Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The 75th Independence Day is a watershed moment in our nation's history. Today we pay rich tributes to Muslims of the sub-continent and express our collective gratitude to them for their heroic struggle, and epic sacri fices for the creation of a new state. The establishment of Pakistan is an outcome of the Quaid-i-Azam's single-minded devotion, unflinching resolve and his unwavering struggle. From the concep tion of an idea in 1930, Pakistan emerged on the map of the world as the largest Muslim country in a short span of 17 years. The coming of Pakistan into existence was not less than a miracle that stunned friends and foes alike, beating all predictions and assessments. Where the 75th Independence Day is an occasion of jubilation and festivity, it is also a moment of reflection and self-ac countability. We, as a nation, have achieved many milestones during the last seven and a half decades. From thwarting external aggression to putting together federal constitution to becoming the 7th nuclear power of the world to beating the scourge of terrorism, we have come a long way.

The odds were definitely heavier than anyone could imagine but our national will to defeat them was stronger. At the same time, it is also a fact that we have not been able to fully realize the dream that our founding fathers dreamed; the dream of socio-economic justice, rule of and equality before the law, and the dream of an egalitarian society. While we are an independent nation, a precious gift for which we cannot thank Allah Almighty enough, true...