ISLAMABAD: Pakistan dedicated this year’s Independence Day to the freedom struggle being pursued by the people of India-held Kashmir.

Besides, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief over the recent tragedy in Quetta and recalled those who sacrificed to protect the country’s independence.

“I dedicate this year’s August 14 to the freedom of Kashmir. I dedicate it to those people of Kashmir who bravely faced the state oppression but kept the spirit of freedom alive,” the PM said in his message to the nation on Independence Day.

He noted that besides the traditional pleasure, this year’s 14th August, also carried deep feelings of grief.

“The pain of Quetta’s martyrs is still fresh. Today, we are also remembering those martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect this independence,” he remarked.

He said the day had served to renew the determination of the nation that Pakistan, with the grace of Allah, would remain forever.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2016