KARACHI: Like other parts of the country, Pakistan Day was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm by the people across the metropolis on Sunday.

The day began with a 21-gun salute in the provincial capital.

Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, member of the Sindh cabinet, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, representatives of the armed forces, director general of the Sindh Rangers, members of various political parties and civil society visited the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, laid wreaths and offered fateha to pay tribute to the founder of the nation.

They prayed for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Governor Tessori, CM Murad visit Quaid’s mausoleum; stress need of unity to confront challenges

Talking to reporters, Governor Tessori urged all stakeholders to collaborate effectively to navigate the country through its current challenges.

In response to a question, the governor said that all political parties have expressed full confidence in the armed forces during the recent meeting of the national security committee.

He condemned recent acts of terrorism and affirmed the nation’s unity in combating subversive forces.

He said that development was not possible without economic and social stability.

He urged all political parties to sit at one table and work jointly for the sake of Pakistan.

Talking to the media, the CM reflected on the significance of March 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League adopted the Pakistan Resolution in Lahore, which laid the foundation for an independent homeland.

He emphasised that this year marked the 85th anniversary of the resolution. He highlighted Sindh’s crucial role in creating Pakistan, recalling that on March 3, 1943, the Sindh Assembly was the first to approve the Pakistan Resolution. He stated that the struggle for independence culminated on August 14, 1947, when Pakistan emerged as a sovereign nation founded on Islamic principles.

Reflecting on the challenges facing the country today, Murad Ali Shah stressed the necessity of national unity against terrorism and the need for collective efforts toward economic development.

He urged all citizens to contemplate the forces that threaten Pakistan’s stability and reinforced that everyone must stand united against any threats to the nation.

Commenting on recent terrorist incidents, the CM underscored the importance of national security and criticised political elements who had previously neglected to attend National Security Committee meetings and reiterated that terrorism must be addressed collectively.

He urged the nation to reaffirm its pledge on Pakistan Day to strive for the country’s prosperity.

He called on all political forces to unite and contribute to Pakistan’s development, just as former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto did in making Pakistan a nuclear power, and his daughter Benazir Bhutto did in advancing missile technology for national defence.

‘No canals are being built’

To a question, the CM reiterated that no canals are being constructed. Addressing the concerns of the public, he emphasised that PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will personally visit various areas to reassure citizens that no such canals will be built.

He reiterated that the PPP will never permit the construction of these canals and that any misinformation regarding the matter will be clarified.

Mr Shah asserted that no canals had ever been planned for construction in Sindh, and even the allotted lands for corporate farming will not receive water from any canal.

Additionally, no settlements will be displaced. If, after conserving the existing water, any population expansion is deemed feasible, the Sindh government will cooperate to facilitate it.

The CM also pointed out the delay in the construction of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway. Despite multiple attempts to advance the project, it has not been initiated, he said, adding that this motorway was not solely intended for Sindh, but for the entire country, as it will significantly enhance trade.

The CM said that the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway should be constructed first rather than focusing on linking other districts elsewhere. He also stated that although the Sindh government should not be required to contribute, it is willing to do so to expedite the project.

He pointed out that in the past, the Karachi-Thatta Motorway, which was a federal project, was partially funded by the Sindh government due to the lack of action from federal authorities.

Centre urged to convene CCI meeting

Emphasising provincial autonomy, the chief minister made it clear that the Sindh government will not permit any federal institution to undertake projects in the province without its consent.

He cited past instances, particularly during Imran Khan’s tenure, where parallel projects were initiated by both the federal and provincial governments, resulting in inefficiencies.

The CM urged the federal government to convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) to discuss all outstanding issues, including the water issue.

Provincial ministers Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Saeed Ghani, Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, Special Assistant to CM Syed Waqar Mehdi, Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly Ali Khursheedi, Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon and other officials were also present on the occasion.

In his message on Pakistan Day, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said today is the day to renew our commitment to unity and to confront the challenges facing Pakistan. He also urged everyone to contribute to the country’s development by following the principles of the Quaid-i-Azam.

Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah recalled that the provincial assembly had passed a resolution on March 3, 1943 in continuation of the Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940.

In his message on the occasion of Pakistan Day (23 March), he said that March 23 is a day of historical importance and the Sindh Assembly played a historic role in the establishment of Pakistan.

Rangers chief visits Quaid’s mazar

The director general of Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, Major General Mohammed Shamraiz, visited the Quaid’s mausoleum and paid homage on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

He laid a wreath and offered fateha. He also prayed for the progress and prosperity of the country and the nation.

Later, he recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kheal Das Kohistani visited the Quaid’s mazar to pay his respect on Pakistan Day. He congratulated the entire nation on day.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2025