Pakistan is commemorating the 148th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Wednesday with fervour and enthusiasm.
The day began with prayers for national unity and prosperity, followed by a 21-gun salute in all provincial capitals. The national flag was hoisted atop government and private buildings across the country.
In Karachi, a change of guard ceremony took place at Mazar-e-Quaid, the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation. A contingent of the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul assumed guard duties in a formal parade.
Major General Iftakhar Hassan Chowdhry, Commandant of the academy, served as the chief guest. He laid a floral wreath, offered fateha, and penned his thoughts in the visitors’ book.
Special ceremonies were organised nationwide, including seminars, cultural exhibitions, and debates that explored Jinnah’s leadership and vision for Pakistan. Schools and colleges held contests centred on his principles of unity, faith, and discipline.
State-run media aired documentaries and programmes to honour Jinnah’s role in Pakistan’s creation, while newspapers featured special supplements detailing his enduring legacy.
PM Shehbaz, President Zardari pay homage to Quaid
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam, acknowledging his extraordinary vision, courage, and unwavering determination that led to the creation of Pakistan.
In his message, the PM described Jinnah as a leader of rare calibre who deeply believed in the principles of unity, justice, and equality. He stressed that Jinnah’s life continues to inspire as an enlightened teacher, visionary lawyer, principled statesman, and charismatic leader.
PM Shehbaz underscored that Quaid’s dream was of a Pakistan where every citizen could live with dignity, freedom, and equal opportunity, regardless of faith or ethnicity.
President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam, stressing the importance of upholding the values of social justice, economic equity, and the rule of law to fulfil Jinnah’s vision.
He urged Pakistanis to invest in the education of youth and work toward uplifting disadvantaged communities. He highlighted Jinnah’s dream of a peaceful, moderate Pakistan, calling for harmony both within the country and beyond its borders.
Armed forces pay tribute to Quaid-e-Azam on his birth anniversary: ISPR
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Service Chiefs, and Pakistan’s armed forces paid a heartfelt tribute to the founder of the nation.
In a message issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military expressed admiration for the enduring vision and exemplary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam.
The statement highlighted his tireless efforts that united the nation and laid the foundation for a sovereign and independent Pakistan.
The announcement further stressed the military’s unwavering commitment to the founding principles of the nation—Unity, Faith, and Discipline—declaring these values as an enduring guiding light for the country.