Enemies of the country are trying to create chaos on Independence Day: Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has congratulated the nation on the 68^thIndependence Day and said that August 14 is the day of realization of the dreams and aspirations of centuries. He said that it is the day of bowing before Allah Almighty and renewal of pledge.

While addressing a special ceremony of flag hoisting at historical Hazoori Bagh on Independence Day,Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that creation of Pakistan is a result of innumerable sacrifices and historic struggle of millions of Muslims. He said that the decision to celebrate August 14 as the day of protest is not wise or proper. He said that Pakistan needs a long march only for progress and prosperity, elimination of terrorism and corruption and removal of darkness. He said that the elements which are trying to create an atmosphere of chaos, anarchy and confrontation on the Independence Day are enemies of the country and national economy. He said that Independence Day of Pakistan should reflect national unity and solidarity but the elements involved in negative activities and protest politics want to make it a day of confrontation. He said that people should celebrate Independence Day in a manner befitting a dignified nation.

In his message , Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is the result of dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam and supreme sacrifices of the Muslims of the sub-continent. He said that respect and honour of Independence Day demands that the nation should display unity on this day and no attempt should be made to create chaos and anarchy.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Independence Day is not the day to repeat but to learn from the mistakes of the past. He said that Pakistan does not need any activity aimed at creating confusion and chaos but a long march is required for national prosperity, elimination of poverty and overcoming the problems being faced by the country. He said that 18 crore enlightened people of the country will foil any such long march as could shatter the dream of prosperity.

The Chief Minister said it is unfortunate that among those who are calling for revolution and untimely long march are also such elements as are immersed in corruption and plunder and have been rejected by the masses. He said that people of Pakistan are surprised at the choice of that party which made claims of elimination of corruption from KPK within 90 days. He said that these elements had also been declared as the biggest thieves and dacoits by those who want to launch a long march.

Shahbaz Sharif said it is lamentable that politics of protest and anarchy is being promoted at a time when Pakistan is in a state of war and the brave forces of the country are sacrificing their lives in the war against terrorism. He expressed the view that the ongoing war against terrorism is more important than that of 1965 as the present war is for the survival of the country while 1965 war was aimed at achieving national objectives. He said it is the need of patriotism that the whole nation should stand behind its brave armed forces to root out terrorism from the country.

The Chief Minister further said on the occasion of Independence Day, the nation should resolve that it will spare no effort for transforming Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Muhammad Iqbal and to ponder why despite a lapse of 67 years Pakistan is still lagging behind other countries in the race of progress and development. He said on this day the nation should also renew its commitment that it will make all out efforts for achieving a dignified status for the country in the world community. Though it is a difficult task but not impossible, he concluded.