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Zardari urges nation to adhere to Quaid’s principles* Former president greets Christian community on Christmas
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ISLAMABAD: Former president Asif Ali Zardari has called upon the nation to adhere to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammed Ali Jinnah’s principles of democracy, constitutionalism and egalitarianism.
In his message on the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Zardari said, “The Father of Nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned a democratic, progressive and egalitarian Pakistan where every citizen will have equal opportunities to advance without any prejudice of religion, cast and creed. The need to follow this philosophy was never as essential as it is now.”
“Adherence to the principles of democracy demands that we defeat the militant mindset that is seeking to impose a political agenda on the people through bullets instead of ballot,” he said.
The greatest threat to Pakistan today is from the enemies within who seek to destroy the very fabric of the state by force to super impose their obscurantist agenda on the people in the name of religion, Zardari said.
“From Khyber to Karachi and from Gwadar to Gilgit-Baltistan, militants have targeted our valiant members of armed forces, police and law enforcing agencies. They have killed tens of thousands of innocent men, women and children and attacked our schools, hospitals and polio workers. They have not spared even our graveyards.”
The former president added, “On this occasion I urge people to forge unity in their ranks to defeat these enemies of the country.”
“We reiterate today our resolve to carry on the struggle for strengthening the democratic polity and social justice and banish militancy,” he said.
The Pakistan People’s Party reiterates its resolve to fight extremism to the finish and assures Pakistani nation that every worker of the party will continue to fight for making Pakistan a truly democratic, just and pluralistic society free of the scourge of extremism and militancy, he said.
Meanwhile, Zardari also greeted the Christian community on Christmas.
“I wish to felicitate Christians all over the world particularly our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan on the auspicious occasion of Christmas”.
“It is time for festivity, celebration and rejoicing”, the former president said, adding, “It is also a reminder to all of us of the teachings of Jesus Christ who had always spread the message of love, forgiveness and brotherhood.”
The need for inculcating the values of love, forgiveness and reconciliation has never been as great as it is today, Zardari said.
“On this occasion, I wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation the great contributions of the Christian community towards the development and well being of Pakistan. As a deeply law-abiding and loyal community they have earned the admiration of the nation. I am confident they will continue to play their positive and constructive role in society.”
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk