President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at Karbala, saying that Ashura gives us a message of sacrifice, truthfulness, sincere determination, and standing up for the truth, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
President Zardari called upon the nation to follow the path of Imam Hussain (RA) and not only reform itself but also base the governance system, social attitudes and national priorities on honesty, decency and public welfare.
In a message to the nation on the occasion of Ashura Day 1447 AH, he said, “The Day of Ashura is a bright and immortal chapter in Islamic history, which gives us a message of sacrifice, truthfulness and sincere determination.”
He said, “This day reminds us of the great martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions. This day is a symbol of an eternal struggle against falsehood.”
“This day is not only an unparalleled story of sacrifice, loyalty and patience, but also a bright light that shows the path of truth and righteousness in the darkness of every era. The martyrdom of the Supreme Imam was not the result of any political or temporal expediency, but it was a divine mission based on truthfulness, justice and the pleasure of God,” he explained.
He said, “Not only a war was fought on the land of Karbala, but there was a test of conscience, character and the true spirit of religion. Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, by accepting the severity of hunger, thirst and death, gave a lesson to the history of humanity that time can never forget.”
“Their message is still alive today and it is a profound message of standing firm on principles, not bowing down to oppression and coercion and making every sacrifice for the sake of truth,” he continued.
The President said, “Today, if we consider the challenges facing our country, we will feel that we as a nation are in dire need of the Hussaini character. We have to follow the path of Imam Hussain (RA) and not only reform ourselves but also base our governance system, social attitudes and national priorities on honesty, decency and public welfare.”
“We have to pledge today that we will make Pakistan a manifestation of Imam Hussain (RA)’s message of freedom and justice and promote brotherhood, love, tolerance and national unity,” he added.
He said, “I pray to Allah Almighty to grant us the ability to follow the path of Imam Hussain (RA). May Allah instill in our hearts the spirit of faith, courage, piety, patience and sacrifice and make our country Pakistan a cradle of stability, prosperity and mutual love, Amen.”
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif urged the nation to take guidance from the life and character of Imam Hussain (RA) to overcome internal and external challenges and keep Pakistan on the path of peace, unity and progress.
In a message on the occasion of Ashura 1447 AH, he said, “Ashura is a profound and instructive day in the history of Islam, which gives us the great lesson of patience, sacrifice and standing firm on principles. This day will continue to illuminate the conscience of humanity till the Day of Judgment.”
“The battle that took place on the battlefield of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram Al-Haram is not an ordinary battle, but an eternal message for the entire world,” he remarked.
He said, “The grandson of the Prophet, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), along with his family and devoted companions, sacrificed their lives for the sake of truth, justice and religion, but did not bow down to falsehood.”
“This great sacrifice of his reminds us that protecting principles and standing firm on the truth requires great courage and unwavering faith. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) makes it clear as day that the true spirit of Islam lies in human dignity, justice, mercy, principledness and freedom,” he asserted.
The prime minister said, “The incident of Karbala teaches us that although the path of truth is difficult, it is the path that leads to the pleasure of Allah Almighty, satisfaction of hearts and eternal welfare. The message of the Supreme Imam is not limited to his time, but is a universal message, which even today convinces us that a Muslim stands for the truth, supports the oppressed, and supports justice in all circumstances.”
He said, “Today, when our nation is facing many challenges. Be it the economy, society or national unity, we need to take guidance from the life of Imam Hussain (RA) more than ever.”
“We have to adopt qualities such as honesty, tolerance, patience, sacrifice and principledness in our national life. From individual attitudes to state policies, if we chart our course in the light of Karbala, Pakistan can become a welfare, just and self-reliant state that not only represents the aspirations of its people but also sets an example for the world,” he remarked.
He said, “The great sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) is the mutual asset of the entire Muslim Ummah. We should make this sacred message a source of unity, and make our society a cradle of love, tolerance and goodwill.
He said, “Today on the Day of Ashura, let us pledge that we will make truth and honesty our motto in our lives. We will raise our voice against oppression and try to give our homeland the same peace, justice and dignity that is reflected in the bright character of Sayyiduna Imam Hussain (RA).”
“I pray that Allah Almighty keeps Pakistan on the path of peace, unity and progress, and protects Pakistan from internal and external tribulations and grants it stability, and gives us the knowledge and wisdom with which we can move towards a bright and dignified future. Amen,” he concluded.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in his message on the occasion of Youm-e-Ashura, paid tribute to the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS), calling the event of Karbala a timeless lesson of courage, truth, and unwavering faith.
He stated that “Imam Hussain (AS) with his precious blood drew a clear and eternal boundary between truth and falsehood. His philosophy remains a guiding light for all of humanity. “Highlighting the spiritual and moral essence of Ashura, the minister added that “The path of faith shines only through action, as taught by the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH).”
Naqvi emphasized that Ashura is not merely a historical date but a “Center of awakening, where faith triumphed over the sword and the greatest sacrifice ensured the survival of Islam.”
Condemning oppressive regimes, he remarked, “Yazeed was the name of arrogant power that was wiped out, while Hussain (A.S.) is an eternal symbol of truth and righteousness.”
He further noted that “despite being denied water, Imam Hussain (AS) delivered a message that continues to spiritually nourish the faithful to this day.”
The minister drew parallels between the forces of Yazeed and modern-day conspiracies, particularly referring to “the mischief of India”, which he alleged was working to fulfill nefarious designs.
He called upon the nation to “follow the luminous teachings of Imam Hussain (AS) to foil these evil ambitions.”
Stressing unity, Naqvi urged Pakistanis to “rise above internal divisions and stand together against false forces to safeguard the country.”
He concluded with a prayer: “May Allah grant us the strength to follow the path of Imam Hussain (AS).”
Reporter Awais Kiyani