Islamabad: Noting that Pakistan is faced with "unprecedented" threat of terrorism and extremism, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday asserted that these "evils" will be defeated and "completely wiped out from our soil".
In a written message on the occasion of 76th Pakistan Day being observed here, Sharif also said that the country has resolved to ensure freedom, equality and social justice for all its citizens.
"Today, we are confronted with unprecedented threats and challenges in the form of extremism and terrorism, but we are resolved to defeat these evils. The menace of terrorism and extremism will be completely wiped out from our soil," Sharif said.
He said his government has taken "landmark" initiatives to safeguard minorities in Pakistan and empower women. "Our endeavours are aimed at mainstreaming the marginalised segments of our society as we believe that each and every Pakistani is an equal citizen of the land," he said.
The Pakistan Prime Minister asked his countrymen to pledge to offer equal opportunities to each Pakistani citizen to achieve a "pluralistic" society where men and women work collectively for the nation's progress and prosperity.
"Pakistan was envisioned to be a state where people could freely practise their faith without any fear or threat. I am optimistic that our collective efforts based on plurality, equality and justice would make Pakistan a state as dreamt by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah," he added.
The celebrations held at Pakistan High Commission here were attended by its High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit, his deputy Ubaid-Ur-Rehman Nizamani and others.
A reception will also be held at the High Commission this evening which is expected to be attended by Indian guests, members of the diplomatic corps here and Pakistan women's cricket team, a High Commission statement said.
