ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi and outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the need for national unity to surmount social, political, economic and security challenges, while driving the country towards prosperity and development in their messages on the 76th Independence Day anniversary.

“So, let’s resolve that we will not hesitate to offer any sacrifice for the security, prosperity and development of the country,” the president said.

Mr Alvi extended congratulations to all compatriots and urged a renewed commitment towards building a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan, as “envisioned by the Father of the Nation”.

“I urge my fellow countrymen to work for the welfare and uplift of deprived sections of our society. Let’s pledge to uphold the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, forgiveness, socio-economic justice, and moral and ethical values, as enunciated by Islam,” the president said.

Remission of 180 days for prisoners approved on Independence Day

On this important day, the president said, the nation should also remember their oppressed brothers and sisters in held Kashmir, who have been facing Indian atrocities for decades.

“We stand with our Kashmiri brethren and assure them of unwavering and continuous political, diplomatic, and moral support for their legitimate right to self-determination,” he reiterated.

Unity, self-belief

Outgoing PM Shehbaz underlined the need to summon the spirit that marked the Independence Movement and employ the lesson of unity and self-belief to chart the way forward.

“There is no denying the importance of many milestones we have achieved in the last seven and a half decades, often against opposing circumstances. We have faced the worst natural disasters, conflicts and wars and always managed to build back better,” he said.

The outgoing premier extended his heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation, including overseas Pakistanis, on the occasion of the Independence Day.

“Today, we pay rich tributes to the men, women and children who got together under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah to struggle for the creation of a land they could call home,” he added.

In this process, the PM said, they set a magnificent example of dedication and devotion to the cause of Pakistan.

Furthermore, the PM Shehbaz stated that on this day, the nation stands in unwavering solidarity with the oppressed people of held Kashmir, who are persistently fighting for their right to self-determination.

Remission of 180 days

Separately, on the Independence Day anniversary, the president approved remission of 180 days for prisoners.

According to the announcement, complete remission has been granted to elderly male prisoners who were sentenced to life imprisonment and now are sixty-five years of age or above and have served one third of their jail term.

The remission will also be given to those who are under 18 and have served one third of their sentence.

Likewise, complete remission has been extended to female prisoners aged sixty years or older who have completed one third of their sentence in jail.

However, special remission will not be granted to prisoners on death row and those convicted of major crimes, including espionage, gang rape, murder, kidnapping and anti-state activities.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2023