We are fully cognizant of the realities of a new world through which we have to navigate with caution & foresight: FM Bilawal
ISLAMABAD, August 14 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that we are fully cognizant of the realities of a new world through which we have to navigate with caution and foresight. We understand that geopolitics is reorienting to accommodate new actors and emerging factors and considerations, he said. And that is why it is imperative that Pakistan’s foreign policy respond adequately to these shifting trends, he said.
This was stated by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in his Independence Day message for the nation on Sunday. Bilawal Bhutto said that on this 14 August, it gives me great pleasure to wish you all a very happy 75th anniversary of our independence.
“On this auspicious occasion, we honour the indefatigable and extraordinary efforts of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his companions that led to the creation of Pakistan, our independent homeland. We also pay tribute to the immense sacrifices rendered by our forefathers in the freedom struggle” he said.
Bilawal Bhutto said that it is also an occasion to celebrate our endeavors of the past 75 years, an occasion to celebrate our people, our progress, our youth, our art, culture, our sportsmen and women and much more.
He said that the journey of the past 75 years has seen ups and downs. Pakistan has battled against odds both at external as well as internal fronts. However, we have always overcome these challenges withresilience and perseverance.
He said that it is a matter of great pride that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan has been part of this journey since the very beginning and has been diligently working since then to keep the national flag high all over the world. The Foreign Office we see today has evolved from its basic existence in Karachi in 1947 to:
-utilizing modern tools and technology to improve consular services
-make use of new communication tools to reach out foreign audiences
-use Public Diplomacy to push fresh narratives
-Build partnerships
-Strengthen bilateral relations
-Maintain a strong presence at multilateral fora
He said that the Foreign Office continues to follow the goals of foreign policy as outlined by the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Today when global battles are being fought in the realm of perceptions and narratives, Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains its position as the first line of defence for the country.
Bilawal Bhutto said that Pakistan stands tall today as the amalgamation of both ancient and modern. While preserving our historical identity, we are a nation with our eyes on the future, be it trade, connectivity, digitalization, socio economic development, climate change, agriculture or science and innovation, he said.
Bilawal Bhutto said that on this 75th Independence Anniversary, we reflect on the future-to chart a way forward for continuing peace, prosperity and development of our homeland. From geography to natural resources to a vibrant people, we have all the ingredients to embrace all challenges and take forth the journey towards the next milestone with a positive and forward looking approach, he said.
Meanwhile on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence, officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs paid a heartfelt musical tribute to the homeland.
The Officers re-recorded the iconic milli naghma penned by Kaleem Usmani and sung by Mehdi Hassan, “Yeh Watan tumhara hai.
This famous milli naghma was chosen for its powerful message that reminds all Pakistanis to treasure and protect the homeland that was created through the independence struggle by our forefathers led by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and with the blood of the martyrs in its soil.
We are reminded of our duty to our homeland, to its skies and to its waters, with discipline and dedication – to rise to our responsibility as guardians of this country.
It has a powerful message for the youth of Pakistan to cherish their identity and remember that it is their hard work and determination that will take this country forward.
True to the spirit of the song calling on the people to rise to the occasion and recognize their duty as guardians of our homeland, the officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs perform their duties conscientiously as the first line of defence for Pakistan.
The video showcases the life and work within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its various locations, its iconic buildings, the officers’ daily work routine in the Ministry, official meetings, the scenic views from the Foreign Service Hostels and last but not the least, officers undergoing training in the Foreign Service Academy.
This song was recorded and filmed in collaboration with Pakistan Television, Radio Pakistan and renowned singer and composer Owais Niazi.