MESSAGE OF PRIME MINISTER MUHAMMAD NAWAZ SHARIF ON 137TH BIRTHDAY OF QUAID-I-AZAM MOHAMMAD ALI JINNAH DECEMBER 25, 2013)

I join the nation today to celebrate 137th birthday of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Today we bow down in respect to the great leader of the subcontinent who made history by carving out a new state on the map of the world by the strength of his wisdom, steadfastness, righteousness and statesmanship.

The great Quaid envisioned Pakistan to be an independent homeland for the Muslims of subcontinent where they could live their lives according to their religious and cultural beliefs. He envisioned Pakistan to be country where democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights will hold sway. His dream of Pakistan was of a country where there would be no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed or religion and where all citizens would enjoy equal rights.

Despite trials and tribulations that we have faced as a nation during the last decades, the fact remains that Pakistan today is a living tribute to the political genius and vision of Qauid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

On this auspicious day, we should pledge and resolve to work whole-heartedly and dedicatedly to build a strong and prosperous Pakistan. Patriotism, dedicated work and selfless service for the greater glory of Pakistan could be the most befitting tribute to thememory of Quaid-i-Azam.

December 25, 2013
Islamabad