Speakers call for unity, character to strengthen Pakistan
Islamabad – 5 September 2026 (MT Team) : Eminent intellectual Brigadier Akhtar Nawaz Janjua(Retd) has stressed the need for Muslims to preserve their dignity, uphold principles and avoid compromising national interests for personal gains, saying self-respect and unity are essential for the progress and strength of nations.
Addressing a ceremony organised by the Nazriya Pakistan Council in connection with Defence Day at Aiwan-e-Quaid here on the theme “Defence of the Motherland and Our Responsibilities,” he said Allama Iqbal had rightly emphasised that a Muslim should bow only before Allah Almighty.
He said nations witnessed ups and downs in their history and highlighted Pakistan’s response to a cross-border incursion on May 5 last year as an example of national resolve. Pakistan, he said, responded promptly and, by the grace of Allah Almighty, forced the enemy to retreat within hours.
He said the development marked a turning point in Pakistan’s international standing, expressing confidence that the country would continue to gain respect and influence at the global level.
Chairman Nazriya Pakistan Council Trust Mian Muhammad Javed said the thought-provoking views expressed at the ceremony reflected the core philosophy of the Council.
He said the speakers highlighted the teachings and glory of Islam, the life and message of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the examples of the Prophets and Khulafa-e-Rashideen, and the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal.
He said these ideals constituted the foundation of the Nazriya Pakistan Council and were being conveyed to the younger generation, adding that the discussion at the ceremony had rekindled hope for Pakistan’s future.
Guest of honour Brigadier Shahid Asghar (Retd) said the armed forces were fulfilling their duty of defending the country by rendering sacrifices, while writers and citizens were also contributing to national strength in their respective fields.
Another guest of honour, Waheed Sharif, said the participants had gathered to reaffirm their commitment to the motherland and its protection and to pay tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis.
Iqbaliyat scholar Abdul Ghafoor Abid said the recent agreement among TĂĽrkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reflected a positive outlook for the future, adding that Allama Iqbal had envisaged such unity through his poetry.
Allama Muhammad Mehmood Ahmed Tabassum said Pakistan was a great blessing from Allah Almighty and the nation must value and protect it. He stressed the need to prepare the younger generation to safeguard the country and uphold its national ideals.
Wafa Chishti termed mutual differences a serious social challenge, saying they were weakening society by undermining the spirit of human brotherhood. She stressed the need to inculcate the teachings and character of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) among the youth.
Speakers also highlighted the growing importance of countering misinformation, observing that an enemy could attack not only through conventional means but also through fabricated news and disinformation.
Moderator Hameed Qaiser said patriotism among the youth should not remain confined to slogans but must be linked with knowledge, character, service, love for the country and a strong sense of national responsibility.
He said collective efforts were needed to equip future generations with the values and capabilities required to build a peaceful, prosperous and strong Pakistan.
The ceremony concluded with a collective prayer for the progress, prosperity and well-being of the country.
