In the recent years Pakistan has achieved multiple successes in its war against terror. However, we are aware of the fact that there exist certain internally motivated and externally supported people who keep attempting to disrupt national peace and to kill interdependence and harmony among our communities. 23rd March celebrations are a clear manifestation of the fact that the entire nation stands united against this ominous threat and extremists’ vision of a bigoted, bloodthirsty country.

The billboards with the message “united we rise” sparked patriotic fervor as they were displayed across the country. Pakistan roared to life on its 77^th Pakistan Day as thousands of people went to see the 23rd March Parade in Shakarparian Parade Ground set against the stunning cityscape framed by the Margalla Hills. Our national narrative against extremism has been shaped over the years; a narrative that was retold in varying ways during this year’s Pakistan Day Parade. "The nation is to stay steadfast for cleaning 'our Pakistan' from fasaadis. Enemies of Pakistan to lay off", said the Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Because countries subsist in an environment where internal and external threats to security are a commonplace phenomenon and ever-present; the effectiveness of military muscle becomes the yardstick of national power. 77 years after the 1940 Resolution for a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent, Pakistan has greatly evolved militarily and its army is stronger and well equipped to deal with any kind of aggression. Over the years Pakistan has made use of every single advantage it had, rising on the world stage as a major emerging commercial hub, a main player of CPEC as well as a global player.

This year, as a nation of over 190 million people, Pakistan Day was celebrated with renewed resolve to make collective efforts coupled with social collaborations to own Pakistan and work towards peace and harmony beyond geographical, ethnic, and political differences. Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad should succeed and it will if we unite and collate our strengths for the success of this operation that we should not call an operation launched by the security forces rather an operation launched by Pakistan itself.

History shall wittingly credit the strong character of our people who sacrificed and bore the brunt of the enemy and yet stood firm and aligned with the security forces for the total elimination of terrorists. Every citizen must play his role for Pakistan’s future, inter-provincial coordination, collective efforts and ironing out of sectarian differences to ensure solidarity and prosperity of the country.

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