President, PM call for unity, reforms on Quaid-e-Azam’s 77th death anniversary

Staff Report
ISLAMABAD:President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their separate messages on the 77th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, paid rich tribute to the Father of the Nation and urged Pakistanis to draw inspiration from his vision of justice, equality, tolerance, and democracy.
The President in his message said Quaid-e-Azam not only created a homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent but also gave them dignity, identity, and self-respect, a Presidency’s news release said.
“His dream was of a progressive, inclusive, and forward-looking nation where all citizens, regardless of religion, caste, or creed, would enjoy equal rights and opportunities,” he emphasized.
Highlighting current developments in India, President Zardari said the treatment of minorities under the RSS-influenced government had once again validated the Two-Nation Theory. “Even India’s own minority communities acknowledge that their religious, political, and social rights are no longer secure. These circumstances reaffirm that the creation of Pakistan was not only justified but inevitable,” he noted.
Acknowledging the challenges Pakistan faces today—ranging from economic difficulties and climate change to extremism and institutional reforms—the President said the nation must follow the example of Quaid-e-Azam and the Pakistan Movement leaders who overcame immense odds through unity and resolve.
“This is a defining moment for Pakistan. Let us reaffirm our resolve to build the country envisioned by Quaid— a democratic state, governed by the rule of law and accountable institutions,” President Zardari urged. He underlined the need to ensure opportunities for youth, empowerment of women, and respect for minorities.
Reiterating Quaid’s guiding principles of “unity, faith, and discipline,” the President said these ideals remain as relevant today as in 1947. “If we honour his legacy with sincerity and action, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. I am confident that by acting upon the Quaid’s teachings, we can make Pakistan stronger and prosperous, Insha’Allah,” he concluded.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the 77th death anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, paid tribute to his unparalleled leadership and selfless struggle for the creation of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said the entire nation salutes Quaid-e-Azam’s political vision and statesmanship, which led to the establishment of an independent homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent despite immense challenges, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
Highlighting Quaid’s commitment to protecting the political, religious, economic, and cultural rights of Muslims, the prime minister noted that Jinnah’s struggle bore fruit in the form of Pakistan, the world’s first Islamic ideological state.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that despite the daunting challenges of Partition, including mass migration, resource scarcity, and administrative hurdles, Quaid-e-Azam laid the foundations of a strong Pakistan and instilled in the people the courage and confidence to move forward.