President, PM Urge Citizens to Follow Quaid’s Vision on His Birth Anniversary

The country is celebrating the 149th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on Thursday, with renewed pledges to uphold his guiding principles of faith, unity, and discipline. The day is being observed as a public holiday nationwide.

The celebrations began with gun salutes in federal and provincial capitals, followed by special prayers in mosques after Fajr for the departed soul of the Father of the Nation and for the country’s peace, prosperity, and development. Public and private buildings across Pakistan have hoisted the national flag in his honor.

At Mazar-e-Quaid, Pakistan Army cadets assumed guard duties in a dignified change of guard ceremony. Major General Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry was the chief guest at the event, where a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a salute.

A series of seminars, debates, and exhibitions are being organized at both official and civil society levels to highlight various aspects of Quaid-e-Azam’s life, achievements, and leadership.

Civil and Military Leaders Pay Tribute

President Asif Ali Zardari called on the nation to renew its commitment to the democratic and inclusive ideals of Quaid-e-Azam, stressing the continued relevance of his leadership. In a statement, he said his “vision, leadership, and guiding principles continued to inspire the nation in addressing contemporary challenges.” He added that Quaid-e-Azam exemplified conviction, perseverance, and hard work, which laid the foundation of Pakistan, and emphasized that the principles of democracy, justice, and equality must continue to guide national institutions and decision-making.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, reiterated that Quaid-e-Azam stood for democracy, justice, and equality, values that remain central to Pakistan’s progress. He urged all citizens, particularly the youth, to adhere to Quaid’s ideals and contribute toward building a peaceful, inclusive, and forward-looking nation.

The Chief of Defence Staff and Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force—Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu—on behalf of the Armed Forces, also paid tribute to the Father of the Nation.

“The Armed Forces reaffirm 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. They emphasised that Quaid-e-Azam’s exemplary leadership, constitutionalism, and steadfast resolve continue to guide the nation and its Armed Forces in confronting contemporary challenges,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated.

The ISPR added, “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.”

In addition, the ISPR released a national song titled Paigham-e-Quaid, reflecting Quaid-e-Azam’s sayings, the sacrifices made during the struggle for Pakistan, the historic journey of independence, and highlighting national resilience and steadfastness against hostile designs.

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born in 1876 in Karachi. A lawyer by profession and a visionary statesman, he led the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until the creation of Pakistan, and later served as the country’s first Governor General until his death in 1948. Through his political acumen, he successfully navigated both British authorities and the Indian National Congress leadership, ultimately securing the creation of Pakistan in 1947.