ISLAMABAD, March 22: President General Pervez Musharraf has called upon the nation to remain steadfast and united for achieving the ideals of Pakistan as a modern and progressive Islamic welfare state, in a message on Pakistan Day issued on Monday.

"23rd of March observed as Pakistan Day every year is truly a historic milestone in our nation's quest for independence from colonial rule," he said.

The President said: "Pakistan is a manifestation of the resolve of the Muslims of South Asia and their unanimous will, resulting in the creation of Pakistan under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah; a homeland where they could live in peace, harmony and in accordance with the tenets of Islam."

"On this occasion I would like to urge all Pakistanis to remain steadfast and united to achieve the ideals and aspirations for which our country was created," he added.

The President said: As we commemorate this day, we have to remember that the struggle must go on, particularly against those forces that aim to deflect us from our cherished goal of making Pakistan a modern and progressive Islamic welfare state."

PRIME MINISTER: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has asked the nation to shed differences and strive for higher values of life and make Pakistan an enlightened modern Islamic welfare state.

Prime Minister Jamali asked the nation to adhere to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah's motto of unity, faith and discipline in letter and spirit. He said: "Let us, today, renew our covenant to make Pakistan, an enlightened, modern Islamic welfare State. May Allah bless us with the ability and the wisdom to follow the Quaid's motto in letter and spirit. -APP