ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called upon the nation to work harder to uphold Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a democratic and self-reliant Pakistan and follow his principles of unity, social justice and equality to ensure the country’s progress and prosperity.

In their separate messages on the 148th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation on Dec 25, they said Quaid-i-Azam was a leader of rare calibre who believed deeply in unity, justice and equality.

President Zardari said that in order to achieve Quaid’s vision, “we must invest in the education of our youth, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead Pakistan into a brighter future. We also need to work for the uplift of downtrodden segments of society”.

“Jinnah’s dream of a peaceful and moderate Pakistan obliges us to promote harmony within and beyond our borders,” the president said.

Rich tribute paid to Father of the Nation on his 148th birth anniversary

“On this day, we honour the contributions of the Father of the Nation, who changed the course of history through a political struggle. Quaid-i-Azam’s vision, determination and unwavering resolve led to the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent,” President Secretariat Press Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.

PM’s message

Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his message, said that Quaid-i-Azam was a leader of rare calibre who believed deeply in unity, justice and equality.

“Today, as we celebrate the 148th birth anniversary of our Founding Father, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, we are reminded of his extraordinary vision, unwavering courage and unparalleled determination. He achieved what many thought impossible and gifted us our homeland, Pakistan,” the prime minister said.

PM Shehbaz said that Quaid’s life continued to inspire countless people as an enlightened teacher, visionary lawyer, principled statesman, steadfast politician, and charismatic leader. “His journey is a testament to the power of conviction and the realisation of dreams through hard work and dedication,” he said.

“As we commemorate this special day, let us draw strength from Quaid-i-Azam’s legacy and reaffirm our commitment to the values he stood for. It is our duty as Pakistanis to work tirelessly for the progress, prosperity, and unity of our nation,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2024