Pakistan to emerge as strong, prosperous and dignified country for Muslims worldwide: Zafar Bakhtawari

ISLAMABAD: Secretary General of the United Business Group (UBG) Zafar Bakhtawari has said that the creation of Pakistan was not merely aimed at securing an independent homeland but also envisioned the protection of Muslims worldwide, support for oppressed humanity and establishment of a strong, sovereign and dignified Islamic state.

Addressing an Independence Day ceremony organized by Professional Nursing College and Allied Health Sciences at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) as chief guest, he said Pakistan had made practical progress towards fulfilling its historic responsibilities, from becoming a nuclear power to playing a role in the Makkah Agreement.

Zafar Bakhtawari said that under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, other Muslim countries would also become part of this journey after Saudi Arabia. Pakistan, he said, would emerge as a strong, prosperous and dignified country capable of serving as a protector for Muslims around the world.

He said Pakistan was not merely a geographical entity but an ideology, a commitment and a centre of hope for millions of people. He added that the country was moving towards realizing the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal through its strong defence capabilities, national unity and talented youth.

The UBG secretary general said Pakistan’s strong defence capabilities and national unity had further enhanced its importance at the global level. He said the country had demonstrated its capabilities in national security, defence and stability under the present leadership.

He termed the youth the country’s most valuable asset and said they must contribute to national development through education, research, modern knowledge, technology, hard work and character building.

“Educated, skilled and responsible young people can make Pakistan economically stronger and enable it to secure a dignified position in the world,” he said.

Bakhtawari described nursing as a noble profession and a great mission of serving humanity. He said nurses played a vital role in the healthcare sector while also serving humanity in difficult circumstances.

He urged students to develop professional expertise while making ethics, integrity and service to humanity part of their priorities.

He said Pakistan needed young people who did not limit themselves to obtaining degrees but utilized their knowledge and abilities for national development.

Speaking on the occasion, ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry urged students to pursue their education with hard work, honesty and perseverance and utilize their abilities for the betterment of the country.

Former Sindh Education Minister Qadir Bakhsh Baloch said young people should learn about the sacrifices of their forefathers and play a positive role in the development and progress of Pakistan.

Principal of Professional Nursing College and Allied Health Sciences Zeenat Islam welcomed the guests and said the institution was committed to providing students with quality education and modern professional training while also promoting the values of patriotism and service to humanity.

Dean of Tameer-e-Millat University Kainat Ismat also addressed the ceremony and highlighted the importance of education, research, character building and positive development of youth.

The ceremony began with a flag-hoisting ceremony and featured tableaux, cultural performances representing the traditions of all four provinces and national songs performed by students. The enthusiastic performances were warmly appreciated by the participants and further strengthened the spirit of patriotism, national unity and love for Pakistan.