ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asi Ali Zardari has said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a visionary leader, who united the Muslims of India under one banner.
President Zardari, in his message on the 76th death anniversary of the Quaid-e-Azam being observed with deep respect on September 11 (Wednesday), said today, we pay tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah on his 76th death anniversary.
“We are highly indebted to him for his efforts and contribution for the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent where they could live with dignity and exercise their political, cultural, and religious rights,” he said.
He said the entire nation is proud of his untiring struggle and unwavering commitment to the right to self-determination that shaped the destiny of millions of Muslims.
The President in the message said Quaid-e-Azam’s vision for Pakistan was fundamentally democratic and he firmly believed in a state where all citizens, irrespective of religion, would be equal before the law. “Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s struggle not only laid the foundation of Pakistan’s democratic system but continues to influence our aspirations for parliamentary democracy and communal harmony,” he said.
He said Quaid-e-Azam successfully steered Indian Muslims through the complex political landscape of India, while maintaining an unyielding stance on the rights of Muslims. “It was due to his sheer will, hard work and successful advocacy of the cause of Muslims that the partition of India became a reality,” the President said.
He said on this day, we not only honour his efforts but also recommit ourselves to the values and ideals that he championed. President Zardari said Quaid-e-Azam envisioned a Pakistan based on Islamic principles of democracy and socio-economic justice. “We need to make the principles of “unity, faith and discipline” our guiding light for the development of our country. I am sure that by acting upon his teachings and advice, we can make Pakistan strong and prosperous. Insha’Allah,” he concluded.
