I extend my heartiest congratulations to my countrymen on this auspicious occasion of the Golden Jubilee of our independence.
Today is a day of rejoicing and jubilation.
It also demands introspection and reflection. After gaining independence, the grim battle for the preservation of freedom started. We had to start from scratch to build Pakistan. The infant state was confronted with grave issues and problems. Unfortunately, the birth of Pakistan was attended by a holocaust of unprecedented dimensions.