ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday said that Pakistan had come into existence as a result of democratic struggle and now it was new generation’s responsibility to safeguard democracy because only a democratic Pakistan could be a guarantee for the nation’s bright future. The president was speaking at the special ceremony, ‘Quaid-e-Azam Aur Bache’, as part of weeklong commemorations of Quaid-e-Azam’s 139th birth anniversary held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. The president and First Lady Begum Mahmooda Mamnoon Hussain also cut a cake along with schoolchildren. The president said that Quaid-e-Azam considered new generation as centre of hope for Pakistan and he had great expectations from them, adding that the motto of unity, faith and discipline was preached by the Quaid because he believed that no nation could progress until it had belief in its dreams and goals. During the colourful function, the president and the first lady mixed up with the children and appreciated those children who recited verses from the Holy Quran. The president said that a nation that does not protect its freedom, pay attention to ideas of its elders and keep supreme its national values, then its future became uncertain. He expressed his confidence that the nation would not desist from rendering any sacrifice to protect the country’s freedom, integrity and stability. The president stated that the purpose of commemorating Quaid-e-Azam’s birthday was to impress upon new generation that the country’s history was glorious and its future was bright. He called upon the children to acquire maximum education, uphold their moral values and bring glory to the country. Addressing the function, Begum Mahmooda Mamnoon Hussain said that freedom was imperative for progress and excelling in the world. “Now it is our responsibility that we work hard like our elders to strengthen our country, acquire education, better our morals and character and promote tolerance so that we can progress and bring laurels for our country,” she added. The first lady advised the children to pray for salvation of the elders whenever they were remembered. For the first time, a ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Sadr was attended by special children. A child with speech impairment also delivered a speech using sign language, which was greatly appreciated.