In an address on March 23, which in Pakistan is celebrated as Pakistan Day, Pakistani President Asif Zardari stressed the need for "immediate practical measures" to end the bloodshed in Gaza, and made it clear that "Pakistan will continue to support the struggle of the Palestinian people until the Palestinian issue is resolved in accordance with their will."
The editorial titled, "A Strong Message To Terrorists," presented excerpts from President Zardari's speech. It emphasized the president's strong stance against terrorism and aggression, referring to terror attacks originating from Afghanistan and India's airstrikes in Balakot of Pakistan in 2019.
The editorial noted: "It is noteworthy that assurances of mere verbal support for the rights of the oppressed in Kashmir and Palestine may not yield fruitful results. Why are the 57 Muslim countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation [OIC] not taking effective measures in this regard?"
President Asif Zardari travels to deliver his Pakistan Day address.
Following are excerpts from the Roznama Jang editorial:[1]
"The President Highlighted The Fact That Despite Being A Peace-Loving Country And A Responsible Nuclear Power... The Pakistani Nation And Its Armed Forces Are Always Ready To Deliver A Jaw-Dropping Response Against Aggression And Terrorism"
The editorial stated: "In his address on Pakistan Day, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed a strong belief and assurance to deal successfully with the challenges facing the nation, which is indeed a source of hope and encouragement for the entire nation. The president made it very clear that Pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty."
The editorial continued: "The president highlighted the fact that despite being a peace-loving country and a responsible nuclear power, and having a sincere desire for friendly relations with its neighbours, the Pakistani nation and its armed forces are always ready to deliver a jaw-dropping response against aggression and terrorism. Rejecting baseless propaganda against Pakistan about promoting terrorism, the president, citing circumstantial evidence, pointed out that Pakistan's successful struggle and sacrifices in the war against terrorism are fully recognized at the international level.
"He described the illegal occupation [of Kashmir] by India, which has lasted for a quarter of a century, as the real obstacle to regional peace and stability, saying that India should instead grant the people of Jammu and Kashmir their right to self-determination. Assuring Pakistan's support in the just struggle of Kashmiris, the president called upon the international community to ensure the implementation of UN resolutions [on the Kashmir issue].
"He also emphasized [the need for] immediate practical measures to end the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza, and made it clear that Pakistan would continue to support the struggle of the Palestinian people until the Palestinian issue is resolved in accordance with their will. However, it is noteworthy that assurances of mere verbal support for the rights of the oppressed in Kashmir and Palestine may not yield fruitful results. Why are the 57 Muslim countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation [OIC] not taking effective measures in this regard?
"If it is difficult to terminate or limit economic relations with Israel and India, then at the very least, there should be effective collective program [by OIC] to increase global pressure against the powers responsible for injustice by informing the international public opinion about the realities, because mere verbal condemnation without action will never solve these issues. If the current leadership of Pakistan can think about this seriously and formulate an effective action plan, it will surely be a big achievement."
"The Most Important Part Of The President's Address Related To Leading The Country After The Elections [Of February 8, 2024] Out Of The Problems, And Moving Forward"
"The most important part of the president's address related to leading the country after the elections [of February 8] out of the problems, and moving forward. He said that after the election process, a democratic government is now in place, and it is now our collective responsibility to tackle the societal challenges that lie ahead. He said that our people are hardworking and intelligent. Young people with immense potential are the guardians of the country's development."
The account of the president's speech continued: "The Special Investment Facilitation Council is actively working for the betterment of the economy. Under its auspices, foreign investment will be promoted in agriculture, livestock, mineral resources and mining, information technology, and energy sectors to improve the economy. The president invited all the political parties to join the collective struggle for the development of the country, which is certainly our greatest need in the current situation. As political and social differences and divisions have occurred on a large scale in the last few years, it is not possible to travel on the road of development without turning them into unity.
"The establishment of a coalition government, including the two political parties of the country, is an important development in this direction, but it is necessary to take the opposition along for national goals and it is necessary for the opposition, too, to adopt the path of constructive criticism and useful suggestions instead of opposing [them] for the sake of opposition. President Zardari is often referred to as the king of reconciliation; so, it is not unreasonable to expect that he can make successful efforts to turn the dream of national unity and solidarity into reality."
[1] Roznama Jang (Pakistan), March 25, 2024.
