ISLAMABAD, Feb 19: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif have called upon countrymen to resist tyranny and oppression and struggle for supremacy and justice.

They expressed these views in separate messages on the occasion of Youm-i-Ashur.

Ms Bhutto said: "As we pay homage to the great martyrs of Karbala and reflect on the lessons of their supreme sacrifice today, we must also look inwardly and do some soul-searching."

She said today the need for learning a lesson from martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain was even greater because tyranny and oppression continued to stalk the land in different forms and different manifestations. "On this day, therefore, we reiterate our resolve that no matter what the odds we shall neither submit before tyranny and injustice nor let evil let its sway," she added.

Benazir Bhutto urged countrymen to rise above sectarianism, forge unity among their ranks and dissociate themselves from all those elements who are fanning anarchy.

She also asked them to challenge and drive out those who, behind the facade of seeking to curb extremism and terrorism, were only conspiring to perpetuate their illegal hold on power.

She said Hazrat Imam Hussain sacrificed his own life and the lives of his dearest family members and faithful followers on this day for the cause of truth and justice and to resist oppression and tyranny.

In his message on Ashura day, PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif said the revolt launched by Imam Hussain against tyranny and oppression continued to be a beacon for all those who struggled for supremacy of truth and justice.

Mr Sharif said the great martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his 72 companions not only revived Islam, but also established the tradition for all times to come that lives must be put on stake whenever Islam faced a challenge.

He said today Muslims world over again faced a challenge similar to Karbala, and, unfortunately as in the past, "insiders" instead of "aliens" were playing the main role in the enemy conspiracies against Islam and the Muslims.

"They have taken up frontline role in the crusade against the Ummat because lust for power, personal interests, deviation from eternal Islamic principles, short sightedness and arrogance have put blinkers on their eyes.

They are prepared to sell off the Muslim world for their personal safety, but they should realize that over one billion Muslims of the world consider Imam Hussain their hero and leader, and take pride in following in his footsteps," he added.

Mr Sharif said: "I am confident that Muslims would finally employ their resources to strengthen and stabilize their independence, and would rise to frustrate plans of the enemies.

I particularly call upon the Muslims of Pakistan to feel their responsibility because Quaid-i-Azam designated this country as citadel of Islam. I am sure that treacherous 'insiders' are bound to face the doom that is destined for Yazids of all times."

The PML-N chief said being a humble Muslim he relied on guidance from Imam Hussain's noble example, and refused to yield to an usurper. He said had he surrendered to the usurper, he would have readily signed the document that two generals brought to him on October 13, and he would not have been exiled.

"Even now if I make a deal on the Constitution and national interests, the usurpers would welcome me with open arms, but honour of the country and the people is more valuable to me," he said. Mr Sharif said his struggle was dedicated to the welfare of Pakistan and its 150 million people, and they would succeed very soon by the grace of Allah.