Pakistan Will Make No Sacrifice in Protecting Its Defence and Water Resources: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan will not hesitate to make any sacrifice to protect its defence, water resources and national interests, stressing that the country is now recognised among the comity of nations as a strong, determined, dignified and powerful voice for peace.

In his Independence Day message posted on X, the prime minister congratulated Pakistanis at home and abroad on the completion of 79 years of independence, paying tribute to the leaders, workers and forefathers who made the dream of a free Pakistan possible.

He said the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the intellectual guidance of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the sacrifices of the nation’s forefathers and the unwavering determination of the leaders of the Pakistan Movement culminated in the establishment of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was created as a country where people could live with dignity and honour while following their religious and cultural values. The Constitution and laws of Pakistan, he added, guarantee the rights of all citizens without discrimination.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s journey toward development and prosperity was moving toward a bright future. He praised the contributions of Pakistani men and women in defence, economy, industry, judiciary, media, sports, education, science, agriculture and other modern fields.

He said the country’s talented youth, skilled workforce, professionals, farmers and labourers were the guarantors of Pakistan’s bright future.

Shehbaz Sharif said the government had overcome difficult challenges during the past two and a half years and achieved the objective of stabilising the economy. The country was now moving successfully toward becoming a developed economy, he added.

He said remittances from overseas Pakistanis had increased by $11.3 billion over the past two years, describing the rise as a reflection of the continued confidence of overseas Pakistanis in government policies.

The prime minister said modern information technology, innovation-driven sustainable industrial and agricultural development, public welfare projects, employment opportunities and a world-class education and skills system were among the government’s top priorities.

Paying tribute to the armed forces, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s military had made the country’s defence impregnable by responding effectively to every challenge and every attack by the enemy.

He said the armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, had demonstrated unity, determination and exceptional bravery during the “Battle of Truth,” creating a new chapter in the defence and prestige of the country.

“Pakistan will not hesitate to make any sacrifice to protect its defence and water resources, as well as its national interests,” the prime minister said.

He added that Pakistan had emerged as a responsible country and a guarantor of regional stability amid a difficult and challenging regional environment, playing a constructive role in promoting peace, stability and regional cooperation.

Shehbaz Sharif said the joint defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, concluded in Makkah, was an important manifestation of Pakistan’s growing strategic role and emerging influence in the region.

He reiterated Pakistan’s full solidarity with the Palestinian people and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming the country’s principled support for their rights.

The prime minister said lasting peace in South Asia depended on a diplomatic solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

On Independence Day, Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the armed forces, law-enforcement personnel, veterans and all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the future of the nation.

He called upon the entire nation, including all segments of society and political parties, to renew their commitment to working together for Pakistan’s development, prosperity, peace, stability, harmony and national unity.

The prime minister also extended an offer to all political parties and sections of society to join hands and work constructively to protect and advance Pakistan’s sovereignty and national interests.

He prayed for Pakistan to become a symbol of honour and dignity in the world and to continue achieving success.