Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani, greeting nation the 64th Independence Day of Pakistan, has said Pakistan is facing multifaceted challenges today, however, its armed forces are well capable to defend dear motherland. Addressing the gathering of Independence Day at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, COAS lauded the sacrifices laid down by armed forces in the line of defending country since its independence. He urged on the nation that, while celebrating Independence Day, it must not forget the sacrifices of those who martyred in defending our dear motherland. The COAS said he had no doubt the nation can overcome all the difficulties. He however added that national resilience and being firm of the ideology of Pakistan was the need of the hour. He said the country has abundant natural and human resources in the person of highly talented youth. The Army chief said that the challenges facing the nation were far greater and complex than ever before. "We have to put Pakistan firmly on the path to prosperity". He said that 14th August 1947 is a historic day for the Muslims of the subcontinent. This day is testimony to the indomitable will of the Muslims to establish a separate homeland under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. "Let us, on this day, humbly thank Allah Almighty. Let us pray together that He gives us strength and wisdom to preserve and protect the ideology, solidarity, integrity and a bright future for Pakistan", he added. Gen Kayani said, "We must stay committed to the ideals of Pakistan and remain ever ready to protect our motherland. I have no doubt that the challenges we face today, will only strengthen our resolve". He said the basis of our existence is the "Ideology of Pakistan". Therefore, each one of us must endeavour to pass it on to our future generations. He expressed his firm belief that by following the golden principles of Islam, the nation will progress and win a respectable place in the comity of nations. He said that Azadi parade by the Pakistan Army has become a landmark event on the national calendar which further strengthens our bondage with our beloved motherland. This parade reminds the nation of the sacrifices that made the dream of Pakistan a possibility and also gives us a chance to renew the pledge of our commitment to Pakistan. Earlier, when Gen Kayani arrived at the saluting dais, the parade presented the general salute. The COAS moved down the dais and hoisted the national flag at midnight. After the march past, school children presented national songs, which were followed by fireworks display.