Commemorating Pakistan Independence Day

Today Pakistan commemorates the 65th anniversary of its existence. The day represents a milestone in the historic struggle of the Muslims of the Indian sub-continent for a separate state, which they achieved under the able and dynamic leadership of our great leader Mohammad Ali Jinnah on Aug. 14, 1947.

Jinnah envisioned Pakistan as a welfare state where democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law would reign supreme.

Despite facing numerous challenges, the resilience and the strong will of the people enabled us to surmount many difficulties with our heads high and our hopes alive. Pakistan’s gradual transition to an emerging economy with strong institutions has been a remarkable story of human struggle and sacrifice. Today, strong democratic institutions, an independent judiciary, active civil society, a free media and rising middle class are deeply embedded in a vibrant Pakistan.

Pakistan is endowed with rich human and vast natural resources. It is a world leader in the production of cotton, rice, wheat, sugarcane and milk. It has a strong manufacturing base centered on the textile, auto, cement and food industries. I invite Turkish companies and businessmen to benefit from the many attractive investment opportunities that exist in the energy, telecommunication, infrastructure and housing sectors of Pakistan.

The involvement and participation of women in the mainstream of our national life, including politics, has been a positive development. Pakistan had the distinction of being the first Muslim country to elect a woman prime minister -– the late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. She passionately worked for a democratic, progressive and modern Pakistan –- a mission for which she even laid down her life.

Pakistan and Turkey, being two strong and brotherly countries, are working together in shaping the destinies of their future generations. Our two countries have a strong desire and will to further strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and brotherhood while forging stronger partnerships in the economic and commercial fields.

On this auspicious day, I wish to reiterate our strong desire to further deepen our time-tested friendship and solidarity in all spheres and to serve as two strong pillars of stability in the broader region.

Long live Pak-Turk friendship!

* Muhammad Haroon Shaukat is Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkey.

Today's Zaman, 14 August 2011