The nation is marking the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah with traditional zeal.

Born on December 25, 1876, Jinnah served as leader of the All India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan’s creation. He served as the country’s first governor general until his death on Sept 11, 1948 – a year after achieving a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent.

Special events are being arranged to pay tribute to Jinnah for his struggle for freedom unrelenting shed light on  highlight and promote the ideas and views of the Quaid-i-Azam.

The Father of the Nation was born in Karachi on December 25, 1876 and his birthday is a public holiday.

In his message, Prime Minister Imran Khan said: “Today we celebrate the birthday of our great leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It is a matter of privilege for our generation and our children to have been born in an independent Pakistan that could not have been our destiny without his struggle.

 “Muhammad Ali Jinnah realized the importance of a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent where all citizens could enjoy freedom of faith, occupation and equal opportunities.  

Quaid’s determination to unify a nation despite huge challenges and opposition was only possible due to his perseverance. 

He had a firm faith in the Almighty and followed the principles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that guided him through difficulties and challenges.

“On this day, I want to emphasize upon our youth that Jinnah’s attributes of honesty, hard work, perseverance and dedication to a bigger cause made him the great leader i.e. Quaid-i-Azam. 

We as a nation need to adopt these attributes to realize Quaid’s vision of a developed, progressive and tolerant Pakistan.”

PM went on: “our Government is striving for a society free of corruption and a system that helps the poor and underprivileged citizens. Pakistan is facing both internal and external challenges and the only solution to overcome these is to live by the Quaid's ideals of Unity, Faith and Discipline.

“It is a day to join together in the same spirit as our forefathers did during the Independence movement. Let us shun our differences based on cast, creed and faith and work in unison. I pray to Almighty Allah that He grants us strength and unity to realize our destiny of becoming the strongest nation on earth as envisioned by our Quaid .”

Pakistan Paindabad