ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the issues pervading the country can be addressed successfully if the nation forged unity and harmony, following the teaching of Imam Hussain (RA).

In his message to the nation on Yaum-e-Ashura, 1438 Hijri, the prime minister said Pakistan was achieved to meet the high goals for what the family members of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) sacrificed their lives.

“On this day, we will have to shun our sectarian, ethnic and provincial differences and have to inculcate equality, harmony, discipline and the traits of sacrifice in ourselves. The tragedy of Karbala teaches us the very lesson,” the prime minister remarked.

He said for supremacy of the truth, Imam Hussain (RA) preferred sacrificing his life to succumbing to the oppression. He (Imam Hussain-RA) gave the world a lesson that freedom was a fundamental right and was in accordance with the true spirit of Islam, the prime minister added.

The PM viewed that safeguarding the truth was superior to protection of one’s own life and the martyrdom of Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s grandson gave us the very message.

He said such a sacrifice and steadfastness as shown by Imam Hussain (RA) is unprecedented in the world history and Imam Hussain’s message was a guiding principle for the whole humanity.

Keeping in view the prevailing circumstances, he said it was need of the hour the nation forged unity in its ranks so that no enemy could cast an evil eye on the country.

Zardari for resisting tyranny

President of the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians and former President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the underlying message of Yaum-e-Ashur is: Resist tyranny, oppression and falsehood at all costs, at all times and under all circumstances.

“Today therefore while we pay homage to Imam Hussain and the martyrs of Karbala we also pledge to resist tyranny, oppression, injustice and falsehood at all times,” he said in a message.

“Today Hazrat Imam Hussain shines gloriously beaconing us to emulate his great example in fighting injustice and oppression. Today the Satanic forces of tyranny and falsehood have reared their heads in the form of militants and so called jehadi outfits who have wrought havoc on this country behind the façade of ideology.”

He added “the commemoration of Yaum-e-Ashur today demands that we summon our collective strengths and energies to exterminate these evil forces from our midst”.

The former president also asked the people to rise above sectarianism and forge unity among their ranks. The need for harmony and tolerance has never been as great as it is today, he said.

NA Speaker calls for unity

In their separate messages to the nation, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Acting Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi called upon the nation to rise above parochial differences, narrow mindedness, sectarianism, ethnicity and maintain harmony, unity and brotherhood in it ranks in accordance with golden principles of Islam and follow the path of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

The Speaker said that Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions were the noblest models in preaching and practicing the Quranic philosophy of patience, sacrifice and martyrdom.

Their unflinching faith in Almighty Allah and the Day of Judgment, their exemplary devotion, dauntless courage, and unfailing patience in the way of Almighty Allah was a unique exhibition of the spirit of patience and martyrdom described in the Holy Quran, he said.

Deputy Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi said that on this day of Ashura, the battle was fought between the forces of truth and falsehood, which would continue to impart Muslims a lesson of sustained struggle against oppression, he said.

“Yaum-e-Ashur reminds us the lesson of adherence to the truth, firmness of belief and being steadfast against tyranny” he added.

Both the leaders urged that “being Muslims it’s our obligation that we stand up against the evil forces that stir up discord and create confrontation in the society, to achieve their nefarious designs”.

They said that the best way to pay tributes to the martyrs of Karbala is to make commitment on this day to work and devote oneself for the development and strength of the county.”We have to forget our trivial differences and adopt the teachings of Islam and promote peace, security and brotherhood.” they urged.