The 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, is being observed across the country today with devotion, respect, and national enthusiasm. A public holiday has been declared nationwide to mark the occasion.
A dignified guard changing ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi. Major General Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) was the chief guest at the ceremony. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a salute, while army cadets took over guard duties at the mausoleum.
On the occasion of the birth anniversary, various official and non-official events are being held throughout the day across the country. Speakers at these gatherings are paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam’s tireless and historic struggle for the rights of the Muslims of the subcontinent and the creation of Pakistan.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born on December 25, 1876, in Karachi. By profession, he was a lawyer and later emerged as a prominent political leader. Through his exceptional leadership, determination, and vision, he turned the dream of an independent state into reality.
The principles of faith, unity, and discipline formed the core of Quaid-e-Azam’s philosophy. Through his character and actions, he demonstrated how sincere and honest leadership can change the course of history. Despite the presence of prominent leaders such as Nehru, Patel, and Gandhi, he successfully led the Muslims of the subcontinent to their destination of an independent homeland.
Quaid-e-Azam envisioned a Pakistan where all citizens would enjoy equal rights, freedom, and justice without discrimination. He is counted among the few world leaders who altered the direction of history by securing a separate homeland for Muslims on the basis of the Two-Nation Theory, a contribution that remains unforgettable.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to Quaid-e-Azam in his message on the occasion, saying that the founder of Pakistan preached principles of equality, religious harmony, social tolerance, and justice without discrimination.
The armed forces of Pakistan, including the Army Chief and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, also paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam. In a statement, the armed forces reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a strong, sovereign, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan, and pledged to continue their role in ensuring national stability, peace, and development.
