“September 6 is a memorable day in the national calendar. For it was on this day in 1965 when the people of Pakistan demonstrating unprecedented unity and singularity of purpose solidly stood behind the armed forces in facing a grave threat to the country.

“On this day we salute the nation for its unity, the armed forces for their valor and courage and pay homage to our martyrs.

“The critical lesson of September 6 is that national unity and singularity of purpose can conquer aggression as well as vagaries and storms of time.

“On September 6 this year the nation is confronted with an existential threat from fanatics, zealots and extremists on the one hand and from the material devastation caused by the history’s worst floods on the other.

“While the former is testing our will to survive and live in accordance with our values and ideology, the latter is testing our ability, resourcefulness and resilience to rise like a phoenix from the ashes of a natural disaster. In some ways the threats to the country on September 6 this year outweigh the threats on this day anytime ever in the past.

“The need for national unity and a singularity of purpose is therefore greater than ever before on this day.

“It is reassuring that once again the people and the armed forces have risen to the challenge. Our armed forces backed by the power of the people and the Parliament are chasing the militants in a fight to the finish and the people and state institutions have joined hands to meet the challenge of devastating floods.

“On this occasion I wish to pay tributes to our brave people for their resilience and courage in facing the disaster. But for their unmatched endurance and resilience and a will to fight back it would not have been possible to withstand the vagaries of time.

“On this occasion let me also reiterate that we will eliminate the militants and at the same time with the help of the people and international community rehabilitate and reconstruct the devastated infrastructure. Let there be no doubt or mistake about it.

Pakistan Paindabad”

• Message from President Zardari on the occasion of Independence Day 14th August 2010

On the auspicious occasion of the 64th Independence Day I wish to compliment all Pakistanis living within the country and abroad.

Today is a watershed mark in the history of the country as on this day sixty three years ago, Pakistan was founded as a separate homeland wherein we could live in freedom and shape our lives according to our values. It is therefore an occasion of joy and celebration for all of us.

The enthusiasm of the Independence Day this year however has been dampened because of the unprecedented floods that has devastated the lives of thousands of people and left scars of the lives of several hundred thousands more in all parts of the country. The best way to celebrate the Independence Day this year therefore is to reach out to the victims of this natural disaster, heal their wounds and help them to help themselves.

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 driven, above anything else, by the consideration of the welfare of its people. It was not envisaged to be a sanctuary for the privileged few. It was 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.

On this occasion let us ask ourselves whether we have upheld these pristine principles and values.

Extremists and militants wishing to impose their political ideology on our people pose the greatest threat to the security and stability of the country that was founded on this day. Violent extremism has tended to make Pakistan a security driven rather than a welfare driven country. Let us therefore on this day also resolve to defeat the militant mindset and make Pakistan a truly welfare driven rather than a security driven state.

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.

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 polity that is driven by the welfare of its people 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.

On the eve of this anniversary of our independence I salute the courage and heroism of flood victims and assure them that the government will do everything possible to alleviate their sufferings. I also salute the tillers, the workers, traders, teachers, intellectuals, professionals, 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 of opportunity to all.

I wish to felicitate the Muslims throughout the world in general and the Muslim brothers and sisters in Pakistan in particular on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan is a month of fasting and blessing, which enjoins upon the Muslims to devote themselves to observe fasting and refrain from all evil deeds. It also enjoins upon the Muslims to remember their less fortunate brethren and step forward to help them in alleviating their miseries.

On this occasion I urge the countrymen to make full use of the holy month in seeking forgiveness for their sins and in submitting to the will of Allah and also to help generously the people who have been devastated by floods and acts of militancy.

I also pray for peace all over the world and especially within the Muslim World. I pray that Allah will bless us and free our world from terrorism and help build an understanding between peoples of different religions, races and cultures so that our children can live in a world of harmony.

Those of our people who have been hard hit by recent floods I want to assure them that the government will not abandon them and will do whatever it takes to rehabilitate them.

Let us on this auspicious occasion also pledge to work for peace, harmony and for promotion of the brotherhood of whole of mankind.

May the blessings of Ramadan remain with all of you for the whole year.

The observance of the Minorities Day today is an occasion to recognize the important role played by the minorities in Pakistan in nation building, the sacrifices rendered by them, the problems and issues by member of minorities as well as to renew our commitment to protect their rights and to draw them fully in the mainstream of national life. 

The present democratic government is driven by the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam and Quaid-e-Awam in protecting the rights of the minorities.

The Quaid vision is contained in his histories speech on this day in 1947 that laid down the foundations of a modern, tolerant and progressive Pakistan in which every one will have equal rights regardless of creed and gender. The Quaid-e-Awam’s vision is embodied in the Constitution of 1973 that envisioned minorities to freely profess and practice their religion and culture and that every one will have equal rights regardless of creed and gender.

Inspired by this vision the present government decided to observe August, 11 each year as the Minorities Day to reiterate the need to integrate people of all faiths in the national mainstream. It has reserved 5% quota in Government jobs, provided for four reserved seats in the Senate and allowed optional holidays to minorities on the eve of their religious festivals which will also be celebrated at official level. The government has also decided to review all laws that militate against minorities and the vulnerable sections of society.

The country has been hard hit both the man made disasters in the form of terrorism and natural calamities in the form of floods caused by torrential monsoons. Thousands have been killed and hundreds of billions lost in these man made disasters and natural calamities. On the occasion of Minorities Day I call upon people of all faiths to join hands to promote peace and harmony one the one hand to alleviate the sufferings of the people hit hard by floods on the other.

Let every one on this Day pledge to promote democratic values and culture as a necessary tool of promoting tolerance, peace and harmony and ending violence and extremism as well as alleviating the sufferings of our less fortunate brethren.

The World Population Day is celebrated each year to create awareness among masses about population and development issues. Today is the 24th World Population Day. The theme this year “Everyone Counts” underscores the importance of not only each individual in the compilation of demographic data, a vital tool for policy planning and formulation.

Two decades ago Pakistan’s population was less than 80 million. Today according to some estimates it has almost reached the 200 million mark. This fast pace of population growth should make us pause and reflect on its impact on the available resources and infrastructure. If the population continues to grow at this rate, it will not be too long when our resources will just not be able to support the people.

World Population Day demands serious contemplation by everyone – from ordinary citizen to government leaders and policy planners – to think about the challenges and issues of exploding population. It is also imperative to sensitize the masses about the importance of demographic data collection and compilation. Individuals, households and communities should be encouraged to participate effectively in census and demographic surveys and birth and death recording systems.

On this occasion I appeal to every family and every individual to cooperate in cementing the efforts of the government for population planning. Our joint efforts will help in creating awareness about the importance of population planning which is critical to put the country on the path of progress and prosperity.

I once again reiterate the People’s government commitment towards formulation of a credible data base for population welfare and urge all of you to join hands in this national cause. 

• Message from President of Pakistan & Co-Chairman PPP on Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's 57 Birthday

Today on the eve of the 57th birthday of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto I ask the Party workers to reiterate their commitment to the values she stood and fought for and when the time came even laid down her life for it.

She fought courageously against the militants and extremists bent upon forcing their ideological agenda on the people through brute force. As he shed her blood in this fight I ask the Party workers to donate blood on this day for our soldiers, policemen and the civilian population whose also have shed their blood for making Pakistan a country of moderation and pluralism where ballot and not bullet will determine the ultimate choice of the people.

On her birthday let us recall the advice she gave to the people a few weeks before her assassination: “Please continue the fight against extremism, dictatorship, poverty and ignorance”. It was not a mere slogan; she acted upon it herself by leading the fight from the front.

Let us celebrate the life of Shaheed Mohtarma by proclaiming once again that we will neither suffer a destiny thrust upon us by bigots and brigands nor allow militants and extremists to destroy our country and our way of life in the name of religion.

The two cherished dreams of Shaheed Mohtarma were; democratic plurality and emancipation of the downtrodden and marginalized sections of society. On this occasion I wish to reiterate that the PPP will continue its forward march to strengthen democracy and for the uplift of the marginalized as envisioned by her. We will not be deterred by conspiracies against it or by the hurdles created in our way. Let there be no doubt or mistake about 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. It will continue to defy odds and grow from strength to strength.

On this occasion, let us also remember all our martyrs. Our brave soldiers and members of law enforcing agencies have laid down their lives so that the nation lives in freedom and without fear. The martyrs of democracy have suffered incarceration, exile, torture and executions. We salute them all on this day.

World Environment Day (WED), celebrated each year on June 5, is an international initiative aimed at increasing environmental awareness across the globe.  This year’s theme “Many Species. One Planet. One Future” recognizes biodiversity as a defining issue for this era.

Our lives depend on biological diversity.  It is a matter of concern that species and ecosystems are disappearing at an unsustainable rate and it is our responsibility to emphasize the importance of biodiversity in safeguarding ecosystems and reducing the rate of biodiversity loss.  As signatory of United Nations Convention of Biological Diversity and United Nations Convention on Migratory Species, the Government of Pakistan has been making concerted efforts to address this issue.

The clearing of much of the original forest has drained half of the world’s wetlands, depleted three quarters of all fish stocks, and emitted enough heat-trapping gases to keep our planet warming for centuries to come.

This has increased the risk to our revival.  Government is fully aware of the fall out of this challenge. To combat this challenge, government plans under Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), to increase forest cover from 5% to 6% by the year 2015.  This will bring an additional one million hectares of land area under forest.

I urge upon environmentalists, civil society and all stakeholders to work together for the betterment of our environment and protect it from harmful effects of biodiversity loss.  On this day, let us be united to combat climate change for better future.

• Message from President Zardari on World Telecom and Information Society (WTIS) Day on May 17^th, 2010

The World Telecom and Information Society (WTIS) Day is being observed today on May 17th to mark the 145th anniversary of the establishment of International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The ITU has made great contributions to promote telecommunication worldwide through technical cooperation and assistance activities. It has served as a catalyst in international cooperation for the improvement and rational use of telecommunication and to help developing countries in obtaining appropriate technologies to bridge the yawning information gap between poor and rich countries.

Quick and timely access to relevant information holds the key to development. It is critical for bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. Denying or making it difficult to access latest telecom technologies amounts to depriving the people the right to end poverty. It is therefore of great importance that all countries are provided universal, affordable and equitable access to information communication technologies.

The theme for the World Telecom Day this year is – “Better city, better life with ICTs”. Realizing the importance of modern telecom for better life the Government of Pakistan has taken measures to further develop the telecom sector and also press it into service of the people. Improved access to information and knowledge, education and delivery of public service through latest telecom facilities has greatly helped in promoting growth and eradicating poverty in the country. Continuing on the path the government plans to provide a mobile phone to every beneficiary under the Benazir Income Support Program to take the fruits of telecom technology to the door step of the poor women.

On this occasion while we recount and reflect on our achievements in this sector let us also remember that we cannot afford to be complacent. Let us therefore on this day reiterate our resolve to continue pursuing our developmental goals through the acquisition and use of latest international communication technologies.

May 1 reminds us our pledges made to labour, workers, peasants and the fisher folk that we will not abandon them in their struggle for dignity, honour and rightful place in society.

Despite efforts to undermine the meaning surrounding the event by various undemocratic governments all over world, May Day festivities and demonstrations continue to be held in countries around the world. It continues to be a major annual event to mark the struggle for workers’ rights, international working-class solidarity, peace, and global justice.

Both Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto believed that the PPP derived its strength from the working classes of Pakistan and they always fought for their rights and well being.

Following in the footsteps of our great leaders, the present government has also taken various practical steps to improve the lot of workers and restore them the dignity and honour of labour.

After restoring the sacked employees, the government has regularized contract employees. Now a worker can no longer be dismissed from service for no reason, as was the practice in the past. The workers have been given the right to seek legal remedies against dismissal. Trade union activites have been restored.

The Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme has been introduced by offering 12% stock shares to workers in state run enterprises. It benefits 5 hundred thousand families. For the first time, workers have been made part of the national productive process, through ownership.

These measures are a manifestation of government’s sincere efforts in improving the lot of the working classes and protecting them from exploitation.

On this day, when millions of people around the globe are rallying for workers’ rights, let us reiterate our pledge once again to honour labour and working peoples and give them their rights.

Let us also pay tributes to the Chicago martyrs for their struggle against oppression and for ending socio-economic deprivations a century ago. They did not die in vain. 

The Quaid-i-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto awakened the people and led the collective national effort to give the country a unanimous Constitution that was federal, democratic and Parliamentary in character to keep the nation united. That constitution was distorted and mutilated by successive dictatorships. Today on the eve of his 31st martyrdom anniversary it is most reassuring that the nation is poised to restore to democratic Constitution by removing from it all vestiges of dictatorship.

The restoration of the Constitution is indeed a befitting tribute to the leader of masses who sacrificed his life for the people, democracy and the Constitution. The steps taken to restore the Constitution reaffirm the political philosophy of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that the people alone are the legitimate fountainhead of political power. We pledge to continue our forward march to empower the people.

On this day while paying tributes to our Shaheed leader I also wish to thank all those who made possible the nation’s march to restore the democratic Constitution and empower the people and the Parliament. Inculcating in the people the belief that political power belonged to them was a singular achievement of Shaheed Bhutto as no dictatorship since then has been able to rob the masses of the power of this realization.

Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto led the fight against dictatorship from the front and willingly laid down his life for the cause of the people to join the ranks of immortals. Leaders like him are born only once in generations. It is indeed a lasting tribute to his memory that Bhutto and Bhuttoism still lives in the hearts and minds of the people. From his grave, Shaheed Bhutto haunts dictators. Reverberations of “Jeeay Bhutto” still send shivers in the enemies of democracy.      

Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto believed in dialogue and negotiations as the principal instruments to resolve most complex national and international political issues. He demonstrated it, at the national level, by giving the country a unanimous Constitution and, at the international level, by recovering the territory lost in the 1971 war, bringing back tens of thousands of prisoners of war and preventing trial of our military officers to protect the name and honor of the country.

The years of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto will always be remembered as years that witnessed the nation filled with vitality and driven by a sense of purpose and shared destiny. He will be remembered as “Pakistan’s modernizer” who left deep footprints in the sands of history. On this anniversary of Shaheed Bhutto, we celebrate the life he lived and the successes he achieved in making Pakistan strong and prosperous.

On this day I urge the Party workers to rededicate themselves to the ideals for which Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto lived and laid down his life in the cause of the people.

I wish to congratulate whole Christian community inside and outside Pakistan a blessed Easter. This day gives us the opportunity to act and think anew, both individually and together as a faith community.

On this occasion we must remember that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had presented the idea of democratic, enlightened and prosperous Pakistan and we are committed to work for promotion of social justice, human equality, national unity and religious tolerance and interfaith harmony.

It was vision of Quaid –i- Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who founded Pakistan Peoples Party by saying ‘We will build a society in which the old values of greed and advancement will be replaced by a common concern for the welfare of the whole community.’

Moving ahead with these guiding principles in mind our government is taking all steps to ensure the constitutional rights of Minorities including Christian community and we are committed to resolve their problems with wisdom and courage. Our Christian brothers and sisters are not only law-abiding but also 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 PPP to continue to fight along with our Christian brothers and sisters for the rights of all minorities and deprived people in the country.

At the end, I would like to say Easter is an occasion that reminds us to reaffirm our solidarity and to work hard for the interfaith harmony and for a prosperous Pakistan. Let us on this day dedicate ourselves to continue our journey along this road.

It is an auspicious occasion as on this day seventy one years ago the Muslims of the subcontinent formally committed through a Resolution to work for achieving a separate homeland for themselves. With the blessings of Allah and through the heroic struggle of our peers the Muslims of the subcontinent achieved their objective on August 14, 1947, within a short span of seven years of the expression of their resolve.

Our founding fathers had resolved to carve out an independent state where there will be democracy and where constitutionalism and rule of law would reign supreme. Unfortunately, successive dictators tried to stifle the democratic aspirations of the people. Constitutionalism and rule of law was trampled by dictators sometime under the doctrine of necessity and sometime under the theory of successful revolution. The unanimous Constitution of 1973 was disfigured by successive dictators to suit their own political ambitions. But the democratic aspirations could never be killed.

The Pakistan Day this year will go down in history of the country as the memorable day when the Parliament and the nation was poised to take a giant leap forward to realize the dream for which Pakistan was created by strengthening parliamentary democracy, federalism and constitutionalism. It is a manifestation of the democratic urge of our people that the Parliament is poised to purge the Constitution of all articles inserted into it by successive dictators. I wish to compliment the Parliament and the nation for this.

On this day let us resolve that we will not permit any dictator to usurp the basic fundamental rights of our people nor allow them to trample on our democratic aspirations. This requires that we work in the spirit of tolerance, mutual accommodation and respect for dissent. Let us also resolve that we will uphold the Constitution and never allow it to be abrogated, subverted or held in abeyance. I hope that the Parliament, the people and all institutions of the state will work in harmony towards this end. I pray to Almighty Allah to bless our efforts to prove ourselves worthy of the heritage bequeathed to us by the Quaid-e-Azam.

• 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.