ISLAMABAD, Aug 13: Reaffirming commitment to hold free and fair elections in October, President Pervez Musharraf has appealed to the people to elect honest and dedicated people who would lead Pakistan into the 21st century, realising the country’s full potential.

In his message to the nation on country’s 55th Independence Day, the President said: “I take this opportunity to reaffirm my government’s commitment to hold free and fair elections in October this year.”

The President appealed to the people to exercise their right to vote with responsibility so that “we elect honest, efficient and dedicated persons of integrity who would lead Pakistan into the 21st century realising Pakistan’s full potential.”

He said it was his honour to greet the nation on the auspicious occasion of the 55th Independence Day. “Rarely has the world seen culmination of peaceful and democratic struggle in the form of national independence as manifested in the creation of Pakistan.”

The President said the teachings of Islam are the guiding principles of the Independence Movement.

“Drawing inspiration from these and coupled with his own strength of character and sterling qualities of leadership, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the Muslims of South Asia to their cherished goal of freedom,” he added.

President Musharraf said it was strength of conviction and belief in the righteousness of his cause that helped the Quaid overcome all odds and win freedom for us, something which many thought to be impossible.

The country today, he said, was faced with multiple challenges, offering both opportunities and perils. “Patriotism demands national unity to avoid perils and grasp opportunities.”

Gen Musharraf said history was replete with examples when nations had turned adversity into strength.

He said with the grace of Allah Almighty, Pakistan was soundly poised to march ahead as a genuine democratic and progressive Islamic state. “We have earned global respect for our contributions in making the world a better place to live in.”