Says NFC award should be given to
provinces: PPP will continue to defend fundamental, constitutional rights of non-Muslim Pakistani citizens
ISLAMABAD - Former President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari yesterday greeted the nation on Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday and felicitated the Christian community on Christmas.
Zardari, who is also the President of the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians, paid homage to the Founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his birthday.
He said that Quaid-e-Azam was not only a lawyer but also a politician and progressive leader. He had created a separate country for the Muslims of the Subcontinent.
In his message, the former president said that it was unfortunate that after the demise of Quaid-e-Azam, his principles were ruthlessly denied. Campaigns were launched against democracy and politicians. The East Pakistan tragedy occurred due to unfair treatment by the federation.
Asif Ali Zardari said that under the 18th Amendment the sovereignty of the provinces should be respected and NFC award should be given to the provinces. Asif Ali Zardari said that this thinking must be eradicated which issues certificates of treason.
He said that the PPP would continue its struggle to make democracy stronger and stronger in line with the philosophy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
In a separate message, Zardari congratulated the entire Christian community on the occasion of Christmas and said that Quaid-e-Azam had made Pakistan safe for non-Muslims and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave equal rights to non-Muslim citizens in the 1973 Constitution.
“Pakistan People’s Party will continue to protect the rights of non-Muslim citizens living in the country following the footsteps of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. He said that values of humanity, patience and endurance have been taught in all religions of the world.
Zardari said that non-Muslim citizens of the country have also rendered unparalleled services to the country. He said the PPP will continue to defend fundamental and constitutional rights of non-Muslim Pakistani citizens following the philosophy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.