ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of Quaid-i-Azam’s 78th death anniversary, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, acknowledging his remarkable political vision, constitutional struggle, principled leadership and lifelong efforts for the rights of the Muslims of the subcontinent.
In their separate messages, the president and prime minister said Quaid-i-Azam devoted his life to securing the constitutional, legal, religious, cultural and human rights of the Muslims of the subcontinent. His unwavering struggle and exceptional leadership ultimately paved the way for the creation of Pakistan as an independent homeland for the Muslims.
The leaders emphasized that the principles and ideals of Quaid-i-Azam remain relevant to Pakistan’s progress and stability. They called upon the nation, particularly the youth, to draw inspiration from his character and leadership and work collectively to build a stronger, prosperous, peaceful and welfare-oriented Pakistan.
Quaid-i-Azam’s 78th Death Anniversary: President Zardari Highlights Unity and Rule of Law
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan was envisioned as a country where Muslims living in Muslim-majority areas could live without the fear of a Hindu-majoritarian state and coexist peacefully with non-Muslim minorities.
He said the vision of Pakistan envisaged by Quaid-i-Azam provided space for people of all faiths to live according to their religious beliefs and enjoy their rights as citizens.
According to the president, this vision was clearly reflected in the words and actions of Quaid-i-Azam, particularly in his historic August 11, 1947 speech delivered just three days before the creation of Pakistan.
President Zardari described the life of Quaid-i-Azam as an enduring lesson in perseverance, discipline and confidence in one’s purpose. He said these qualities provided valuable guidance for confronting challenges, crises and opportunities facing the country.
He noted that Pakistan was currently facing a range of challenges, including security, political, social, cultural and economic issues, as well as climate-related emergencies. The life and example of Quaid-i-Azam, he said, continued to serve as a guiding light for the nation in dealing with such challenges.
The president stressed that the nation must remember Quaid-i-Azam’s belief that lasting national strength was rooted in institutions enjoying public confidence, constitutional continuity and equality before the law.
He said political differences and polarization should be addressed through constitutional institutions, democratic processes, dialogue and the rule of law rather than confrontation and division.
President Zardari urged the people of Pakistan, especially the youth, to take strength from Quaid-i-Azam’s example and confront difficulties with courage, confidence and determination instead of despair.
He expressed the hope that the nation would remain committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and stable Pakistan in accordance with the vision of the country’s founder.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Pays Tribute to Quaid-i-Azam’s Political Vision
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, described Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as an eminent leader who changed the course of history and, despite extremely challenging circumstances, paved the way for the establishment of an independent state for the Muslims of the subcontinent.
The prime minister said Quaid-i-Azam inspired the Muslims of the subcontinent to unite and struggle with determination and courage for the preservation of their religious, cultural and ideological identity.
He said the freedom movement achieved success because of Quaid-i-Azam’s political acumen, foresight and exemplary leadership, which ultimately led to the realization of the dream of an independent Muslim state.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan was established to protect the ideological freedom, political and religious rights, and economic and social interests of the Muslims of the subcontinent.
He also highlighted the extraordinary challenges faced by the newly established country. These included severe administrative and financial constraints, the mass migration of millions of people and the establishment and functioning of a new governmental system.
The prime minister said Quaid-i-Azam confronted these challenges with statesmanship, determination and confidence, demonstrating the qualities of leadership required to guide a newly independent nation.
He further recalled that Quaid-i-Azam had made it clear that the State of Pakistan was founded on Islamic principles that guaranteed freedom of citizenship and religion without discrimination based on colour or creed.
According to Prime Minister Shehbaz, equal fundamental rights and responsibilities for all citizens were an essential part of the principles associated with the founding of Pakistan.
Building a Welfare State Remains Quaid-i-Azam’s Legacy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said transforming Pakistan into a developed and welfare state remained one of the foremost objectives of Quaid-i-Azam’s political legacy.
He emphasized that the country’s progress, prosperity and welfare could only be achieved through collective and coordinated efforts by the entire nation.
The prime minister said Quaid-i-Azam’s 78th death anniversary provided an opportunity for the nation to renew its commitment to the guiding principles of the Father of the Nation.
He highlighted Quaid-i-Azam’s principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline as a source of guidance for the education and upbringing of future generations and as a beacon for Pakistan’s national future.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz said the best way to pay tribute to Quaid-i-Azam’s enduring legacy was to work collectively for national unity, social harmony and economic stability.
He stressed that the country should strive to become a state that genuinely reflects the vision, ideals and principles of its founder so that a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan could be passed on to future generations.
The messages of the president and prime minister on the 78th death anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam underscored the continued importance of the founder’s principles in addressing Pakistan’s contemporary challenges.
The national leadership called upon citizens, particularly young Pakistanis, to learn from Quaid-i-Azam’s determination, discipline, political wisdom and commitment to constitutional principles.
As the nation observes the death anniversary of the Father of the Nation, prayers are being offered for the elevation of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s ranks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prayed that Allah Almighty may bless the great leader with an exalted place in His infinite mercy.
The occasion serves as a reminder that the ideals of unity, discipline, constitutionalism, equality and collective national effort remain central to the pursuit of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pakistan.
