Message from former President Asif Ali Zardari on the occasion of Independence Day 14th August

http://www.ppp.org.pk/

Co-Chairman Pakistan People’s Party former President Asif Ali Zardari has while felicitating the nation on the auspicious occasion of 68th Independence Day Thursday also warned the people to be watchful against looming dangers to democracy in the country.

Following is the text of Mr. Asif Ali Zardari’s message.

“I wish to facilitate the people of Pakistan whether living within the country or abroad on the auspicious occasion of the nation’s 68th Independence Day.

“The Independence Day today is an occasion to celebrate and re-dedicate ourselves to the principles for which our nation was founded 67 years ago. However, these celebrations have also been clouded by looming threats to those pristine principles on which our nationhood was founded.

“On this occasion therefore we need to be watchful against the sinister machinations of the enemies of democracy who seem to have suddenly and mysteriously become active again.

“The actors and self proclaimed saviors of the people who have occasionally been rearing their ugly heads have only one object in mind namely to wind up democracy. It is not new and the nation has witnessed it before also. While changing guise, pretexts and diction from time to time, these elements have always sought to push their un-democratic agenda.

“Let us on this occasion resolve to squarely face the enemies of democracy and not let them derail the democratic institutions of the state. Let us resolve to collectively protect and defend democracy and to make Pakistan a truly modern, dynamic and progressive country in which there will be no place for militancy, extremism and dictatorship.

“On this occasion I also wish to appeal to all to be guided by patriotism, reason and rationality and not by narrow partisan considerations in facing the current challenges. Let no one do anything that will contribute in any way to undermining or weakening democracy in the country.

“Let us resolve that we will never allow the Constitution to be subverted nor the democratic process derailed. Let us rededicate ourselves to the democratic ideals and principles for which Pakistan was created. Let us also reject those who exploit and misuse the name of religion for advancing their personal political agendas.

“The PPP has made huge sacrifices for the cause of democracy and will resist any attempt to derail the democratic structures. Let there be no doubt or mistake about it.

“On this day, I also wish to pay tribute to those valiant sons of the soil who have sacrificed their lives defending motherland from external and external threats. I also pay tributes to the courage of all those fellow citizens who laid down their lives or suffered grievously fighting against militancy and extremism”.