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Summary President Asif Ali Zardari has greeted the nation on the 66th Independence Day of Pakistan.
On the eve of 66th Independence Day of Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari announced introduction of local governments in tribal areas in the coming year.He declared that the coming year will witness the beginning of local self governance in tribal areas, in accordance with the wishes, customs and traditions of its people. We owe it to the people and to the peace and stability of the country, and the region, to bring these areas into the mainstream of national life, he saidThe President made this announcement while addressing a special ceremony here at Aiwan-e-Sadr to celebrate 66th Independence Day of the country.President Zardari then had also announced extension of Political Parties Order 2002 to the tribal areas enabling for the first time all political parties to hold public meetings and take their political message to the people of tribal areas.The President in his address on the eve of 66th Independence Day last night also called for safeguarding the dignity and honour of the elected Parliament and for protecting it from new forms of assaults. The President said the Parliament was the voice of the people and cannot be silenced and will never be.He said that the independence anniversary this year was of special significance as it was taking place in the month of Ramazan. He said that Pakistan came into being on the 27th of Ramazan, the night of Lailatu Qadar which is the most auspicious and special occasion for the Muslims.There is another significance of the Independence Day this year, the President said. It is being celebrated at a time, when a democratically elected government, is about to complete its mandated term in office. This is a historic milestone. It augurs well for democracy and democratic traditions in the country, the President said.He said that it was natural to rejoice and celebrate the occasion of independence day but it was also an occasion, to pause and ponder over, whether we have moved towards, or away, from the ideals, for which Pakistan was created.He said that the founding fathers of Pakistan saw Pakistan as a country, where democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law would reign supreme. It was envisaged to be a country, where ballot would determine the political choices of the people.He said that countless lives were sacrificed for the achievement of these ideals. Those who laid down their lives, the President said, for these ideals, included the countrys first directly elected Prime Minister, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It also included Muslim world’s first elected woman Prime Minister, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, he said.The President said that unfortunately for most part of our independent existence, the people were often denied, right to rule, and the Constitution was repeatedly abrogated. It is reassuring; he said that the present Parliament unanimously restored, to a large extent, the democratic Constitution of 1973.He said that the restoration of the Constitution, by all political forces, and provinces, raises our hope. It shows that despite setbacks, we will restore to Pakistan, the values and ideals, for which it was created. Let us on this day, re-dedicate ourselves, to the democratic ideals and principles, of the Quaid, the President asked the nation.He said that this quest demands that we banish all forms of bigotry, extremism and militancy. On this occasion, the President said, I wish to call upon everyone, to work together, for the strengthening of democracy, and empowerment of the people. He urged everyone to work for a progressive, tolerant, moderate and modern Pakistan.Pakistan was envisaged to be a tolerant, modern and democratic country, the President emphasized.The President said that today Pakistanis have reasons to celebrate, as they were an independent, and a strong nation. But, he continued, there are dangers and threats also. He said that the militants pose the greatest threat to the country.A great challenge that we are faced with, is defeating the militant mindset. For this, the President said, we must defend democracy and promote tolerance, discussion and debate.On the occasion, the President urged the nation to seize the opportunities, to make Pakistan more prosperous and stronger.“Let us rise above self and let us rise above petty considerations, we must work together for the benefit of all. Let our collective strength be used for collective good”, he said concluding his speech and wished good luck to all.
