Pakistan observes Quaid-e-Millat's 53rd death Anniversary
Pakistan Times Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The nation Saturday observed the 53rd death anniversary of country's first Prime Minister, Quaid-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan with a renewed pledge to transform Pakistan into a true forward-looking Muslim state.

A number of political, cultural and social organizations from across the country held seminars and meetings in various cities to pay homage to late leader who played a pivotal role in translating the dream of a separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asia.

Quran Khawani

In Karachi, Quran Khawani was held at the grave of Shaheed-e-Millat, which is located within the premises of the mausoleum of father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Representative of the three armed forces visited the mazar, offered fateha and laid floral wreaths.

Floral Wreaths

The sons of Quaid-e-Millat, Ashraf Liaquat Ali Khan and Akbar Liaquat Ali Khan visited the mazar and offered fateha and laid floral wreaths.

People from various walks of life also visited the mazar to pay homage to Quaid-i-Millat and offered fateha.

The office bearers and workers of Awami Himayat Tehrik Pakistan also visited the mazar of Quaid-e-Millat, offered fateha and laid floral wreath at the grave.

Homage

In Islamabad, leaders of Pakistan Muslim League while addressing a function organised by PML Media Center at PML House paid glowing tributes to Quaid-e-Millat.

They vowed to make sincere efforts to make the country a real Islamic welfare state for providing all basic facilities of life to the people at their door steps.

Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis and Secretary Information PML, Senator Tariq Azeem Khan speaking on the occasion emphasised the need to follow traditions of old Muslim leaguers who played important role in the creation of Pakistan.

Appreciating the leadership qualities of Liaquat Ali Khan, Tariq Azeem said Shaheed-e-Millat sacrificed his wealth and time and devoted his life for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Great Character

He said Liaquat Ali Khan never tried to get personal benefits and always preferred Pakistan to his personal life and belongings.

Renowned Muslim Leaguer, Azad Bin Haider speaking on the occasion said PML workers should follow the examples of sacrifices of Pakistan Movement leaders like Liaquat Ali Khan.

He said late Liaquat Ali Khan never violated party constitution and always asked the party workers and leaders to follow party's constitution in letter and spirit.

Tabish Alwari

Media Coordinator of PML, Tabish Alwari said living nations always celebrated and observed the days of their leaders.

Tabish said Liaquat Ali Khan provided full support and assistance to the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and proved himself a real Muslim Leaguer.

President Labour Wing PML Faqir Hussain Bokhari, Additional Secretary PML Iqbal Dar, President PML Federal Capital Dr. Amjad, Farrana Malik, Syed Chiragh Shah, Allama Ayaz Hashmi, Rao Saleem, Chaudhry Riasat and Amir Malik also spoke on this occasion.

Lahore

In Lahore, the speakers at a function held at Aiwan-e-Karkunan-e-Pakistan paid rich tributes to Shaheed-e-Millat for his services during Pakistan movement and later for the country to steer it out of crises.

The speakers said that after the death of founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, people were demoralized and disappointed.

In such circumstances, it was Khan Liaquat Ali Khan who took reins of the country and not only raised morale of the masses but also put the country on the road to progress and prosperity.

Dr. Naseem Hassan Shah

Ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan, Dr. Naseem Hassan Shah said that immediately after independence Pakistan faced grave problems, including rehabilitation of millions of refugees.

"Circumstances in the then East Pakistan were also not satisfactory and clouds of gloom were looming large, but Shaheed-e-Millat showing great wisdom and qualities of head and heart controlled the situation".

He conducted whirlwind visits of the country, infused zeal in the people to face challenges among the masses and succeeded in putting the country on the road to progress and prosperity within three-four years, he said.

Muniruddin Chughtai

Ex-Vice Chancellor University of Punjab, Muniruddin Chughtai said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali praised Khan Liaquat Ali Khan and said, "Though he was a landlord yet he lived in the world of poor".

He said first Prime Minister of Pakistan foiled various bids by forces inimical to Pakistan to damage its interests.

Dr. M A Sufi, Prof. Dr.Parveen Khan and Dr. Rafiq Ahmed also spoke on the occasion and paid tributes to Sahaheed-e-Millat for his services for the cause of the nation and the country.

Special Supplements

Special supplements were brought out by the newspapers and functions were arranged at some schools to make the new generation aware of the services rendered by the first Prime Minister of Pakistan to strengthen the newly established state.

Khan Liaquat Ali Khan was born in the town of Karnal in the present-day Indian state of Haryana on October-1, 1896 and was assassinated by a killer, Said Akbar while addressing a public meeting in Rawalpindi on October-16 in 1951.●