March, 23 2005	Wednesday	12 Safar 1426

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ISLAMABAD, March 22: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has called on countrymen to demonstrate “Unity, Faith and Discipline” and work for a prosperous Pakistan having its rightful place in the comity of nations. “There is a need greater than ever before to demonstrate Unity, Faith and Discipline; the guiding principles given to us by the Quaid-i-Azam,” he said in a message on the occasion of Pakistan Day. Pakistan today stands at a defining moment in its history, he said and added, prudent and far-sighted policies of the last five years have created tremendous opportunities for the country.

“Resultantly, we are in a position where we can truly realize the aims and objectives for which our beloved country was created,” he added.

The president said: “If we continue on this path, we will, by the grace of the Almighty, be able to transform Pakistan into a truly modern and dynamic Islamic Welfare State, as envisaged by the father of the nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah.”

He said there was a need more than ever to maintain stability, ensure continuity and stay the course, while adding, “For if we lose direction, we can be overcome by the forces of obscurantism and extremism, which can cause irreparable harm to the country and our people”.

He said, “The choice, therefore, is very clear. The vast majority of Pakistanis are hardworking, patriotic and moderates who wish to see the country progress and attain its rightful place in the comity of nations. They need to stand up and be counted.”

The president said: “We have the resolve; we have the determination and we will not fail. I have complete confidence in the wisdom of our great people and faith in their will to work towards the objective.”

The president said he felt honoured to greet the nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day, which was a truly historic milestone in the nation’s quest for independence. He said, “For it was on this day that the Muslims of South Asia resolved to carve out an independent homeland for themselves; a land where they could live in peace and harmony in accordance with the tenets of Islam, free from repression and subjugation.”

He recalled that it was the unanimous will of the Muslims of South Asia under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah which resulted in the creation of Pakistan. “From that momentous day in 1940, our nation has come a long way.”

The president said having attained independence on August 14, 1947 against seemingly insurmountable odds, the country has been confronted with many challenges both external and internal in the post-independence period.

He said, “The problems have indeed been many as well as complex,” but added, “It most certainly goes to the credit of the Pakistani nation that they have always risen to the occasion and successfully overcome adversity by demonstrating patriotism, steadfastness, resilience and unswerving faith in the Almighty. May the Almighty Be our Protector and Guide. Ameen.”

PM’S MESSAGE: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in his message on Pakistan Day has called on the nation to rededicate itself to attain the ideals of a tolerant and moderate society and transform Pakistan into a modern enlightened welfare Islamic state.

“Let us all rededicate ourselves in attaining the ideals of an enlightened, tolerant and moderate society; social justice and democracy, laid down for us by the founding fathers and fashion our lives according to our consecrated values,” he said.

The prime minister said, “Today the nation is celebrating the 65th anniversary of the adoption of Pakistan Resolution by All India Muslim League in Lahore on March 23, 1940.”

He said Pakistan Day reminds of the immense sacrifices rendered by the Muslims of the subcontinent to achieve a homeland of their own for living their lives in accordance with their religion, culture and traditions. The prime minister called on the people to express gratitude to the Almighty for blessing them with a separate homeland.

He said, “We pay homage to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and all the freedom fighters and workers of the Pakistan Movement who determinedly marched behind their leader to achieve their cherished goal.” The prime minister also asked to pay respect and homage to those countless individuals who laid down their lives in the struggle for Pakistan.

He said, “Let us on this day pledge to keep our covenant with the Quaid by closing our ranks and transforming the country into a modern enlightened Islamic welfare state, which ensures justice, rightful place of women in society, and equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, while discouraging hatred, extremism and exploitation in all forms and manifestations.”—APP