ISLAMABAD, March 1: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has stressed the need of making Pakistan a moderate and enlightened country where everyone has equal opportunities to lead his life in the light of Islamic traditions.

In his message on Ashura, the president said the day holds great significance as the dearest grandson of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) along with his companions laid down their lives for the glory of Islam.

The day, the president said, has special significance in view of the principles established by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) to uphold truth and point the way to the path of righteousness.

He said this day Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) established certain principles which are now treated as foundations for humanity. The success of any ideology and thought depends on these very standards.

He said: "Let us pledge to turn Pakistan into an enlightened and moderate Islamic state, which conforms to the modern times and provides an opportunity for all to live on the basis of equality and justice in accordance with the teachings of Islam."

In a separate message, Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali called upon the nation to adopt the true spirit of sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at Karbala.

He said Islam teaches us the qualities of tolerance, sacrifice and righteousness in our everyday life. He urged the people to shun the negative tendencies of extremism, intolerance, sectarianism, provincialism and to focus on the true spirit of Islam.

He said the need of the hour was to stand steadfast in the face of the forces of evil and let no harm come to our great religion of Islam. Islam, he said, guides us onto the path of service to humanity, tolerance, unity, brotherhood and justice.

He said even today if we want to live as a respectable and self-sufficient nation we will have to stick to these noble principles. The tenth of Muharram, he said, has great significance in history. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) and his companions used to fast this day.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his associates laid down their lives for the glory of Islam at Karbala. This supreme sacrifice has become a cherished standard for all the followers of this great religion. - APP