- Competitions, unity songs, cultural shows, and rallies ignite joyful and motivational celebrations across Pakistan
- Every Pakistani should bond together in patriotic solidarity and raise the slogan, Pakistan First
Interview with Mr. Majyd Aziz, former President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Majyd Aziz: I am former President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, South Asian Forum of Employers, (UN) Global Compact Network Pakistan, and Former Chairman of SITE Association of Industry. I am Former Member of Board of Directors of the government-owned Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd and Former Chairman of the government-owned SME Bank Ltd. I am also Founding Chairman of All Pakistan Federation of Industries which is the only registered trade union in Pakistan. I am President of our family-owned business group.
PAGE: The federal government has declared that Independence Day 2025, on August 14, will be celebrated under the theme “Marka-e-Haq” (Battle for Truth), emphasising the nation’s unwavering resolve, sacrifices, and unity. How do you view this announcement?
Majyd Aziz: Independence Day 2025 has a special meaning for 250 million Pakistanis. This year despite a difficult economy, despite onslaughts by terrorists, despite political instability, and despite aftereffects of climate change, the citizens have resolved to celebrate the spectacular victory over a belligerent neighbor who was hell-bent on damaging, decapitating, and destroying the motherland. The outstanding performance of the Armed Forces catapulted Pakistan’s positive image and strength all around the globe, and in the process, the fanatical neighbor’s façade of being the largest democracy, the largest populated land, and the most growing economy was blown to smithereens. While the neighbor tried everything on the diplomatic front to discredit and depict Pakistan as a haven of terrorists, no country in the world put on record even an iota of condemnation of Pakistan. All these factors made it imperative for Pakistan to rejoice and prove to the world that the denizens sincerely uphold, believe and follow the platinum words of Jinnah that for Pakistanis are embedded in each and every citizen. Unity, Faith and Discipline. This Independence Day, the nation must make a pledge that for all times to come, this motto will be religiously adhered to in all aspects.
PAGE: The Sindh government has announced a comprehensive programme of Independence Day festivities for August 14, 2025, including competitions with prizes for the best-decorated vehicles, shops, and buildings across the province. What are your thoughts on this initiative?
Majyd Aziz: Sindh government, alongwith the Federal and Provincial governments, wants to excel in celebrating this eventful day. Continuous meetings have been held within the government, with private sector, with civil society, with workers’ representatives, and with academia to chalk out and structure a grand and spectacular program lasting a fortnight leading to August 14. Competitions, unity songs, cultural shows, peaceful rallies, Quomi Parcham hoisting everywhere, flags on roof of homes, on cars, on enterprises, etc are all ingredients of a joyful and motivational celebration. Prizes are just inducements. The real award is to prove that each and every one is a patriotic Pakistani.
PAGE: It is important to cultivate pride in belonging to a free nation and to help citizens understand the struggles of nations living under oppression. How do you see this responsibility?
Majyd Aziz: Let me quote the first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan when he presented the flag to the Constituent Assembly for its formal approval. In his speech, he observed “. . . the flag is not the flag of any one political party or any one community. The flag is the flag of the Pakistan nation. . . . The flag of every nation is not merely a piece of cloth, but it is what it stands for, and I can say without any fear of contradiction that this flag which I have the honour to present to this House, will stand for freedom, liberty, and equality for those who owe allegiance to this flag of Pakistan. This flag is the outcome of decades of struggle against a ruthless and heartless colonial power, and it reflects the determination of Quaid-e-Azam and his colleagues in achieving Independence so that millions of Muslims could live, breathe, and work in a free country.
Today’s generation is not fully knowledgeable of the period before 14 August 1947. This generation needs to be made aware of history. This Independence Day, the nation needs to learn again about the sacrifices made to attain freedom. Pakistanis need to understand and even adopt the American Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” This is one tremendous way to make a great country and a great people! Hence, this year, and in future, every Pakistani should bond together in patriotic solidarity and raise the slogan, Pakistan First.