LAHORE: The 149th birth anniversary of the ‘Father of the Nation’ Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was marked on Thursday with a renewed pledge to uphold his guiding principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline.
The day dawned with 31-gun salutes in the federal capital and 21-gun salute at provincial capitals. Special prayers were offered after Fajr prayer for the departed soul of the ‘Father of Nation’ and peace, prosperity and development of the country.
National flag hoisted atop all public and private buildings, while Qur’an Khawani were held. Change of guard’s ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.
Born on this day in 1876, in Karachi, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the Pakistan movement which culminated at establishment of a separate homeland for Muslims of the Sub-continent.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday issued special messages on the birth anniversaries of Pakistan’s founder Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Pakistan Muslim League-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, paying tribute to their leadership and contributions to the nation.
In her messages, the chief minister said the greatness, wisdom, hard work and vision of Quaid-i-Azam continued to inspire generations, describing him as the leader who united a divided nation and changed its destiny. She said Quaid-i-Azam’s insight and resolve remained a guiding light for the country.
She also lauded Nawaz Sharif’s statesmanship, tireless efforts and sacrifices, stating that both leaders transformed the fate of the nation through their determination and foresight. “Quaid-i-Azam created Pakistan, while Nawaz Sharif strengthened and developed it,” she said, crediting Nawaz Sharif with steering the country out of terrorism and economic challenges, making Pakistan’s defence impregnable through nuclear tests, and working for the end of load-shedding, economic growth and prosperity.
The Chief Minister said the Punjab government is carrying forward the legacy of Quaid-i-Azam and Nawaz Sharif, adding that every decision of the provincial government was guided by the teachings of Quaid-i-Azam and the experience of Nawaz Sharif. She expressed confidence that under these principles, Pakistan would continue to remain strong, stable and progressive.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid rich tributes to the Founder of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, praising his unwavering principles, honesty and historic struggle that changed the course of history.
Naqvi said Quaid-e-Azam’s life stood as a shining example of the rule of law and truth. He saluted Jinnah’s monumental political, social, and economic struggle for safeguarding the rights of Muslims of the subcontinent. He noted that through incredible hard work and unshakeable determination, Quaid-e-Azam transformed the movement for Pakistan into an organized and powerful national cause. Jinnah united the Muslims on one platform and turned the dream of an independent Muslim state into reality, he added.
The minister said, “Today we breathe in a free homeland because of Quaid-e-Azam, and this debt can never be repaid. Jinnah’s golden principles teach that the path to national progress lies in honesty, self-accountability, and unity.”
Reaffirming commitment to the Quaid’s vision, Naqvi said the nation must continue to adopt the guiding principles of faith, unity, and discipline. He emphasized that sustainable development and prosperity can only be achieved by following Quaid-e-Azam’s timeless ideals.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025