On behalf of the people of the United States, I send best wishes and congratulations to the people of Pakistan as they mark their Independence Day. Today, as Pakistanis around the world celebrate the freedom their nation gained on this day in 1947, they can take pride in their rich history and accomplishments, and in the words and vision of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the Quaid-e-Azam, whose efforts to bring “unity, faith and discipline” to the people of Pakistan resulted in the creation of a great nation.
On this historic occasion, let me reaffirm the commitment of the United States to stand with Pakistanis in their struggle against violent extremism. I look forward to visiting Pakistan in the fall and continuing to work toward a stronger relationship with both the Government of Pakistan and its people.
###
