beneficiary of peace in Afghanistan.
The president said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is not merely a project between Pakistan and China but will contribute to promoting transit trade in Central Asia and also help in establishing peace.
Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, federal ministers, special assistants, parliamentarians, three services chiefs and other senior officials attended the ceremony.
