President Mamnoon Hussain of Pakistan on Tuesday paid tribute
to security personnel who have scarified lives in the war against terrorism, saying that their
sacrifices have eliminated the scourge of terrorism in the country.
Hussain was addressing the national flag hoisting ceremony in the capital Islamabad as part of the
Independence Day celebrations of Pakistan.
Pakistan got independence from the British colonial rule on Aug. 14, 1947 after a heroic struggle
under the leadership of Muhammad Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
The day dawned with a 31 gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21 gun salute in the provincial
headquarters.
The main feature of the celebrations was the national flag hoisting ceremony in Islamabad.
Hussain and caretaker Prime Minister Nasir ul-Mulk joined hands to hoist the flag at a ceremony
attended by diplomats, lawmakers, military and civil officials and important personalities.
President Hussain mentioned the parliamentary elections held on July 25 and said that in spite of
terrorist attacks, the elections were held with the full participation of the people.
Deadly terrorist attacks in southwestern Balochistan and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces
killed nearly 200 people, including three candidates in July.
The Taliban and Islamic State group had claimed the attacks.
The president noted that this year the general elections coincided with the Independence Day.
“This also envisages a message that the decisions in the country which was achieved through a
democratic struggle will also be taken through the power of vote.
“I want to remember and pay homage to all those who sacrificed lives for the country and the system.
“Terrorists could not break the will of the people,” the president said.
He also called for peaceful solution to the Kashmir dispute with India in accordance with the UN
resolutions. (Xinhua/NAN)
