Quaid’s 137th birthday being celebrated today
KARACHI: The 137th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah being celebrated in all parts of the country in a befitting manner today (Wednesday).
The day dawned with a ceremony of the change of guards held here at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah.
A smartly turned out contingent from Pakistan Military Academy Kakul took over the duties at the mausoleum of the Quaid from Pak Air Force cadets at a dignified ceremony held here this morning.
Commandant Military Academy Major General Nadeem Butt after inspecting the parade laid wreath and offered Fateha at the Mazar.
The Sindh Governor and Chief Minister along with his cabinet will lay wreaths at the Mazar and offer Fateha. Besides, the representatives of the three services will lay floral wreaths at the Mazar and will offer Fateha.
People from various walks of life will also visit the mausoleum of the Quaid-e-Azam to pay homage to the founder of Pakistan. A number of organisations have chalked out programmes to mark the day.
President Mamnoon Hussain in his message on the occasion of the Quaid’s birth anniversary said there was need for following the path of Quaid-e-Azam and to adhere to the principles of unity, faith and discipline.
The president said commemoration of birth anniversary of the Quaid is an occasion for all of us to rejoice and to reaffirm commitment to those ideals of democracy, egalitarianism, constitutionalism and rule of law that were upheld by our great leader throughout his life.
The president said Quaid-e-Azam united the discordant nation and secured for them a homeland where they could fashion their lives according to their customs and traditions.
“Our great leader by sheer virtue of his vision steadfastness and clarity of thought steered the Muslims of the Sub-Continent through the most tumultuous times and enabled them withstand heavy odds and to gain independence through a democratic struggle,” he added.He said the Quaid’s thought and vision is as relevant to as it was some six decades ago.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his message on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Founder of the Nation said patriotism, dedicated work and selfless service for the greater glory of the country could be the most befitting tribute to the Quaid.
“On this auspicious day we should pledge and resolve to work wholeheartedly and dedicatedly to build a strong and prosperous Pakistan,” said the prime minister.
The prime minister said the great Quaid envisioned Pakistan to be an independent homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-Continent where they could live their lives according to their religious and cultural beliefs.
“He envisioned Pakistan to be country where democracy the rule of law and respect for human rights will hold sway,” said the prime minister, adding that his dream of Pakistan was of a country where there would be no discrimination on the basis of caste creed or religion and where all citizens would enjoy equal rights.
