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Friday, June 21, 2013
‘Benazir’s message a roadmap to make Pakistan modern state’
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the call of Benazir Bhutto to stand up against extremism and to banish poverty and ignorance is a roadmap to make Pakistan a modern and pluralistic state.The president, in his message on 60th birthday of Benazir Bhutto, said that Benazir was a visionary and far-sighted leader. “She believed in a moderate and pluralistic Pakistan where the ultimate choice of the people was determined by ballot and not bullet.”
He said that throughout her life she tenaciously fought dictators, militants and extremists, resisting their attempts to impose their agenda on the people through force.
The president said the birthday of twice-elected prime minister of the country and the Muslim world’s first women prime minister was an occasion to reiterate “our pledge to uphold those ideals of democracy, egalitarianism, pluralism and justice for which Benazir Bhutto stood for and laid down her life”.
“The 60th birth anniversary of our great leader is being commemorated at a time when the country has just witnessed a smooth transition from one democracy to another,” the president said, and added that it was a matter of great satisfaction that the political parties, despite serious reservations, had accepted the poll results as the voice of the people, and that a dream had come true.
“Let us on this day vow to tread in her footsteps to further strengthen democracy, safeguard the rights of the marginalised sections and uphold and defend the values for which our founding fathers created this country,” he added.
He called for remembering on this day in prayers all those who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of democracy, rights of the people and defending the motherland against internal and external threats.
The president reiterated the pledge that her sacrifices would not be allowed to go in vain and “we would continue working for a democratic, peaceful, moderate and progressive Pakistan”.
Meanwhile, the president visited Garhi Khuda Bakhsh and laid floral wreath on the grave of Benazir Bhutto. He also offered fateha and recited verses from the holy Quran.
The president was accompanied by Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. He also visited the grave of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and laid a floral wreath there.
He also visited the graves of Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Mir Shahnawaz Bhutto. On the occasion, he also visited the Mazar Complex and its various sections. The president will participate in the birthday celebrations of Benazir Bhutto today. agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk