The following is the message from Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, prime minister of Pakistan, on the occasion of Pakistan Day. ― Ed.

Today Pakistan celebrates the 71st anniversary of the adoption of the Pakistan Resolution, passed on March 23, 1940 with traditional zeal and zest. On this historic day, the Muslims of the sub-continent gathered in Lahore under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and adopted a resolution that changed the course of history. The Muslims ever since embarked on the arduous struggle for an independent state where the principles of social justice and equity could prevail and where they could live as free citizens in peace from within and without ― in accordance with their religious beliefs, civilizational identity and cultural values.

The Pakistan Resolution represented the beginning of a journey, which started from seeking the right to a separate electorate and ended on attaining the goal of self-determination. Important landmarks of history do not reach their culmination without leaders’ determination, consistency and sacrifices from the people. The establishment of Pakistan is a living testimony to the Muslims’ commitment toward the cause of right to self-determination and willingness to go the extra mile for realization of their ideals.

The Pakistan Resolution galvanized the people and marshaled them into a nation. Millions rallied under the flag of the All-India Muslim League and demonstrated their willingness to spare no effort or sacrifice for the sake of independence. Within a short period of time, Pakistan became an established reality. The world was startled to see how the people pulled themselves out of the darkness of political bondage and frustration into the dawn of freedom and gave direction to their quest for liberty.

As we celebrate Pakistan Day today, it is important to reflect on whether we achieved the objective for which the Muslims of the sub-continent rendered immense sacrifices with their blood. Pakistan was achieved through a democratic struggle and it is our individual and collective responsibility to safeguard democracy and representative rule.

The government remains committed to translating the dream of our founding fathers into reality. The various milestones achieved by the government such as the passage of the 18th and 19th Constitutional Amendments, NFC Award strengthening of parliament and other state institutions and the Balochistan Initiative, to name only few, are geared toward strengthening the federation of Pakistan by removing the age-old deprivations of the federating units. We have founded a culture of reconciliation and dialogue to resolve the national issues in concurrence with all stakeholders.

On this historic day, let us pledge to leave no stone unturned to work for the betterment of Pakistan. We must reawaken the spirit that characterized March 23, 1940 to battle the daunting challenges including that of terrorism and extremism. I have complete trust in the ability of our people to rise to the occasion. The essential message of this auspicious day is that we as a nation make a vow to project the Pakistan ideology at every level as a counterweight to the forces of extremism and darkness.

Let us dedicate ourselves to the service and glory of our homeland.