PESHAWAR, Dec 24: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Masood Kausar on Monday urged the people to adhere to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s principles of unity, faith and discipline, and mobilise all resources to tackle the issues and challenges facing the country.

“We need to work day and night and make Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s principles constant source of inspiration in our fight against racial discrimination, economic exploitation, religious intolerance and political deprivation,” he said in a message issued here on the eve of the 136th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam.

He said: “Let us stand for peace through constitutionalism, rule of law, respect for human rights, pluralism and honouring the mandate of the people and make his glorious principles as our compass in a turbulent sea.”

Mr Kausar said Quaid-i-Azam’s exemplary leadership, courage, statesmanship, lofty vision and dedication to the cause of Muslims of sub-continent made it possible for Pakistanis to be citizens of an independent and sovereign Islamic state.

He said Quaid-e-Azam was one of the men, who altered the course of history and created a nation state with his selfless and untiring efforts and that could rightly be termed as major political achievement of the modern Muslim history.

“He was the most accomplished lawyer, a shrewd politician, an astute diplomat, an inexhaustible freedom fighter, a man of integrity, honesty and action, a top jurist and above all, one of the greatest nation builders.

“He alone stood to the might of Indian Congress and Colonial West and successfully fought for the cause of Muslims to safeguard their political rights and liberties,” he said.

The governor said this was an occasion to reflect on as how far the nation had adhered to the principles of Quaid, who created the homeland.

“I take this memorable opportunity to convey Quaid’s message of hope, courage and confidence,” he said.

In a separate message on the day, the governor congratulated members of Christian community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata on Christmas falling today (Tuesday).

“I feel privileged to congratulate the Christian Community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata in particular and wish them merry Christmas. We all share their festivities on this auspicious occasion,” he said.

Mr Kausar appealed to the countrymen in general and Christians in particular to reaffirm their commitment to continuing efforts for further strengthening the country irrespective of religion, caste or creed.

He said the Christian community was an equal partner in the country’s struggle for sustained development, stability, security and solidarity.

“The freedom to observe religious values by non-Muslim communities is protected by our religion and the Constitution. This very fact proves a strengthening bond of our brotherhood,” he said.

The governor said the recent step to increase the number of electoral constituencies both at the national and provincial levels testified to the prevalence of equal democratic spirit in the country.

“This state of fraternal cohesion and nationhood helps all citizens work for collective well-being of the nation and ensure a secure and prosperous future for all of us,” he said. —APP