Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan is marking the 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, revered as the Father of the Nation, today (Thursday), with a renewed commitment to the ideals of Faith, Unity and Discipline that guided his vision for the country.
The occasion is being observed as a public holiday across the country
The commemorative activities began at dawn with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in all provincial capitals.
The day dawned with 31-gun salutes in the federal capital and 21-gun salute at provincial capitals, while special prayers were offered at the mosques after Fajr prayer for the departed soul of the 'Father of Nation' and peace, prosperity and development of the country.
As part of the observance, the national flag has been hoisted on public and private buildings nationwide. In Karachi, Qur’an Khawani is being held at Mazar-e-Quaid, where a change of guards ceremony will also take place to pay tribute to the founder of the nation.
Meanwhile, A dignified change of guard ceremony was observed today at the Mazar-e-Quaid to commemorate the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
A smartly turned out contingent from the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, which formally took over the ceremonial guard duties at the mausoleum.
The event was attended by the Commandant of PMA Kakul, Major General Iftikhar Hassan Chaudhry, who served as the chief guest. He paid homage to the Father of the Nation by placing a floral wreath at the resting place and offering Fateha. He later shared his reflections by signing the visitors’ book at the mausoleum.
Prior to the change of guard ceremony, a Quran Khwani was arranged at the Mazar, where prayers were offered for the eternal peace of Quaid-e-Azam, marking the occasion with solemn reverence and national pride.
Born in Karachi on December 25, 1876, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah emerged as the central figure of the Pakistan Movement, steering the historic struggle that culminated in the creation of an independent homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent.
A distinguished lawyer who later rose to prominence as a political leader, Muhammad Ali Jinnah led the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until the realization of Pakistan.
After independence, he assumed the responsibilities of the country’s first Governor General and served in that role until his death on September 11, 1948.
Renowned for his sharp intellect and firm resolve, Quaid-e-Azam successfully confronted British colonial authorities, including influential viceroys, and countered the political strategies of Indian National Congress leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, ultimately paving the way for the partition of British India into Pakistan and India in 1947.
To honor his legacy, a series of events including seminars, discussions and exhibitions have been organized by government institutions and civil society groups, focusing on various aspects of his life, leadership and achievements.
In addition, state-run and private radio and television channels are broadcasting special programmes, interviews and analytical segments that revisit key phases of the independence movement and highlight the decisive role played by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.