ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday night paid tribute to soldiers who have laid down their lives for Pakistan and in particular those who have died in Operation Zarb-i-Azb.

During his speech at Parliament House, Sharif urged the people of Pakistan to come forward and secure the country's future for the sake of freedom.

The prime minister said that Pakistan was determined to defeat terrorism.

"Pakistan's future is only safeguarded in democracy and the Constitution," he said.

He condemned any attempt to derail the democratic process in the country.

"We have all the resources to face the challenges that this country must tackle," Nawaz Sharif said.

When speaking of foreign affairs, the prime minister said that Pakistan was a peaceful country and wants good relations with all the nations of the world.

"We want a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute," he said.

When speaking about Afghanistan, the prime minister said that Pakistan wants lasting peace in the neighboring country.

He spoke about the Israeli assault on Gaza and condemned it in the strongest terms.

Earlier PM Sharif arrived arrived at Parliament House where he is delivering a speech to commemorate Independence Day.

Among the people attending the parade include Chief Of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif along with Members of the Cabinet, and the elected assemblies.