As we celebrate our 71st Independence Day, we have a lot to be proud of, as a resilient nation that is full of patriotism, extreme devotion and unparalleled love for Pakistan. Despite the challenges on our borders and internal security threats, free, fair and peaceful elections were conducted with the assitance of Pakistan Armed Forces duly requisitioned by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) under the constitutional provision.

Many incidents were foiled by the Intelligence and Law Enforcement Agencies and votes were cast in a transparent manner while Army assisted the ECP within the given mandate, as enunciated by the ECP charter, while strictly following the ECP code of conduct. The duties assigned to the Armed Forces were successfully completed including safe transportation of balloting material to the respective locations, return of ballot papers to ECP, deputing military personnel inside/outside polling stations, and ensuring safe environment on election day and safety of the polling staff. Local and international observers also had access to the polling stations to monitor transparency and fairness of the election process.

The elections brought a semblance of hope to KP, Balochistan and erstwhile FATA; areas subjected to violent attacks time and again. They saw a large increase in the number of voters who freely exercised their democratic right in the light of the improved security situation provided by the Pakistan Army on the election day in synchronization with other elements of the security apparatus. 

By any measure, the people of Pakistan have again rejected violence in all its forms and manifestations and showed that Pakistan is steadfast in its fight against terrorism and towards a bright future. Despite our unabated efforts and sacrifices in the war on terror, the disparity in our effort compared to the treatment meted out to us by the foreign, particularly western media, rankles with us. The perpetrators behind the anti-Pakistan campaign should know that the Pakistani nation is one of the most resilient nations on earth that is united against terrorism and extremism in all its manifestations, and will always have the resolve to fight back.

In the month of August, we celebrate our Independence and duly appreciate the sustained efforts of the state, that is being converted into enduring success and Pakistan now stands tall in the comity of nations. As Quaid-i-Azam once said in his speech in 1948, “With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.” The efforts that we see being made within the country and on the borders by our institutions are a reflection of the Quaid and our Founding Fathers’ dream who tirelessly worked to give us a country where we are safe from discrimination, and can freely access our democratic and constitutional rights. 

On this eve of independence, let’s pledge to fulfill our constitutional obligations and plug all loopholes, for our future is nothing but the country’s progress, peace and prosperity.  We must strive to further build up our nation through hard work, unity and loyalty, as Pakistan was the ‘Great Ideal’ of our forefathers that has yet to achieve its true potential and destiny.