ISLAMABAD: Pakistan marked the 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Thursday, with the country’s civil and military leadership paying tribute to the Founder of the Nation and reaffirming commitment to his vision of a sovereign, democratic and inclusive state.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals, while special prayers were offered after Fajr prayers for the departed soul of the Quaid and for peace, prosperity and development of the country, according to Radio Pakistan.
The national flag was hoisted on public and private buildings, while Qur'an Khawani and a change of guards ceremony were held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born in Karachi on Dec. 25, 1876, and led the Pakistan Movement that resulted in the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims of the Sub-continent.
"Renewal of our commitment"
In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Quaid’s life and struggle continued to guide the nation.
“On the 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, I join the nation in paying heartfelt tribute to the Founder of our nation,” the prime minister said in a post on X.
“This day offers an opportunity for collective reflection and renewal of our commitment to the Quaid’s guiding principles — democracy, constitutionalism, social justice, religious harmony, and the vision of a welfare state grounded in equality and the rule of law,” he said.
PM Sharif said the Quaid’s ideals of “Faith, Unity, and Discipline remain the foundation of our national strength and a guiding light for future generations,” adding that the government reaffirmed its resolve to carry forward his legacy “in the service of Pakistan’s honour, security, progress, and prosperity.”
President’s remarks
President Asif Ali Zardari said the Quaid’s leadership and principles remained central to Pakistan’s national journey.
“Today, we honour Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Father of the Nation, and remember the conviction and hard work that shaped Pakistan,” the president said in a statement issued by the Press Information Department.
“The Quaid stood for democracy, justice and equality. These values remain central to our national journey and must continue to shape our choices and institutions,” he said.
Zardari urged Pakistanis, particularly the youth, to uphold the Quaid’s ideals and contribute to building “a peaceful, inclusive and forward-looking Pakistan.”
Armed Forces’ tribute
In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military leadership paid tribute to the Quaid on behalf of the Armed Forces.
“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,” the statement said.
The statement reiterated that the Armed Forces would continue to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and serve the nation “with honour, courage and devotion,” in line with the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
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