President General Pervez Musharraf has called upon the nation to adhere unflinchingly to Quaid-e-Azam's principles of unity, faith and discipline to make Pakistan a dynamic and forward-looking Islamic welfare state.
In a message on the death anniversary of Quaid-a-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the President paid rich tributes to the founder of the country, urging the people to demonstrate their adherence to his principles - both to grasp bright prospects for development and overcome challenges of extremism and terrorism.
"Pakistan today is passing through a unique phase of its history. It is capable of grasping the bright prospects for development. On the other hand, it is confronting challenges in the form of extremism and terrorism," he pointed out.
Continuing, the President said "while striving to lead our country to socio-economic development befitting its tremendous potential, we need more than ever before to adhere to the ideals and teachings of the Quaid-e-Azam.
"Particularly, we need to demonstrate in letter and spirit an unflinching commitment 'to the principles of unity, faith and discipline to fight off challenges of extremism as well as make Pakistan a truly progressive, dynamic and forward-looking Islamic welfare state, as envisioned by the Quaid-e-Azam.
"Therefore, while paying tribute to the great leader and his followers, who turned Allama Iqbal's dream of an independent Islamic into a reality, let us pledge to uphold his golden principles and carve out a splendid future for our posterity that will judge our performance in light of the Quaid-e-Azam's teachings and Islam's accent on moderation, enlightenment, tolerance and unity."
President Musharraf said on the occasion of the Quaid's death anniversary on September 11, the nation pays homage to the great leader and recalls the epic struggle Of the Muslims of South Asia under his leadership, which led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
"It was through his untiring leadership and unswerving commitment to the values of unity, faith, and discipline that the Quaid-e-Azam overcame all odds in establishing an independent home for the Muslims where they could live their lives as a progressive and dynamic people."
PM: The nation is observing 57th death anniversary of the Quaid-e-Azam with renewed pledge to face new challenges with courage and determination and achieve the goal of a developed, enlightened, modern, progressive and democratic Islamic welfare state of Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said this in a message on the occasion of 57th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam.
He said history and the passage of time do not dim the importance of certain dates and one such date is 11th September when the new country of Pakistan, just about a year old, was left an orphan by the death of its founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He said date is unforgettable because the Quaid's contribution to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of subcontinent is unforgettable.
The Prime Minister said it is one of the most significant dates in the history of mankind and is always cited as a milestone in the setting up of an ideological state in subcontinent.
But it is a tribute to the genius of the Muslim people that they did not allow the calamity to dampen their spirit for construction of their newly independent homeland, he added.
He said rather it acted as spur and Pakistan ultimately came to be recognised as a respected member among the comity of nations.
The phenomenon of globalisation in its fold has brought innumerable challenges of economic, intellectual and spiritual nature to every nation of the modern world, he added.
This is the spirit we need to face these challenges and to keep the country going on the path of progress and development.