ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: Paying homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif have called for struggle against injustices, tyranny and oppression.

In their separate messages on the occasion of Ashura, they said Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his family members and companions sacrificed their lives for the cause of truth and justice and to resist oppression and tyranny.

“As we pay homage to the great martyrs of Karbala and reflect on the lessons of their supreme sacrifice today, we must also look inwardly and do some soul searching”, PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto said.

“Today the need for learning a lesson from the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (May Allah be pleased with him) is even greater because tyranny and oppression continue to stark the land in different forms and different manifestations.

“On this day therefore we reiterate our resolve that no matter what the odds we shall neither submit before tyranny and injustice nor let evil let its sway.”

She urged the people to rise above sectarianism, forge unity in their ranks and dissociate themselves from all those elements who were fanning sectarianism and hatred.

“I also urge the countrymen to challenge and drive out those who behind the facade of seeking to curb extremism and terrorism are only conspiring to perpetuate their illegal hold on power”.

Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif in his message said the “Jihad launched by Imam Hussain against tyranny and oppression continues to be a beacon for all those who struggle for supremacy of truth and justice.”

Mr Sharif said the great martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions not only revived Islam but also established the tradition for all times to come that life must be put on stake whenever Islam faced a challenge.

He said “today Muslims the world over are again facing a challenge similar to Karbala and, unfortunately, as in the past insiders instead of “aliens” are playing the main role in hatching conspiracies against Islam, because lust for power, personal interests, deviation from Islamic principles, shortsightedness and arrogance have put blinkers on their eyes.

“They are prepared to sell off the Ummah for their personal interests but they should realize that the one-and-a-half billion Muslims of the world consider Imam Hussain their hero and leader, and take pride in following him in his footsteps.”

He said being a humble Muslim he always sought guidance from Imam Hussain’s noble example, and refused to yield to a usurper.

He said had he surrendered, he would have readily signed the document that three generals had brought to him on October 13, 1999, and he would not have been exiled.

“Even now if I make a deal on the Constitution and national interests, the usurpers would welcome me with open arms, but interests of the country and the people are more valuable to me. My struggle is dedicated to welfare of Pakistan and its 150 million people, and we will succeed very soon by the grace of Allah,” he said.

Moosavi: The TNFJ Chief Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi has said that Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) gave a new lease of life to humanity and the religion of Islam with his blood.

He said that the world of oppression and brutality is afraid of Hussainiyyat even today because Hussainyyat is the zenith of peace and tranquillity.