Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has stressed the need to follow teachings of Allama Muhammad Iqbal to retrieve the country from various challenges it is facing. "The teachings of Iqbal are no doubt the beacon of light for our dear country, in the current circumstances", the Prime Minister said in his message on the birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal.
"He (Iqbal) included the elements of thought and strategy in the national affairs. He highlighted the sense of unity in Muslim Ummah and raised voice in favour of economic justice", Gilani said. The Prime Minister said it would not be illogical to state that Iqbal's saying "Utho Meri Dunya Ke Gharibown Ko Jaga Do" was not a mere poetry but was a call to create such an economic system, which is free from deprivation, injustice and inequality.
"This is the basis of ideology which was termed as his vision by founder leader of PPP Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and included in the party's manifesto at the time of party's creation", he said.
Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan People's Party still belongs to that ideology and "We are actively working towards its implementation". "Time is witness and I can say it with full confidence that PPP is the saviour and champion of Iqbal's thinking, philosophy and ideals. Our government is striving to run and develop the country in accordance with the dreams of Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Quaid-e-Awam Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed", he added. The Prime Minister said that the present government is striving for national security, development and welfare of masses in the circumstances, which require national unity, reconciliation, consensus and futuristic vision and approach.
"This is a welcome and encouraging fact that today the nation is playing its role in the fight against terrorism and is moving forward on a way, which was indicated by Allama Iqbal", he added.