Pakistani nation faces several challenges since independence: President

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – President Dr Arif Alvi on Friday said Pakistani nation faced several challenges since independence and learnt a lot through difficult times to take the country to a brighter future. A flag hoisting ceremony was held at President House this morning as a part of the celebrations of the country’s 74th Independence Day. Addressing the ceremony after hoisting national flag, President Dr Arif Alvi said the country faced multiple challenges after it came into existence in 1947 as it rendered thousands of sacrifices in war on terror and eventually overcame the menaces of terrorism and extremism.

Pakistan generously hosted as 3.5mln Afghan refugees

President Alvi said Pakistan generously hosted as many as 3.5 million Afghan refugees, out whom 2.7 million are still residing in the country, in stark contrast to western countries that didn’t even take in one hundred immigrants. He maintained Pakistan responded to Indian belligerence with peace overtures, slamming the neighbouring country for making the lives of its minorities miserable.

President reaffirms Pakistan’s support to Kashmir cause

He expressed solidarity with Kashmiris, who, he said, have been facing the worst human rights violations at the hands of Indian occupation forces, particularly after August 5 move of the occupied region’s annexation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to Kashmiris in their cause, adding Pakistan will not leave Kashmiris alone. He said Kashmir issue has been taken up at the UN Security Council four times during the last one year, which is a huge success of Pakistan’s foreign policy. The president said Pakistan has also released its political map, reflecting the true aspirations of its people as well as Kashmiris, adding d the new map shows Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir issue.

Several countries wants to replicate Pakistan’s policies on Corona

The president said the government launched an effective campaign against corruption in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said the government devised an effective strategy against coronavirus pandemic, including smart lockdown policy, due to which coronavirus has largely been brought under control. He said several countries wanted to replicate Pakistan’s policies on coronavirus pandemic. He expressed gratitude to healthcare professionals for helping turn the tide against the pandemic. He further said Pakistan band together nations to fight the menace of extremism. Earlier, the President hoisted national flag at the ceremony. Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Information Minister Shibli Faraz, federal ministers, parliamentarians, three services chiefs, special assistants and other senior officials were present on the occasion.