The following is the message from Asif Ali Zardari, president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on the occasion of Pakistan Day. ― Ed.

March 23 this year is most memorable as it is the first Pakistan Day after the Parliament unanimously removed from the Constitution the over three-decade old vestiges of dictatorship to make it truly democratic.

It is a proud day for every Pakistani as we celebrate the triumph of democracy over dictatorship and demonstrate to the world that dictatorship can never take roots in the country.

On this auspicious occasion I wish to greet the entire Pakistani nation.

Seventy two years ago on this day the Muslims of the subcontinent set out to achieve the goal of a separate homeland for themselves. In a short span of seven years the Muslims, led by the Quaid-e Azam, they were lifted to their goal by their dreams.

The Quaid and our founding fathers had envisaged a democratic and pluralistic state where constitutionalism and rule of law would reign supreme and where minorities will have equal rights as citizens. We must not deviate from those principles.

Let us on this day reiterate our principles and resolve to be strong in upholding them.

On this day let us resolve that we will not allow anyone to usurp the fundamental rights of our people and trample on their democratic aspirations. Let us also on this day denounce violence, hatred and intolerance that have crept into our polity.

I call upon every one today to forge a spirit of tolerance, mutual accommodation, harmony and respect for dissent.

I pray to Almighty Allah to guide us and enable us to be worthy of the heritage bequeathed to us by the Quaid-e-Azam.