Islamabad: The Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, paid tribute to the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, saying he stood steadfast for freedom and democracy.

Sadiq expressed these views in his message to the nation on the occasion of the 69th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, which falls September 11.

“Quaid-e-Azam always stood steadfast in the face of adversity, never compromised on principles nor allowed expediency to influence his judgement,” he said.

He also wanted every citizen to have equal opportunities of education, health, progress and justice.

He said the guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline were as relevant today as during any part of our history.

The challenges Pakistan is facing today could only be confronted through united efforts, he added.

The Speaker said Jinnah’s achievement was a unique event in the history of nations as it was characterised by non- violence and strict adherence to principles.

He said, “[The] best tribute which we can pay to the Father of the Nation is allegiance to principles which he espoused vigorously and the values which he promoted consistently in his career.”

His death anniversary calls for reappraisal of the situation and a commitment to complete Jinnah’s mission, consolidating Pakistan and ensuring its stability.

Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker, said, “We should not forget his [Jinnah’s] unmatched qualities of leadership, which included impeccable integrity, incorruptibility and a truly remarkable capacity for hard work.”

“I am confident that on this day we would come up to the expectations of our great Quaid and pledge to extend all possible efforts to overcome the challenges confronting the nation and turn them into opportunity to make Pakistan a better and strong country,” he said.