ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain said on Wednesday that presidency would be turned into a centre of social and national events from its use in the past for political activities.

He was talking to journalists at the presidency where a colourful function was held on Wednesday to celebrate the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Addressing the function, he urged the nation to live in peace and harmony. “I want to say on this occasion that establishment of a democratic and welfare state was the vision of Quaid-i-Azam in which people could live with peace, love, brotherhood and harmony. Let us reiterate the Quaid’s mission to make the motherland a peaceful place.”

He said even after 66 years of the independence the country was facing different challenges like terrorism, extremism and economic crisis. “Our economy has not only faced the brunt of wars but also of natural calamities, but I am confident that the present government will follow in the footsteps of the Quaid-i-Azam and rid the country of prevailing crisis.”

The president said the need for following the path of the Quaid-i-Azam and adhering to his principles was never as great as it is today. He said it was heartening to see that the nation had achieved significant milestones in its pursuit of democratic ideals and strengthening of state institutions.

“Today, as we pay our tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, let us reaffirm our commitment to the vision of our great leader and to re-dedicate ourselves to achieve those ideals that were espoused by our forefathers.

“Let us pledge that we will work, individually as well as collectively, to make Pakistan a peaceful, progressive and prosperous state.”

Talking to journalists, the president said: “You will see more colourful programmes in the presidency in the days to come.”

He said the Quaid’s birth anniversary was an occasion for “all of us to rejoice and to reaffirm our commitment to those ideals of democracy, egalitarianism, constitutionalism and rule of law that were upheld by our great leader throughout his life”.

Mr Hussain said poets, scholars and artistes would be invited to different programmes to be held in the presidency, adding these events would not be held within the four walls of the presidency but on its spacious lush green lawn.

The event was marked by speeches and national songs by students clad in traditional costumes, representing the culture of all provinces.

Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid and senior government officials also attended the function.