President General Pervez Musharraf has urged the people to follow the principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline given by Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and strive to make Pakistan a moderate, enlightened and dynamic Islamic welfare state as envisaged by him.
This he said in a message on the occasion of 56th death anniversary of the Quaid being observed on September 11.
"Let us pledge on this solemn occasion that we will abide by the guiding principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline given to us by the Quaid," the president said.
He said the life and achievements of the Quaid-e-Azam bear testimony to the inescapable lesson of history that with faith in the righteousness of a cause, honesty of purpose and unflinching perseverance, even the most daunting of odds can be surmounted.
While commemorating the death anniversary of the Quaid, the president said, "We must not lose sight of his unmatched qualities of leadership, which include impeccable integrity, incorruptibility and a truly remarkable capacity for hard work." It was the leadership of the Quaid, complimented with the determination of the Muslims of South Asia, that led to the creation of Pakistan, he added.
President Musharraf described the Quaid's achievement a unique event in the history of nation, as it was characterised by non-violence and strict adherence to principles.
"He stood firm in the face of adversity and never compromised on principles nor allowed expediency to influence his judgement," he added.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said the best tribute to the father of the nation is to work with Unity, Faith and Discipline in building an egalitarian society free from discrimination, persecution and oppression. Prime Minister in a message on the 56th death anniversary of its Founder, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah said the efforts to establish an ideal Islamic Welfare State have yet come to fruition.
"Pakistan Muslim League, the Quaid-e-Azam's party, has not lost sight of the goal and is determined not to rest until the dream is translated into reality."
He said the passage of time can neither diminish in our minds Quaid's pre-eminent qualities of integrity, honesty, courage of conviction and singleness of purpose, nor lessen in our hearts our profound sense of gratitude to him for leading to victory the crusade for a separate Muslim homeland.
"As a new generation carries forward the torch lit by the founding father, let the clarion call go forth.
We will serve our nation selflessly; the common good shall prevail over individual interests; the iron will and determination of the Quaid will be our goal examples as we battle the problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and lawlessness."