ISLAMABAD: Today, the nation commemorates the birthday of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, with traditional fervor nationwide. The day began with ceremonial gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals, followed by a solemn changing of the guard at Jinnah’s mausoleum in Karachi.
People from diverse backgrounds paid homage to the mausoleum, acknowledging Jinnah’s monumental contributions to Pakistan. Radio Pakistan highlighted special programs organized for the occasion, where participants honored Jinnah’s tireless dedication and visionary leadership.
Born on December 25, 1876, in Karachi, Jinnah’s birthday is a public holiday marked by the hoisting of the national flag on government buildings across the country.
A lawyer by profession and a pivotal political figure, Jinnah led the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan gained independence on August 14, 1947. He served as Pakistan’s inaugural governor general and passed away on September 11, 1948.
President Arif Alvi and caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, in their respective messages, emphasized the imperative of unity for sustaining democracy, fostering peaceful coexistence, upholding the rule of law, and eradicating extremist ideologies.
President Alvi lauded Jinnah as the “great benefactor” whose relentless endeavors paved the way for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent, as reported by the state broadcaster.
Alvi said the founder of Pakistan advocated for the rights of the Muslim community. “The situation demands from us to follow the vision of the father of the nation and his guiding principles in letter and spirit to promote unity and democratic values,” he said.
Caretaker PM Kakar said that Quaid’s principles of “unity, faith and discipline” should be the guiding principles for all as a nation to realise the democratic state as conceived by its founder.
