High Commissioner Mr. Jalil
Abbas Jilani's Message
on the occasion of Pakistan
Day - 23 March 2009
I am delighted to greet my Pakistani
brothers and sisters living in Australia and Fiji Islands on the auspicious
occasion of Pakistan Day. It was on 23 March 1940 that the
idea of Pakistan was conceived and after a peaceful struggle we gained
independence on 14 August 1947.
Pakistan has come a long way since its inception. We still have to work hard to
fulfill the dreams of our Founding Father Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah as
well as those who struggled hard for an independent country.
We
are proud of the fact that Pakistan, a country of 160 million people is playing
a significant role in maintenance of peace and security in the region and the
world. Pakistan today is considered a partner in the fight against international
terrorism, poverty, social injustice and exploitation. Being a moderate Islamic
country, Pakistan acts as a bridge between the Islamic world and the
West.
Despite significant achievements made in the last 62 years, the new Democratic
Government in Pakistan has to grapple with many challenges, domestic as well as
external. Pakistan faced every challenge that any country has anywhere in the
world. We have challenges of poverty, inequality, the challenge of providing
quality education and health for everyone.
For
the last few years, terrorism and extremism have emerged as the most significant
challenges faced by the country. These challenges have both internal and
external dimensions.
In
meeting these challenges the people and the Government stand united and
determined to overcome them. Elections held in Pakistan last year in which
people of Pakistan overwhelmingly voted in favour of moderate political forces
is a manifestation of this determination.
It
is a matter of great satisfaction that Pakisan's macro economic indicators
suggest 2009 to be a better year for Pakistan's economy than even 2007 but
certainly 2008. Our Banking Sector remains robust, resilient and well regulated
despite the collapse of some prominent Banks in many countries. The Foreign
Exchange reserves continue to build up. Despite challenges on account of
terrorism, there has been a record growth of Foreign Direct Investment. Due to
the excellent performance of Pakistan's economy, the Financial Times London paid
rare compliment to Pakistan in a dispatch titled "Pakistan defies global
downturn".
At
the same time we are grateful to our partners in the international community
including Australia for their understanding and support. Pakistan valued its
relations with Australia and we welcome Australia's association with the Friends
of Democratic Pakistan Forum. We are both partners in our fight against
international terrorism and working closely to bring about peace and stability
in the Asia-Pacific region.
Pakistan-Australia trade and economic relations are growing, so are our Defence
and Political ties. There have been high level contacts between the leadership
of the two countries including the recent visit to Pakistan of Foreign Minister
His Excellency Mr. Stephen Smith. The visit was a huge success and we are
confident that it would further strengthen our relations.
Since independence Pakistan has withstood many challenges domestic as well as
external. In order to meet all the multifarious challenges faced by Pakistan
both at home and internationally, we Pakistanis whether living in Pakistan or
abroad will have to work hard to make Pakistan a prosperous and strong country.
The Pakistani community living outside Pakistan has been at the forefront in
helping their country of birth. They are considered as one of the most
law-abiding and hard working communities abroad. The Pakistani Australian
community has also contributed significantly in the development of
Pakistan-Australia bilateral relations.
I
would like to take this opportunity to facilitate all of you on this day. We
should reaffirm our pledge to stand together as a nation, united to face the
challenges with courage and fortitude and work hard to make our nation stronger
and more prosperous.
Pakistan - Zindabad