ISLAMABAD, April 3: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has asked the youth to follow the ideals of great leaders and prepare themselves for the future challenges.

The prime minister in his message read at the launching ceremony of a book on Madar-i-Millat, Fatima Jinnah, here Friday said the new generation should plan well for future in accordance of the ideals of great personalities.

The prime minister also appreciated the author for his honest and hard work in writing the book in which he had brought out the best qualities of Madar-i-Millat and the impact it left on her brother's personality.

The prime minister could not attend the function as chief guest and the information minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, had to perform the duty.

Speaking on the occasion the minister said every step taken by the great personalities leaves a footprint for the succeeding generation to follow and undertake voyage towards prosperity.

He paid rich tributes to Quaid-i-Azam and his sister Fatima Jinnah.

The ceremony was organized by the information ministry to launch Sharif Farooq's book Madar-i-Millat Sarmaya-i-Millat.

Sharif Farooq's manuscript was judged by an external committee, set up outside the ministry and declared as the best among 44 others received during 2003 which was commemorated as the Madar-i-Millat Year. The Information Ministry published this book.

Veteran leader of Pakistan Movement Mahmud Ali, speaking on the occasion, underlined the importance of democracy and democratic principles for the future of Pakistan, and its security.

Democracy played vital role in the creation of Pakistan. He said it is the duty of the nation to safeguard democracy in a country which was a gift of the Quaid, he remarked. The author, Sharif Farooq, said his book portrays many events in the career of Quaid's sister, Ms Fatima Jinnah, but more particularly of the tumultuous era when she challenged Ayub Khan in the bid for the presidency of the country.

Facsimiles of letters written by Dina Wadia (Quaid's daughter) to her 'dearest aunt', and some letters of thanks sent by Pamela Mountbatten to Madar-i-Millat are to be found in the book.

The director-general of films and publications department gave an overview of a number of functions organized by the ministry during the commemorative year about Ms Jinnah.