Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has dedicated this year’s Independence Day to the freedom of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

“I dedicate this year’s August 14th to the freedom of Kashmir. I dedicate it to those people of Kashmir, who bravely faced the Indian oppression but kept the spirit of freedom alive,” he said in his message to the nation on Independence Day. Expressing grief over the recent Quetta massacre, the prime minister said, “The pain of Quetta’s martyrs is still fresh. Today, we are also remembering those martyrs, who sacrificed their lives to protect this independence.”

He said the day was dawning with the determination of the nation that Pakistan, with the grace of Allah Almighty, would remain forever. “The spirit of 1965 was still alive with full vigour, when Pakistani armed forces and the people together confronted the enemy.” The prime minister remarked that the protection of independence was even harder than its achievement.

“Had our armed forces, security institutions, police and people not have shed their blood, Pakistan’s survival and security would have been impossible,” he said, adding, “Our hearts are also enlightened with the memory of those martyrs, who have become immortal by sacrificing their lives for the country.”

Paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland, the prime minister said. “Today, we are remembering our all those martyrs. They belong to every segment of the state. They are in every sect. They are in every religion. They are all Pakistanis. They are individuals of one nation. All of them are pronouncing that the nation is united against terrorists.”

“We have to solemnly affirm that, till we are alive, we will sacrifice our interests for the stability, security and survival of Pakistan,” he asserted.