ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has underscored the importance of following the spirit of sacrifice as embodied by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in Karbala.

He urged the nation to renounce all kinds of differences to work harmoniously for the development of Pakistan and fulfilling the inescapable duty of assisting quake survivors until their complete rehabilitation.

In a message on Ashura, President Musharraf paid homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions for their unparalleled sacrifice and steadfastness in holding the truth aloft, and said that the Shabbiri tradition “teaches us that we must not let our personal interests come in the way of larger and lofty objectives”.

“Today, we need to follow the Shabbiri tradition in order to grapple with challenges confronting Pakistan. We will have to make concerted efforts against all kinds of ignorance and strive for defence, prosperity and sovereignty of the country.”

He urged the people to renounce ethnic, regional and all other petty differences and cling to sublime teachings of Islam.

“We should promote peace, harmony and brotherhood and follow Islam’s spirit of enlightenment and moderation for forging peace and harmony. I am confident that this way we will bring about prosperity in Pakistan, earn a good reputation for the country and we will be able to achieve development worthy of developed countries.”

Drawing attention to the sufferings of the victims of the Oct 8 earthquake, President Musharraf reminded the nation of its duty towards them.

He said: “We have both a moral and religious obligation to continue assistance for our brothers, sisters and children in the quake zone until they recover completely from the effects of disaster.”

PM’S MESSAGE: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has urged the nation to seek guidance from the teachings of Islam and devote its energies in building a society that guarantees the honour and welfare of everyone.

In a message on Ashura, the prime minister said the character and life of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) was a beacon of light for the entire Ummah and prayed to Allah Almighty to strengthen the ties of affection and fraternity that binds the whole nation together.

He said Islam is a complete code of life, and even in the present era its attributes could help guide the world.

He called for the need to understand and adhere to the true teachings of Islam.

He said: “Today we recall the supreme sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his group of companions in Karbala, and the valour with which they stood up against the evil forces. History tells us that despite all sorts of temptations, the Imam refused to compromise on the high principles of Islam.”

He and his companions suffered intense torment and agony, but with matchless patience and courage they ultimately chose to sacrifice their lives for the sake of truth and righteousness.

“The incident of Karbala teaches us a grim lesson that when the noble human values of Islam are being trampled upon it is the duty of every Muslim to protect these,” the message said.

—APP