Islamabad/Karachi, December 25: The nation on Thursday observed the 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Father of the Nation, with a renewed pledge to uphold his guiding principles of faith, unity, and discipline.
The day was marked as a public holiday across the country. It began with gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals, while special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr for the departed soul of Quaid-e-Azam and for peace, prosperity, and development of Pakistan. The national flag was hoisted on public and private buildings nationwide.
At Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi, Pakistan Army cadets assumed guard duties following a dignified change of guard ceremony held on the occasion. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a salute at the mausoleum, where Major General Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry was the chief guest.
Across the country, a series of events—including seminars, debates, and exhibitions—are being organised at official and civil society levels to highlight various aspects of Quaid-e-Azam’s life, achievements, and leadership.
Civil, military leadership pay tribute
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, called upon the nation to renew its commitment to the democratic and inclusive ideals of Quaid-e-Azam, emphasising the continued relevance of his leadership in addressing contemporary challenges. The president said Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, conviction, perseverance, and hard work laid the foundation of Pakistan, adding that democracy, justice, and equality must continue to guide national institutions and decision-making.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Quaid-e-Azam stood for democracy, justice, and equality, values which remain central to Pakistan’s national journey. He urged all Pakistanis, particularly the youth, to adhere to Quaid’s ideals and actively contribute to building a peaceful, inclusive, and forward-looking Pakistan.
Separately, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, paid rich tribute to the Father of the Nation.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the Armed Forces reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a strong, sovereign, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan, founded on the principles of faith, unity, and discipline. It added that Quaid-e-Azam’s constitutionalism and steadfast resolve continue to guide the nation and its Armed Forces in confronting contemporary challenges.
“The Armed Forces of Pakistan reiterate 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 statement said.
ISPR releases national song
Meanwhile, the ISPR released a national song titled “Paigham-e-Quaid” on the occasion. The song reflects Quaid-e-Azam’s sayings, the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence, and the historic journey of Pakistan, while highlighting national resolve and resilience against hostile designs.
Life and struggle of the founder
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born on December 25, 1876, in Karachi. A lawyer by profession and a visionary statesman, he led the Pakistan Movement that culminated in the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent in 1947.
He served as the leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until the creation of Pakistan and later as the country’s first Governor General until his death on September 11, 1948. Through exceptional political acumen, he successfully countered British authorities and the leadership of the Indian National Congress, securing the partition of British India into Pakistan and India.
Sindh Governor, CM visit Mazar-e-Quaid
Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited Mazar-e-Quaid to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation. They offered Fateha and laid floral wreaths, while senior ministers, including Sharjeel Inam Memon and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, along with other cabinet members, were also present.
The governor and chief minister recorded their remarks in the visitors’ book. Speaking to the media, Governor Tessori praised Quaid-e-Azam’s strategic vision, stating that it led to the creation of an independent Pakistan. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasised the need for unity for the country’s progress and welcomed the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines, expressing hope that it would improve services and benefit employees.
