Sunday Times ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday emphasized the need for adhering to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s vision and principles of unity, faith and discipline in individual as well as collective lives in order to make the country a truly welfare, progressive and prosperous state.

In his message to mark the 142nd birth anniversary of the founding father, the prime minister paid tribute to one of the great leaders of 20th century who altered the course of history by his vision and relentless struggle for the rights of the Muslims.

“Our Quaid rekindled a hope amongst the oppressed Muslims of sub-continent, led constitutional struggle and brought into fruition the idea of carving out an independent Muslim state on the map of the world,” he said.

He stressed the need for reflection on how far the country has succeeded in adhering to the path outlined by its founder. “Quaid had envisioned a state where we could live and breathe as free men, where we could enjoy freedom from fear and want; where we could fashion their lives according to our religious and cultural values, and where the principles of State of Madina could be followed to create a just and prosperous society.”

PM Khan said the Quaid had wanted a society where every citizen enjoys the privileges of equal rights; where rule of law reigns supreme and establishment of a state which provides its umbrella to marginalized and vulnerable and also facilitates growth of every individual to his/her full capabilities.

He said the best way to pay homage to our Quaid is to adhere to his vision and follow his guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline, in our individual as well as collective lives, towards making the country a truly welfare, progressive and prosperous state. “Let us reiterate today that the mistakes of past shall never be repeated and we all will work, as one nation, to transform vision of the Quaid into reality and to take the country to its rightful place among the comity of nations.”