ISLAMABAD, Sep 11 (Alliance News): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his 78th death anniversary, recalling his visionary leadership and reaffirming their commitment to building a prosperous and welfare-oriented Pakistan.
In his message, President Zardari said Quaid-i-Azam had devoted his life to securing the constitutional, legal, religious, cultural and human rights of Muslims of the subcontinent, ultimately leading to the creation of Pakistan.
He said Jinnah envisioned Pakistan as a country where Muslims could live peacefully while ensuring harmony and equal rights for non-Muslim minorities.
The president said the Quaid’s life offered enduring lessons in perseverance, discipline and confidence in one’s purpose, which could guide the nation in overcoming present-day challenges.
He emphasised that lasting national strength depended on strong institutions enjoying public confidence, constitutional continuity and equality before the law.
President Zardari called for differences and political polarisation to be addressed through constitutional institutions, democratic processes, dialogue and the rule of law.
He said Pakistan’s challenges required seriousness, hard work and responsible governance, stressing the need to reform and strengthen the economy, create more opportunities for young people and improve public services.
The president also stressed the need to ensure that the benefits of development reached people across the country while protecting Pakistan from external aggression, terrorism, militant ideologies and violent extremism.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, saying the country would continue to promote dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
President Zardari urged the people to draw strength from Quaid-i-Azam’s example and confront difficulties with courage and confidence rather than despair.
PM Shehbaz highlights Quaid’s exemplary leadership
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Quaid-i-Azam was an eminent leader who changed the course of history and, despite formidable challenges, paved the way for the establishment of an independent state for Muslims of the subcontinent.
He said Jinnah inspired Muslims with determination and courage to unite and struggle for the protection of their religious, cultural and ideological identity.
The prime minister highlighted Quaid-i-Azam’s political acumen, foresight and exemplary leadership, which he said ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan was established to safeguard the ideological freedom, political and religious rights, and economic and social advancement of Muslims of the subcontinent.
He noted that Quaid-i-Azam faced severe administrative and financial difficulties after independence, along with the mass migration of millions of people and the challenge of establishing the new state’s administrative system.
The prime minister said the Quaid had made it clear that Pakistan was founded on Islamic principles that upheld freedom of citizenship and religion, as well as equal fundamental rights and responsibilities for all citizens without distinction of colour or creed.
PM Shehbaz said transforming Pakistan into a developed and welfare state remained a central objective of Quaid-i-Azam’s political legacy.
He stressed that national progress, prosperity and public welfare could only be achieved through collective and concerted efforts.
The prime minister called on the nation to renew its commitment to the Quaid’s principles of faith, unity and discipline, describing them as a guiding light for future generations.
He said the best way to honour Quaid-i-Azam’s legacy was to work collectively for national unity, social harmony and economic stability.
