President Asif Ali Zardari has paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his 78th death anniversary, saying the founding father devoted his life to securing the constitutional, legal, religious, cultural and human rights of Muslims in the subcontinent, ultimately leading them towards the creation of Pakistan.
In his message, President Zardari said the country was envisioned as a state where Muslims in Muslim-majority areas could live freely without the threat of majoritarian rule, while ensuring peaceful coexistence with non-Muslim minorities and allowing people of all faiths to practise their beliefs.
He said the Quaid’s vision was reflected in his words and actions, particularly in his landmark August 11, 1947 speech delivered three days before Pakistan’s creation.
The president said Quaid-i-Azam’s life provided an enduring example of perseverance, discipline and steadfastness, qualities that could guide the nation in addressing security, political, social, economic and cultural challenges, as well as climate-related emergencies.
He stressed that the nation should remember the Quaid’s emphasis on strong institutions, constitutional continuity and equality before the law. Political differences and polarisation, he added, should be addressed through constitutional institutions, democratic processes, dialogue and the rule of law.
President Zardari said Pakistan faced challenges that required seriousness, hard work and responsible governance. He called for the use of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to reform and strengthen the economy, create opportunities for young people, improve public services and ensure equitable development across the country.
At the same time, he said Pakistan must remain vigilant against external aggression, terrorism, militant ideologies and violent extremism.
The president reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, saying the country would continue, in line with the Quaid’s vision, to support dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes at the regional and global levels.
He urged the people, particularly the youth, to draw inspiration from Quaid-i-Azam’s example and confront challenges with courage, confidence and determination rather than despair.
“Unity, firm resolve and strength” would enable the nation to overcome challenges, he said.
President Zardari also described Pakistan’s 250 million people and their cultural diversity as a “beautiful bouquet” of different colours and traditions, stressing that this diversity should be regarded as a national strength rather than a weakness.
He prayed for the eternal blessings of Allah Almighty upon Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and for wisdom and determination for the nation to fulfil the aspirations behind the creation of Pakistan.
