ISLAMABAD, March 22: President General Pervez Musharraf has called upon the nation to remain steadfast and united for achieving the ideals of Pakistan as a modern and progressive Islamic welfare state, in a message on Pakistan Day issued on Monday.

"23rd of March observed as Pakistan Day every year is truly a historic milestone in our nation's quest for independence from colonial rule," he said.

The President said: "Pakistan is a manifestation of the resolve of the Muslims of South Asia and their unanimous will, resulting in the creation of Pakistan under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah; a homeland where they could live in peace, harmony and in accordance with the tenets of Islam."

"On this occasion I would like to urge all Pakistanis to remain steadfast and united to achieve the ideals and aspirations for which our country was created," he added.

The President said: As we commemorate this day, we have to remember that the struggle must go on, particularly against those forces that aim to deflect us from our cherished goal of making Pakistan a modern and progressive Islamic welfare state."

PRIME MINISTER: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has asked the nation to shed differences and strive for higher values of life and make Pakistan an enlightened modern Islamic welfare state.