President urges nation to follow Quaids principles

President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the Pakistanis to unite and reclaim the values which Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah bequeathed to the nation as his heritage. I wish to felicitate the nation on Quaids birth anniversary and urge the people to forge unity in their ranks to preserve and protect their democratic and political rights and thereby make Pakistan a shining example of prosperity and progress, President Zardari said in his message to the nation on Quaids 133rd birth anniversary. President Zardari said the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is a day of rededication to the ideals and principles of the Father of the Nation. It 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, he said. President Zardari said the Quaid created Pakistan for the welfare of the masses, adding We cannot allow the country and the people remain caught in a cycle of poverty, unemployment, and despondency. He said, The government is trying to tackle the challenges of preservation of democratic polity, development and poverty alleviation through programs like the Benazir Income Support Program. This requires strengthening of democracy and democratic institutions because it ensures development and progress, he said. He reiterated 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, in my address to the Parliament urged that it should be done quickly and I have no doubt that it will be done soon, he said. Zardari said the Quaid stood for constitutionalism, rule of law, respect for human rights, tolerance, pluralism and honouring the mandate of the people. He said, It is the dream of Pakistan Peoples Party to reclaim Quaid e Azams Pakistan and unleash the creative powers of the people through freedom, justice, the rule of law and an end to terrorism and violence.

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