Days remaining to
Independence Day -
August 14

Address at the Presentation of Colours to the 2/15th Punjab Machine-Gun Regiment, Peshawar: April 15, 1948

This occasion which has afforded me opportunity of presenting colours to your Regiment, is an honour of which I need hardly say that I feel very proud. The qualities that are required for the making of a Regiment like yours are of a very high order such as an unbounded sense of discipline, loyalty, selfless devotion to duty and physical endurance. A man cannot at all times be thinking of great qualities - and indeed he would be a poor sort of man if he were to lose himself in an analysis of qualities - but let me tell you in a nutshell, they are all embodied in one simple phrase - loyalty to your Regiment - and your colours are a symbol and a reminder of what your Regiment stands for just as you stand for your Nation. It is not for me to praise your records in the battles that you have fought: that is a matter of history and facts. But I may venture to say that I have learnt of your heroic deeds with great interest and pride. But a regiment has much more to do than be in the firing lines of the battlefield, and you have, I hope, more years of peace than war before you.

Live always true to the ideals to which you have just dedicated yourselves afresh - to the service of Pakistan, and make your contribution to the protection of the weak and to the hallowed memory of your comrades and thus enhance the glory of Islam.

It is not words that count so much as deeds and I am confident that you will live up to your traditions when you are called upon to defend your country and the safety and security of your Nation. You will, I am sure, hold aloft the banner of Pakistan and maintain its honour and prestige as a great Nation.

In your new journey, let me tell you that you have my best wishes.