The nation celebrated 149th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Thursday with renewed pledge to uphold his guiding principles of faith, unity and discipline. It was a public holiday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The day dawned with 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes at provincial capitals, while special prayers were offered at the mosques after Fajr prayers for the departed soul of the Father of Nation and peace, prosperity and development of the country.
National flag has been hoisted atop all public and private buildings, while Qur'an Khawani and a change of guards’ ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.
Born on this day in 1876, in Karachi, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the Pakistan movement which culminated at establishment of a separate homeland for Muslims of the Sub-continent.
President, PM’s messages
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have renewed the pledge to follow in the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for the progress and prosperity of the nation.
In their messages, they said this day is reminder of the conviction and hard work that shaped Pakistan.
The President and Prime Minister said Quaid stood for democracy, justice and equality and these values remain central to our national journey and essential for our progress and maintaining social cohesion and confidence.
They urged all Pakistanis, particularly the youth, to hold firm to Quaid's ideals and contribute to building a peaceful, inclusive and forward-looking Pakistan.
Armed Forces pay tribute
Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu have pid rich tribute to the Father of the Nation on the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
In their message on behalf of the Armed Forces, they reiterated their resolve to safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to contribute wholeheartedly towards national stability, peace, and development, in line with the ideals and aspirations of Quaid-e-Azam.
The Armed Forces also extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to the Christian community of Pakistan, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the nation's progress.
Mohsin Naqvi pays tributes to Quaid
Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday paid rich tributes to the Founder of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, praising his unwavering principles, honesty and historic struggle that changed the course of history.
In his message on the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Naqvi said Quaid-e-Azam’s life stood as a shining example of the rule of law and truth. He saluted Jinnah’s monumental political, social, and economic struggle for safeguarding the rights of Muslims of the subcontinent.
He noted that through incredible hard work and unshakeable determination, Quaid-e-Azam transformed the movement for Pakistan into an organized and powerful national cause. Jinnah united the Muslims on one platform and turned the dream of an independent Muslim state into reality, he added.
The minister said the Founder of Pakistan envisioned a state built on the foundations of law, equality, and religious freedom, and placed great emphasis on the protection of minority rights.
“Today we breathe in a free homeland because of Quaid-e-Azam, and this debt can never be repaid,” Naqvi stated. He added that Jinnah’s golden principles teach that the path to national progress lies in honesty, self-accountability, and unity.
Reaffirming commitment to the Quaid’s vision, Naqvi said the nation must continue to adopt the guiding principles of faith, unity, and discipline. He emphasized that sustainable development and prosperity can only be achieved by following Quaid-e-Azam’s timeless ideals.
Change of guards at Mazar
An impressive change of guard ceremony was held at the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on Tursday in connection with the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.
During the ceremony, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul assumed the ceremonial guard duties.
Commandant of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul Major General Iftikhar Hassan Chaudhry was the chief guest on the occasion. He laid floral wreath at the Mazar and offered fateha. He also recorded his impressions in the book of visitors.
Reporter Awais Kiyani