• Message from President Zardari on International Women’s Day on 8^th March, 2010

The observance of the International Women Day today under the auspices of the United Nations demonstrates that women everywhere are waking up.

On this occasion I wish to congratulate the women of the world in general and of Pakistan in particular and salute them for their struggle for emancipation and an end to discrimination. I also wish to congratulate the Ministry of Women Development for arranging special events to celebrate the day.

This year’s theme “Equal rights, equal opportunities; progress of all” requires that we take legislative and administrative steps in the direction of gender equality and emancipation of women in the country.

It is reassuring that in accordance with this year’s theme the present government has enacted a far reaching legislation aimed at protecting women from harassment at workplace. Also in line with this theme the government has declared women as beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) as well as of free distribution of stare lands in the command areas of the new dams proposed to be built in the country. 

I wish to compliment the women of Pakistan on these milestones in their forward march towards uplift and gender equality.

The Pakistan Peoples Party is specially committed to the welfare of women. Shaheed Mohtarma said that “women’s rights are inseparable from human rights”; that “there was no human right more fundamental, and more universal, than equal rights for women in the new century”. Her vision serves as a beacon to achieve gender equality in the country.

On this occasion therefore, I should also like to remind all concerned that we need to pursue the pledges made by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto at the Beijing Conference and in the document on CEDAW for the emancipation and uplift of women. She set the trend in gender equality and protection of women from violence. We resolve today to make that trend irreversible.

On this occasion I also urge the Members of Parliament to revisit the laws discriminatory to women adopted by male prejudice and to review them. I also appeal to all the political parties to join hands to extricate women from the agony and embarrassment of discriminatory laws. Let us mobilize the collective power of women to help make our country, the region and the world more tolerant, harmonious and secure.

Today Eid Milad-un-Nabi is the day of happiness and fervor for the whole world especially for the Islamic world. On this auspicious day of the birth of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him), I take this opportunity to pass on the best wishes of felicitation to all Muslims

This is a historical fact that at that time humanity was evolving through dark ages; barbarism and satanism were playing havoc with the human values; human society and civilization were dismantling every aspect of human life, culture and civilization was reflecting a very wild picture of cruelty and incivility. It was in such like circumstances i.e. humanity was touching the lowest ebb of existence that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) appeared as a defender, protector and champion of human values.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) as the benefactor of humanity saved the basic unity of society and turned it into a nucleus of it. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) brought about a golden and judicious balance by designating rights of the family members from that of society in general which if followed in true spirit would lead to the creation of a just, prosperous and fulfilled society.

One of the fundamental characteristic of Prophethood of Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was the conception of a society grounded in universal muslim brotherhood and equality. Islam brought unity into the ranks of Muslims. Prophet preached that it is neither color and creed nor race and wealth that elates a person but it is in fact his piety and ability to distinguish good from evil that makes into the sublimity of mankind. Prophet not only preached these ideas but practically followed them through   examples. The onus is now on us to turn the enlightened life of the Holy Prophet into a beacon house for ourselves. While preaching the universal message of Prophet (P.B.U.H), we should keep engaged in doing pious deeds of virtue and social welfare. Any act that may lead to the distortion of human values or message of Islam should be shun because this is the fundamental essence of Islam and the hallmark of humanity and therein lies prosperity and welfare for us all. 

I pray to Almighty Allah to give us unshakable strength and capacity to follow and preach his teachings (Amin). 

Dear Scouts,

Scouting is an international movement which nourishes the spiritual, mental physical and social capabilities of the youth through informal education and instills in them characteristics of love, sympathy and selfless services for the humanity.

Today more than 28 million scouts are expressing their resolve to take forward the aims and objectives of these movements by celebrating World Scouts Day, I congratulate the scouts all over the world particularly the scouts of Pakistan.

Scouts movement has completed 62 years in Pakistan. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, first Chief Scout of Pakistan on the occasion of beginning of this movement, said:-

“Scouting values play very important role in the character building of our Young generation specially their physical and spiritual development and make them useful and good citizen by bringing them under disciplined way of life”.

I appeal to the parents of children and youth of Pakistan to encourage their children to join scouts movement. We are taking positive measures to promote scouting in Pakistan Constitutional infrastructure of scouting as an organization is being changed to run it on right course. The theme of scouting movement for year 2010 is:

“Promotion of scouting through attractive programmes”.

I believe that through these interesting programmes the scouts from all over the world would strive to tackle the situation arising out of extremism and intolerance and work for the creation of harmony and evolution of the peace in the society. I appeal to all the educational institutions of the country for the establishment of Scout Units in their respective institutions. I assure Pakistan Boys Scouts Association and all scouts of the country that I will give all the support and patronage to their organizations”

I pray to Almighty Allah that Pakistan may become the country full of peace and tranquility with the efforts of the scouting! Ameen.

We observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day each year on 5^th February to reiterate our political, moral and diplomatic support for the just and legitimate struggle of your Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the realization of their right to self determination. This right is enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant UN Resolutions.

Kashmir Solidarity Day is also an occasion to pay tributes to the brave people of Jammu and Kashmir for their heroic sacrifices and for their steadfast resolve to realize their justice aspirations.

I wish to reassure my Kashmiri brethren that Pakistan remains firmly committed to finding a just and peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and for full respect for their fundamental rights.

Pakistan would persist in its efforts for seeking a peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute. We are of the firm belief that the Kashmiris should be associated with the Dialogue process. Ultimately, Kashmiris would be the final arbiters of their destiny.

I reiterate to your Kashmiri brothers and sisters our pledge that they have our full moral, diplomatic and political support. We shall stand always with them in their just struggle.

PPP Co-Chairman and President Asif Ali Zardari has felicitated the Party workers on the birth anniversary of Pakistan’s first directly elected Prime Minister and the Party’s founder and first Chairman Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto falling on Tuesday January 5 and said that the best tribute to the martyred leader was to follow in his footsteps and empower the people of Pakistan by lifting them from hopelessness, abject poverty and degradation.

On the eve of the 82nd birth anniversary of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Bhutto I wish to reiterate that no matter what the odds we will tread on the path illumined by the founding Chairman of the Party, he said in a message on the occasion. “The Quaid-i-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto awakened the people and gave them voice which no dictatorship has been able to stifle”.

He said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto led the fight for democracy and peoples’ emancipation from the front and even laid down his life for it before leaving this world to join the ranks of immortals. The PPP Co-Chairman said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto believed in dialogue and negotiations to resolve most complex political issues instead of resort to force.

It was through dialogue and negotiations that the Party’s founder Chairman recovered the territory lost in the 1971 war and brought back ninety thousand prisoners of war from Indian camps. The Simla Accord that brought longest spell of peace between India and Pakistan also stands as a lasting monument to Shaheed Bhutto’s negotiating skills, the PPP Co-Chairman said. “It was he who prevented through negotiations the war trials of our military officers to protect the name and honour of the country”. It goes to the credit of the present democratic set up to have driven out a dictator from the Presidency through dialogue and negotiations and restored the country’s highest office to democratic forces, he said.

Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave the country a unanimous democratic Constitution that was later mutilated by successive dictators for perpetuating themselves in power. It is our moral and political responsibility to restore the 1973 Constitution and rid it of all undemocratic Articles inserted into it by dictators. On his birthday I wish to reiterate that we will fulfill this responsibility and urge the Parliament once again to complete the task without loss of time, he said. Shaheed Bhutto awakened the people on the one hand and strengthened nations’ defences by giving it nuclear programme, the Kamra Aeronautical factory and the Heavy Mechanical Complex on the other, he said. Shaheed Bhutto was ‘Pakistan’s modernizer’ who left deep footprints in the sands of history. It is a measure of his mark on history that his martyrdom sparked freedom movements in many countries as people gathered in capitals across the world to condemn his murder, he said. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a thinker, a friend of the poor, downtrodden and oppressed. Fearless in his beliefs he refused to bow before any man or power other than the Almighty.

The PPP Co-Chairman asked the Party workers to rededicate themselves to the ideals of Bhutto on this day of his birth anniversary to tell the world that Bhutto still lives in the hearts and minds of the people and, from his grave, haunts the enemies of democracy.

• PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF 10th MUHARRUM-UL- HARAM (Ashura) 1431 AH

My dear countrymen,     

Assalam-o-Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Hay Wa Barakato Hoo! Youme-e-Ashhura is one of the most important days of Islamic history, which is celebrated every year to condemn tyranny, barbarism and despotism. The incident of Karbala is first formal war of Islamic history against undemocratic and dictatorial powers, wherein the family of Holy Prophet (PBUH) under the leadership of his Grandson offered unique sacrifices which will remain as glowing example for the humanity till Dooms’ day. The incident of Karbala will ever be quoted as an example of determination and resolve of a group of devotees who set the example of sacrifice and bravery while fighting against tyranny.

Hundreds of years ago, when a dictator started violating Islamic values and tried to de-shape Islamic society, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RT) stood for the protection of these values against tyranny and ignorance. The message this incident conveyed was that fighting against ignorance and dictatorship is the spirit of Islam.

Dear countrymen,

Let us pledge among ourselves that we shall fight against tyranny, ignorance, dictatorship, terrorism, barbarism and violence in the light of the principles set by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RT). Only then we can put our country on the way to development and progress.

Allah be our Guardian and Protector. (Ameen)

Pakistan Paindabad.

Two years ago on this day the tyrants and the extremists killed the Muslim World’s first Woman and Pakistan’s twice elected Prime Minister. She may have been killed physically but the ideas and ideals of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto shall never be killed.

Her ideas and ideals instilled hope and inspired a generation to lofty aims. These ideals shall always lift the spirit to higher goals. She gave voice to the voiceless, strength to the weak and stirred the muted turbulence of human spirit. She motivated and led the people in the fight for their rights. Risking her life she returned to Pakistan hoping and promising to “bring change to the country and empower its people”.

The idea that the people are masters of their destiny and the burning desire to bring change to the country and empower its people still lives and drives the party and her followers. We are determined to bring positive change to the country as pledged by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Giving political ownership to the war on terror, embracing the people of Balochistan through amnesty and the Aghazi Huqooq Balochistan Package, advancing the process of reconciliation and strengthening the federation through the 7th NFC Award and extricating the poor from abject poverty and empowering women through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) are some of the measures adopted to bring positive change to the country and empower the people.

On this occasion let us pledge that the PPP will continue its forward march to strengthen democracy and emancipate the marginalized and will not be deterred by conspiracies against it or the hurdles created in its way. The PPP will employ the power of democracy and constitutionalism as its weapons to fight it adversaries and foil all conspiracies against it.

The Party survived even the judicial murder of its founder Chairman and the country’s first directly elected Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the exile and subsequent assassination of its second Chairperson Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the plethora of accusations and witch hunting of its leaders and workers.

Not only Shaheed Benzair was extraordinary but any one who came in contact with her also became extraordinary. Such indeed is the measure of her greatness. Such indeed is the strength of Party.

On this occasion our thoughts go to all the martyrs who laid down their lives and many hundreds more who were maimed and wounded while protecting the life of their leader.

I also salute all those who laid down their lives for the cause for their courage, devotion and loyalty. Inspired and led by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto they are our national heroes and heroines. They are the strength of the nation, the strength of the Party.

She believed that militancy flourished in the country when dictatorship flourished. I therefore urge the democratic forces to rededicate themselves to fighting militancy and extremism by strengthening democratic institutions.

For our part we are determined to strengthen democracy and democratic institutions by restoring the 1973 Constitution and removing from it all undemocratic clauses inserted into it by successive dictatorships.

May the soul of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and that of all martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause rest in eternal peace.

I wish to felicitate the nation on the Quaid’s birth anniversary falling on Friday and urges the people to forge unity in their ranks to preserve and protect their democratic and political rights and thereby make Pakistan shining example of prosperity and progress.

On this auspicious occasion I wish to greet the entire Pakistani nation. The birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah indeed is a day of rededication to the ideals and principles of the Father of the Nation. But it also is a day of introspection and reflection to pause and ponder as to what steps we can take to protect the ideals and principles for which the Quaid created this homeland of ours.

The Quaid created Pakistan for the welfare of the masses. We cannot allow the country and the people remain caught in a cycle of poverty, unemployment, and despondency. The government is trying to tackle the challenges of preservation of democratic polity, of development and of poverty alleviation through programs like the Benazir Income Support Program.

This requires strengthening of democracy and democratic institutions because only in democracy development and progress can be ensured.

On this birthday of the Quaid I wish to reiterate that to strengthen democracy the Constitution will soon be rid of all undemocratic clauses to make it truly federal and democratic in character in accordance with the vision of the founding fathers. I have in my address to the Parliament urged that it be done quickly and I have no doubt that it will be done soon.

The Quaid stood for constitutionalism, rule of law, respect for human rights, tolerance, pluralism and honouring the mandate of the people.

It is the dream of the PPP to reclaim Quaid e Azam’s Pakistan and unleash the creative powers of the people through freedom, justice, the rule of law and an end to terrorism and violence.

On this occasion I urge the people of Pakistan to unite, to reclaim the values that the Quaid-e-Azam bequeathed to the Nation as his heritage.

• PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF CHRISTMAS DAY 25th DEC

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. It is also a reminder to all of us of the teachings of Jesus Christ (May Allah be pleased with him) who always spread the message of love, forgiveness and brotherhood among the people without any prejudice and discrimination.

I  hope the Christian Community in Pakistan would renew the pledge to follow the true teachings of Jesus Christ (May Allah be pleased with him) and will continue to play their positive and constructive role in the society. They are a law-abiding and loyal community and we are proud of their tremendous contributions to the advancement and development of the country.

On this auspicious occasion, I also wish to reiterate the commitment of the democratic government of the Pakistan peoples Party to continue to fight along with our Christian brothers and sisters for the rights of all minorities and deprived people in the country. Together we will struggle for establishing a liberal and pluralistic society in Pakistan in which every citizen is allowed to participate freely in the social, political and economic development of Pakistan irrespective of his cast, creed and colour.

Let me also reiterate on this occasion our pledge that the PPP will continue to uphold the right of the Christians, indeed of all minorities, to be treated as equal citizens of the state and allowed to partake in its development on an equal footing.

• PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF NEW HIJRI YEAR 1431

• Message from President on the occasion of Universal  Human Rights Day – 10th Dec-2009

The International Human Rights Day, on the every December 10th is a reminder to democratically conscious citizens to reiterate their commitment individually and collectively to make renewed efforts to promote a culture of tolerance, respect for human rights, diversity, and pluralism.

The people of Pakistan and particularly the workers of the Pakistan Peoples Party instinctively know what human rights are and what their violation means to their bodies and souls. We have learnt it in the course of our struggle for raising the dignity of every individual.

The right to representation, to free and fair elections, to dissent, to justice and the right to food, clothing, shelter, education and health and the right to freely practice one’s religion are all parts of the basic human rights. The struggle of our people over the decades to achieve these rights is indeed commendable. But much more needs to be done.

Of late a new threat has emerged to the basic rights of our people; it is the threat from the militants and extremists who wish to foist their political agenda on the people through the bullet in the name of religion. This unacceptable and the nation is determined and united in fighting against this new threat to the basic right of its people to choose the way of life they wish to live.

The government is determined to defeat the militant mindset. The extremists must be defeated; they will be. The government is also determined to bring to our parched land the breath of freedom, a freedom which will allow the flower of human dignity to blossom.

The government has chalked out a 7-day celebration program throughout the country to mark the International Human Rights Day.

Let us on this Day pledge to raise the dignity of each individual which is at the heart of the basic and fundamental rights. Let us also honour those who wear on their bodies and their souls the indelible marks from the violation of human rights.

• MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT ASIF ALI ZARDARI ON THE OCCASION OF EID-UL-AZHA 1430 AH/2009

Dear Countrymen,

Assalam-o-Alakum Wa Rahmatullah Hay Wa Barakatohoo,

I congratulate you on this auspicious occasion of Eidul-Azha and pray from Almighty Allah to keep you under His Divine protection and bestow upon you happiness and satisfaction in this world and the world here-after.

Eidul-Azha is unique manifestation of obedience to Allah on part of Hazrat Ismail Alahislam and Hazrat Ibrahim Alahislam. Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has made this act of sacrifice mandatory and permanent duty for well-to-do Muslims till Dooms’ Day.

Dear countrymen,

The spirit of sacrifice is in obedience to Allah, bravery, perseverance and courage. The sacrifice of various animals is symbolic of bowing before the will of Almighty Allah and signifies that we the Muslims are ready to offer any sacrifice to please Him. It begets piety which is not only the essence of life but also a way to success in this world and world here-after. Today our homeland is facing tremendous problems. Terrorism and extremism are out to damage the country. We need to promote the spirit of sacrifice of brotherhood, compassion, and peace and to practice them as well. Islam is a religion of peace. We ourselves have to work for peace apart from spreading this message across the world.

May Allah be with us.

• Message from Mr. Asif Ali Zardari President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of Independence Day 14th Aug, 2009

On this auspicious occasion of the 63rd Independence Day I wish to compliment all Pakistanis living within the country and abroad.

“Sixty two years ago, on this day, a separate homeland was created wherein we could live in freedom and shape our lives according to our values. Today therefore is a watershed mark in the history of the country and an occasion for joy and celebrations.

“Pakistan was envisaged by its Founding Fathers to be a homeland for the Muslims of South Asia where democracy, Constitutionalism and respect of human rights would reign supreme. It was envisaged to be a country where there would be no discrimination on the basis of creed, gender or sect and where minorities would enjoy equal rights as citizens of the state and fully participate in the mainstream of national life.

“As we celebrate the Independence Day today we should also rededicate ourselves to uphold the principles for which Pakistan was created. At the same time we should also pause and ponder whether we have upheld those principles and values which we vow every year to uphold.

“While there is much to rejoice and celebrate there also are areas and issues about which we must be concerned.

“The mindset that increasingly preaches extremism, violence and militancy in the name of religion and which has been on the rise in the country is a direct negation of the values for which this country was created. This is an area of great concern to all of us.

“ It is a mindset that poses the greatest threat to the security and stability of the country that was founded on this day. The recent burning of the houses and acts of vandalism against the Christians in Gojra in the month of our independence is only a manifestation of this mindset. Let us therefore resolve to defeat this pernicious mindset that has promoted suicide bombings, beheading innocent people, torturing women and forcibly closing academics of learning.

“Countless lives were sacrificed for the achievement of the dream that was Pakistan. The country’s first directly elected Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto sacrificed his life for the ideals for which Pakistan was created. His daughter and the Muslim World’s first Women Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto laid down her life for saving the country from militancy and for the cause of democracy, free and fair elections and emancipation of the poor, downtrodden and dispossessed.

“The Pakistan Peoples Party has a long history of struggle for the achievement of the objectives for which Pakistan was created. Four Bhuttos in two generations have laid down their lives for the country and the nation. Perhaps in no other country of the world can such an example of two successive party heads having sacrificed their lives he bound easily.

“I wish to reiterate that the PPP will continue to struggle for the vision of Quaid-e- Azam, Quaid e Awam and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for achieving the goal of a federal and democratic policy where rule of law and tolerance reigns supreme and from where militancy has been banished.

“On this occasion I also wish to reiterate that the PPP which has given manifesto of peace and prosperity will pursue the goal of peace with honor and good neighborly relations with countries in the region. We will endeavor to give hope to the people through roti, kapra and makan and by providing them employment, education, energy and safe environment.

“On the eve of this anniversary of our independence I also salute farmers, kissans, mazdoors traders, teachers, doctors, intellectuals, students, women and minorities for their heroic struggle. I urge them all to support the Party to restore law and order, end militancy and provide security and dignity to every citizen and open doors for them to knowledge and livelihood.

“Let us on this day rededicate ourselves to the principles of democracy and human rights, to banishing dictatorship, militancy and extremism and to provide economic opportunities for all in the country and to peace in the region.”

• Message of President Asif Ali Zardari on the eve of the first anniversary of elections on February 18

• Message from Mr. Asif Ali Zardari President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day

We observe Kashmir Solidarity Day every year to express our unwavering political, moral and diplomatic support to the just struggle of our Kashmiri brethren for their right of self determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions.
Kashmir Solidarity Day is also an occasion to pay tribute to the countless sacrifices of the valiant people of Kashmir who have remained resolute and steadfast in the face of oppression spanning more than six decades.

I wish to reassure my Kashmiri brethren that Pakistan remains firmly committed to finding a just and peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. For more than six decades, the Kashmir issue remains on the agenda of the UN as an unfulfilled obligation. We will continue to support the Kashmiri people in their quest for realizing their right to self determination. Pakistan calls for an end to the human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan would continue to pursue a resolution of the Kashmir dispute based on the wishes of the Kashmiri people. To that end, we believe that Kashmiris should be associated with the Dialogue process. We are in no doubt that ultimately, Kashmiris would be the final arbiter of their destiny.
I take this opportunity to reiterate to our Kashmiri brethren our pledge that they have Pakistan's full moral, diplomatic and political support. Their goals are our goals. Their dreams are our dreams. May Allah grant us the strength to continue our joint struggle.

• Message from Mr. Asif Ali Zardari President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the auspicious occasion of Christmas

It is time for festivity, celebration and rejoicing. It is also a reminder to all of us of the teachings of Jesus Christ (May Allah be pleased with him) who spread the message of love, forgiveness and brotherhood among the people without any prejudice and discrimination.

On this auspicious occasion I wish to emphasise the need for interfaith dialogue and harmony among peoples of different religious faiths. The need for such a dialogue and understanding has never been as great as it is today.

I also wish to reiterate the commitment of the government and the Pakistan Peoples Party to continue to fight along with our Christian brothers and sisters for the rights of all minorities and deprived people in the country for establishing a liberal and pluralistic society in which every citizen is allowed to participate freely in the social, political and economic development of Pakistan irrespective of his cast, creed and colour.

Let me also reiterate on this occasion the pledge made by the government that it will continue to uphold the right of the Christians, indeed of all minorities, to be treated as equal citizens of the state and allowed to partake in its development on an equal footing.

• Message from Mr. Asif Ali Zardari President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the auspicious occasion of Quaid's birthday

The Quaid's birthday indeed is a day of rededication to the ideals and principles of the Father of the Nation. But it also is a day of introspection and reflection to pause and ponder as to what steps we must take to restore the ideals and principles for which the Quaid created this homeland of ours.

The Quaid envisaged Pakistan as a democratic country dedicated to the welfare of the masses. It was indeed unfortunate that due to dictatorships and unrepresentative rules in the past the country had been caught in a cycle of extremism, poverty, unemployment and inflation.

We needed to tackle the challenge of developing our society by recognising that social and human development was a most critical element needed for the security and stability of the country that we can no longer ignore.

Militants and their godfathers want to make Pakistan a security driven state instead of a welfare oriented state because it suits their political agenda. We need to appreciate that democracy, development and social and human welfare were no less guarantors of peace and security.

Quaid-e-Azam believed in the power of the ballot and not bullet and stood for constitutionalism, rule of law, respect for human rights, tolerance, pluralism and honouring the mandate of the people.

It is a sad thought that on the Quaid's birthday falling this year, the militants and their supporters have threatened his ideals of pluralism and mandate of the people which has led to the people being denied their basic necessities of life.

Let us make a united pledge on this day to reclaim Quaid e Azam's Pakistan and unleash the creative powers of the people through freedom, justice, the rule of law and an end to terrorism and violence.