Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal chairs a consultative meeting in Islamabad on producing two landmark historical web series on Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. SCREENGRAB
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Pakistan Day stresses the need for national unity and economic revival, urging the country to overcome pessimism and focus on self-reliance while highlighting the leadership’s role in making Pakistan a nuclear power and strengthening its defence.
Addressing a ceremony held in connection with March 23, he said the vision of Pakistan was conceived on March 23, 1940, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and materialised within just seven years of struggle.
He noted that despite severe illness, the Quaid continued to lead the Pakistan Movement, concealing his condition and intensifying efforts until the nation achieved independence.
“We cannot fully repay the sacrifices of Quaid-e-Azam, but it is our responsibility to follow in his footsteps and put the country on the path of progress,” he said.
The minister said Pakistan today possesses strong defence capabilities, which have gained global recognition in recent years, adding that vigilance and strength are essential in a changing regional environment.
He credited Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, General Zia-ul-Haq, Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Nawaz Sharif for their key roles in making Pakistan a nuclear power, rendering its defence invincible.
Regarding the economic challenges, Ahsan Iqbal said the country must reduce dependence on foreign loans, increase exports to earn dollars, and make collective efforts to win the “battle of development”.
He urged the nation to move beyond inferiority and negative thinking, stressing that Pakistan is a great blessing of Allah and must be strengthened through hard work and determination, in line with the legacy of its forefathers.
