"The Quaid-e-Azam envisaged Pakistan as a democratic country driven by the welfare of the masses. Unfortunately, due to dictatorships in the past the welfare of the people took a back seat and security concerns became predominant as the country faced extremism and militancy. We need to create conditions whereby the welfare of the people is the dominant concern of the state."
This was stated by President in a message issued here on Saturday by Asif Ali Zardari President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of 135th Birth Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam being observed on Sunday (today) across the country.
Following is text of the message: "On the Quaid's 135th birth anniversary today I greet the people of Pakistan and urge them to forge unity in their ranks to preserve and protect their democratic and political rights and make Pakistan a country where egalitarianism prevailed and in which every individual is allowed opportunities for the blossoming of his potential and shaping his own destiny."
"Let us on this day rededicate ourselves to the democratic ideals and principles of the Father of the Nation as well as reiterate our resolve to defeat the forces that seek to undermine the nation's founding principles."
"The Quaid also stood for constitutionalism, rule of law, respect for human rights, pluralism and honouring the mandate of the people. We should never lose sight of our national goalpost. This indeed is our compass in a turbulent sea." "The Quaid believed that any change must be brought about by ballot and rejected change by bullet. Let us pledge that we will not allow any change through force and intimidation and respect the power of ballot as the instrument of change."-PR