• Azeri President Aliyev felicitates premier on Pakistan Day
• Inquiry ordered into Noshki attack on police personnel

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday urged the nation to make dedicated efforts in line with the Quaid-i-Azam’s principles of unity, faith and discipline to achieve the dream of making Pakistan a prosperous and welfare state.

The prime minister, in a video message televised to mark Pakistan Day, thanked Allah and expressed his gratitude to the nation’s forefathers including Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal and others, whose foresightedness and wise leadership led to the creation of Pakistan as a separate homeland.

He said the Pakistan Resolution, which was passed on March 23, 1940, stood as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the forefathers to the cause of independence.

The prime minister said that Pakistan’s flag symbolised the steadfast resolve and struggle of the nation’s forefathers during the Pakistan Movement.

“Today, Pakistan stands as a free and sovereign nation, for which we are thankful to Allah Almighty,” he added.

He appreciated the contributions of Pakistan’s armed forces, industries, education sector, and sportsmen making their mark on the global stage and bringing fame to the country with parliament, judiciary, and executive also fulfilling their constitutional duties.

He said consequent to its untiring efforts, the government had achieved economic stability and the process of institutional reforms and structural changes was in progress.

PM Shehbaz also saluted the courage of Pakistan’s armed forces, police, Ran­gers, and law enforcement agencies for their continuous fight against terrorism.

“Let us pledge to follow the principles of unity, faith, and discipline, as laid out by the Quaid-i-Azam, and work together to build a great, developed, and welfare-oriented Pakistan,” he added.

Azeri leader’s letter

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev congratulated PM Shehbaz and people of Pakistan on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

In a letter addressed to the premier, the Azerbaijani president said: “On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and your brotherly people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan ‘Pakistan Day’, extending my best wishes.”

He expressed satisfaction over the current level of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan strategic partnership and mutual cooperation, which he said, was “enriched with new content day by day”.

President Aliyev wrote: “At the same time, the alignment of our positions on international issues and our mutual support serve as a clear expression of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan brotherhood, contributing to the fundamental interests of our countries and peoples.”

The president appreciated the productive meeting held in an atmosphere of mutual trust, understanding, and sincerity during the PM’s state visit to Azer­baijan last month, “as well as the exchange of views and discussions we had”.

“The agreements we reached on the future directions of Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations in various fields, along with the numerous documents signed during the visit, will contribute to further expanding the scope of our bilateral agenda and realising our economic and trade potential in different areas,” he added.

“On this significant day, I wish you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavours, and the brotherly people of Pakistan everlasting peace, prosperity, and well-being,” he added.

Noshki attack

Separately, PM Shehbaz also expressed his deep grief over the martyrdom of four cops in a terrorist attack targeting a police mobile van in the Noshki district of Balochistan.

The premier, in a statement, ordered an immediate probe into the incident to identify and punish the perpetrators.

He prayed for peace for the martyrs’ souls and strength for their families to bear the loss.

“The nation will never forget the great sacrifices rendered by police and law enforcement personnel in the war against terrorism.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2025