October 28, 2003	Tuesday	Ramazan 1, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 27: Ramazan-ul-Mubarak commences in the country on Tuesday and President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali have, in their separate messages, urged the nation to forge unity, shun discord and sectarianism, and foster tolerance and amity in accordance with the true spirit of Islam.

“Our conduct should reflect that we are a disciplined Ummah and are followers of ... Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon him)”, the president said.

Reminding the people of the distinction of the holy month, President Musharraf said that the Holy Quran was revealed upon Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) during this month, adding that it was in Ramazan that Pakistan had gained freedom.

In his message on the commencement of the holy month, Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said the Muslim world was passing through a critical juncture, adding that terrorism and religious extremism was weakening the Umah and creating a wrong perception of Islam.

“Under these circumstances, it is responsibility of Muslims to project the true spirit of Islam and practically demonstrate the enlightened, moderate, peace loving, tolerant and human- friendly aspects of our religion”, he said.

Expressing the need for unity, the prime minister urged the nation not to let any negative ideology flourish among them, which may lead to disharmony and disunity.

He stressed upon the nation not to be misled by hollow slogans and pursue their ideology with steadfastness and firm commitment like a wise and sagacious Muslim nation.—APP