"Today, we are celebrating our Independence Day. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartiest felicitations to my fellow citizens living in Pakistan and abroad.

We must remember that the Muslims of South Asia made great sacrifices for achieving independence, and our ancestors, under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah pledged to strive for the greater glory of our nation. It is, therefore, our foremost duty to demonstrate firm determination for upholding unity of the nation and strengthening integrity and solidarity of our country. I am confident that our nation imbued with a sense of honour, national pride and dedication will spare no effort to protect its national interests. In the prevailing environment, internal unity is far more important then ever before.

I appeal to my fellow Pakistanis that we should work hard to ensure peace and prosperity in our country. We should endeavour to create a tolerant and progressive society, as cherished by our founding fathers. I urge you to maintain unity in your ranks and live in harmony as brothers and sisters without any ethnic, sectarian or regional considerations.

The reforms introduced by the present government have laid the foundations of a stable political system and sound economy.

We should stand together as a nation, united to face the challenges with courage and fortitude. We should make our nation stronger and more prosperous so that we are able to foil any internal or external threat to our sovereignty, and ensure that our future generations enjoy the fruits of peace and prosperity.

On this Day, let us pledge to the Quaid's guiding principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline and make Pakistan a truly modern, progressive, enlightened, democratic Islamic welfare state. This will be a befitting tribute to our founding fathers. I pray to Almighty Allah that He keeps us on the right path and reward our sincere efforts in improving the well-being of the people of Pakistan , Ameen!"