(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Pakistani president and prime minister in their separate messages on Pakistan Day yesterday, stressed the need to achieve the goal of a welfare state as envisaged by the country's founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammed Ali Jinnah.
President Arif Alvi in his message said Pakistan has overcome the challenges of extremism and terrorism but the country is yet to make efforts for excelling on social and
economic fronts.
Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message said the government is committed to establishing a society where every person can contribute towards socio-economic development to the best of their ability.
President Alvi said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence but its desire for peace should not be misconstrued as weakness.
He said Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state, but it wants peace, not war. He said Pakistan respects integrity and sovereignty of other states.
He said India will have to accept Pakistan as a reality, and it must come to the conclusion that dialogue is the only way to resolve issues.
The president said, 'We are a peaceful nation, but are not oblivious to our defence, and the same has been proved in the recent demonstration of Pakistan's defence capability.
He said the country is safe and moving on the path of progress and development after effectively combating the menace of
terrorism.
He, however, pointed out that the country is dealing with the challenges of poverty, hunger, unemployment and extremist mindset.
The president said participation of the representatives of Pakistan's friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bahrain and Sri Lanka has added valour to the day's military parade, and this signifies Pakistan's friendship with these countries.
Prime Minister Khan has welcomed the message of greetings and good wishes on Pakistan's National Day yesterday by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to the people of Pakistan.
Khan said it is time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address and resolve all
issues, including Kashmir.
The prime minister also called upon Modi for forging a new relationship based on peace and prosperity for all people of the two countries.
Modi in his message said it is time that people of the sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive and prosperous region.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) chief Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan led a fly-past at the Pakistan Day joint military parade in Islamabad yesterday.
The PAF chief who led the fly-past as a salute to the president addressed the gathering from his F-16 jet and said, 'This is your air chief. Make no mistake we will always safeguard Pakistan. Presenting to you our wings of freedom as the guardians of your sky. Pakistan Zindabad.
Following the air chief, a formation of four PAF JF-17 Thunder fighter jets demonstrated their aerial prowess. The JF-17 jets were followed by similar formations of Mirage, F-7PG and other fighter aircraft.
Pakistan displayed its military might at the parade held to mark the National Day. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who was on a three-day visit to the country, was the guest of honour at the parade.
Contingents of armoured and mechanised infantry, including the Al-Khalid and Al Zarar tanks, a variety of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), howitzer guns, radar systems and other modern weaponry were also rolled out at the parade.
Combat and attack helicopters and jets belonging to the armed forces and air force as well as the Chinese aerobatics team mesmerised the audience with their manoeuvres.
Skydivers of airborne units of the three armed forces as well as paratroopers from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka took part in free-fall jumps and showcased their skills.
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