Public confidence in Pakistan's future at unprecedented level: Maleeha Lodhi

NEW YORK: Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations (UN) Maleeha Lodhi on Sunday said public confidence in the future of Pakistan is at an unprecedented level at the moment.

Speaking at the Pakistan Day celebrations, the ambassador read out a special message from President Arif Alvi and said, “The significance of Pakistan Day this time comes with the national morale at a record high and public confidence in the future of the country also at an unprecedented level.” 

"It is also borne out by the way the nation had responded to the "recent challenges from our neighbourhood," she added.

The Pakistani envoy added, resilience and self-belief were the defining features of Pakistan’s journey. “A journey that saw the country braving the odds and defying the pessimism some held about the country's future,” she said.

“Today, Pakistanis look to the future with hope and optimism,” Lodhi added.

Speaking about the significance of Pakistan Resolution in the freedom struggle, the Pakistani envoy paid rich tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah who led the historic struggle of the Muslims of the sub-continent for an independent homeland.

She added under a new and confident leadership Pakistan today, is making important gains in its journey towards progress and prosperity. "We remain determined to translate Quaid’s vision into reality and ensure that people of Pakistan continue to enjoy the fruits of peace, security and development in a prospering welfare state."

Later, addressing a community gathering at the Pakistani Consulate, ambassador Lodhi said the gusto with which Pakistan Day was celebrated in the country and outside is a testimony of a living nation that is self-confident and eager to take part in nation-building activities.

She appreciated the role of the diaspora and said it was a model community but still needed to do more in portraying a positive image of the country.