October 17, 2008	Friday	Shawwal 17, 1429

KARACHI, Oct 16: Karachiites, like the countrymen across Pakistan and abroad, observed the 57th death anniversary of Shaheed-i-Millat Khan Liaquat Ali Khan on Thursday.

The first prime minister of Pakistan, the great Pakistan Movement leader and the

closest lieutenant of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah was assassinated in Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, on Oct 16, 1951.

People from all walks of life visited his mausoleum here on Thursday to pay homage to the Shaheed-i-Millat, the most trusted lieutenant of the Founder of the nation.

They offered fateha and lay wreaths at his tomb.

Khan Liaquat Ali Khan’s son and other relatives, as well as members of the Quaid-i-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan Memorial Committee, were among hundreds of people who visited the grave, offered fateha and lay floral wreaths.

A number of institutions and organisations held various programmes to pay tribute to the great leader and shed light on different aspects of his life. They recounted his achievements and contribution to the Pakistan Movement and efforts towards bringing political and economic stability to the new-born country.

Speakers at different forums said Liaquat Ali Khan introduced economic, political and social reforms in the country and made commendable efforts to keep the nation united and strong. He introduced the policies which were aimed at making Pakistan a truly democratic and welfare state.

Having been given the titles of Quaid-i-Millat in his life and Shaheed-i-Millat after his assassination, the nation remembers him as an honest and patriotic statesman who played a vital role in achieving a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent under the leadership of the Quaid-i-Azam.

—Agencies