- President, PM pay tribute to Quaid on 78th death anniversary.
- Quaid’s life offers enduring lesson in perseverance: president.
- PM Shehbaz calls for national unity and social harmony.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his 78th death anniversary, hailing his visionary leadership, astute political acumen, and selfless guidance of the nation.
In a message on the occasion, the president said that Jinnah had devoted his life to the constitutional, legal, religious, cultural and human rights of the Muslims of the subcontinent, eventually leading them towards the creation of Pakistan.
Pakistan was envisioned as a country where the Muslims of the Muslim-majority areas could live their lives without the spectre of a Hindu majoritarian state, in harmony and peacefully with non-Muslim minorities, he added.
“This vision was amply reflected through the words and deeds of the Quaid and brilliantly expressed in his speech of August 11, just three days before the creation of Pakistan,” he said.
According to President Zardari, the Quaid’s life offered an enduring lesson in perseverance, discipline and confidence in one’s purpose, saying it stood as a radiant lighthouse and compass to meet all challenges.
He said the nation must not forget that the Quaid had taught that durable strength came from institutions enjoying public confidence, constitutional continuity and equality before the law, adding that differences and polarisation must be resolved through constitutional institutions, democratic processes, dialogue and the rule of law.
The president maintained that the challenges before the nation required seriousness, hard work and responsible governance.
He called for reforming, restructuring and strengthening Pakistan’s economy, creating greater opportunities for young people, improving public services and ensuring that the benefits of development reach people across the country.
He said the country must simultaneously continue to protect itself from external aggression, terrorism, militant ideologies and violent extremism.
President Zardari reiterated that Pakistan would continue to work for peace and stability in the region, and, guided by the Quaid, would continue to play its role in promoting dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the region and the world at large.
He called upon the people of Pakistan to draw strength from the Quaid’s example and to face difficulties with courage and confidence rather than despair and despondency, remaining committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.
‘Exemplary leadership’
PM Shehbaz, in his message, said that Quaid-i-Azam was an eminent leader who changed the course of history and, against the most challenging odds, paved the way for the establishment of an independent state for the Muslims of the subcontinent.
He said that the Quaid had inspired the Muslims of the subcontinent with the determination and courage to unite and struggle for the preservation of their religious, cultural and ideological identity.
The prime minister maintained that Quaid-i-Azam’s political acumen, foresight and exemplary leadership advanced the freedom movement, culminating in the realisation of the dream of an independent state.
He said that Pakistan came into being to safeguard the ideological freedom, political and religious rights, and economic and social advancement of the Muslims of the subcontinent.
The prime minister noted that the Quaid had addressed, with statesmanship and confidence, the formidable challenges confronting the nascent state, including severe administrative and financial constraints, the mass migration of millions of people, and the establishment and functioning of the government’s system.
He said Quaid-i-Azam had made it clear that the State of Pakistan was founded on Islamic principles, which upheld, without distinction of colour or creed, freedom of citizenship and religion, as well as equal fundamental rights and responsibilities for all.
PM Shehbaz said building Pakistan into a developed and welfare state remained the foremost objective of Quaid-i-Azam’s political legacy, adding that the progress, prosperity and welfare of Pakistan could only be achieved through the collective and concerted efforts of the entire nation.
According to the prime minister, the day called upon the nation to renew its pledge to remain committed to the guiding principles of the Quaid, adding that unwavering adherence to his principles of faith, unity and discipline served as a guiding light for the education and upbringing of future generations and as a beacon for a bright national future.
Premier Shehbaz said that the best way to pay tribute to Quaid-i-Azam’s enduring legacy was to work together for the promotion of national unity, social harmony and economic stability.
