President calls on ECP to remove doubts over polls

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday emphasized the need for strengthening state institutions to take collective decisions concerning the country.

Addressing the main event of Independence Day at the Convention Centre in the federal capital, he said August 14 rejuvenates our spirit.

Felicitating the nation on Independence Day, the president said this is a day of true celebrations.

He said Pakistan had to confront numerous challenges since its creation and that we haven’t completely reached our destination yet.

“A strong democratic and developed country is our destination,” Mr Hussain explained.

He stressed the need for focusing on obstacles which cause problems for the country and added unity is needed to get rid of political and social issues.

The president said the people of the country exercised their right to vote on July 25. There is a message hidden in Independence Day and general elections, he added.

“This day reminds us that the fate of the country is to be decided through ballot,” Mr Hussain said.  He called on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure that voters’ decision is not undermined.

He said the electoral body has responsibility to remove doubts over polls.

He was of the view that the young generation is laced with love for the country and has honest desire to develop and build it.

The president paid a tribute to the sacrifices of countrymen for establishment of peace in the country.

He said Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to their Kashmiri brother in their just struggle for right to determination.  He also urged the international community to raise their voice so that the Kashmir people could get their inalienable right.