Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has urged the nation to project the Pakistan ideology at every level as a counterweight to the forces of extremism. "Pakistan was achieved through a democratic struggle and it is our individual and collective responsibility to safeguard democracy and representative rule," Prime Minister Gilani said in his message on the Pakistan Day.
Prime Minister Gilani said the Day reminds to introspect that whether the objective for which the Muslims of the sub-continent rendered immense sacrifices with their blood, were achieved or not. He said today the nation is celebrating the 71st anniversary of the adoption of Pakistan Resolution passed on 23rd March, 1940 with traditional zeal and zest.
He recalled that on this historic day, the Muslims of the sub-continent gathered in Lahore under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and adopted a resolution, which changed the course of history. Gilani said the Muslims ever since embarked on the arduous struggle for an independent state where the principles of social justice and equity could prevail and where they could live as free citizens in peace from within and without- in accordance with their religious beliefs, civilisation identity and cultural values.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan Resolution represented the beginning of a journey, which started from seeking right to separate electorate and ended on attaining the goal of self-determination. He said important landmarks of history do not reach their culmination without leadership's determination, consistency and sacrifice of the people. He said the establishment of Pakistan is a living testimony to the Muslims' commitment towards the cause of right to self-determination and willingness to go an extra mile for realisation of their ideals.