ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Friday called for renewed national unity, faith and discipline, saying adherence to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s golden principles was essential to building Pakistan envisioned by its founding father.
He made these remarks while unveiling the official logo marking the Quaid’s 150th birth anniversary, describing the occasion as an opportunity to renew the national commitment to his vision and the goals for which he had worked tirelessly.
Addressing the logo launch ceremony, the minister said the Quaid had given the nation a clear roadmap for success through the principles of unity, faith and discipline, but Pakistan had drifted away from these guiding values, affecting its collective progress.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need to build unity in diversity, saying Pakistan’s strength lay in bringing together people of different religions, languages, cultures and ethnic backgrounds under their shared national identity.
He said that Pakistanis could retain their distinct cultural and regional identities while remaining united as one nation, adding that equal opportunities for development should be ensured for all citizens without discrimination based on colour, race or religion.
The minister said the Quaid’s selflessness and commitment to the national cause offered a lasting lesson for the present generation, urging citizens to place Pakistan’s collective interests above personal gains and contribute to the country’s progress with honesty, dedication and discipline.
He called upon the youth, professionals, public servants, business community, farmers, workers, teachers and women to play their respective roles in advancing the national development agenda.
Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan aimed to become a $1 trillion economy by 2035 and a first-class economy by 2047, expressing confidence that these targets could be achieved through collective efforts, national unity and disciplined use of the country’s resources.
He said that the best tribute to Quaid-e-Azam was not limited to commemorative events and speeches but lay in practising his principles and working towards a prosperous, self-reliant and inclusive Pakistan.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
