Nation celebrates birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam with zeal, fervour

ISLAMABAD: The nation celebrated the 145th birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on Friday with traditional zeal and fervour.
The day dawned with special prayers for the security, progress and prosperity of the country. Special events were arranged on the day to highlight and promote ideas and views of the Quaid-i-Azam.
Various activities were held in government and private organisations to highlight Quaid-i-Azam’s lifelong political struggle and his guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline.
Radio and television channels broadcast special programmes to highlight the struggle of Quaid-i-Azam for Pakistan and his life.
In their separate messages paying tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the President and the Prime Minister urged the nation to follow the footsteps of great Quaid in all walks of life and make Pakistan a strong and prosperous country.
In his message, President Dr Arif Alvi said, “We should reaffirm our commitment to building a state that respects the diversity of its people and provides equal opportunities to its citizens irrespective of their religion, caste, creed or colour.” He further said, “On this day, we must also remember the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, who are being subjected to the worst kind of state-terrorism for over seven decades.”
Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message said, “Let us live the Quaid’s ideals of unity, faith and discipline with a renewed national spirit so that we make this country rise above all seen and unseen challenges.”
He said that Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had a firm faith in God and His Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which guided him through a long journey comprising ordeals, deceptions and dejections but culminating in grandeur, décor and eternity.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz said the role model of Prime Minister Imran Khan is Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and he adheres to the mission of making country an Islamic welfare state as envisioned by Quaid-i-Azam and Dr Allama Iqbal.
He said the government is committed to strengthening the institutions and promoting such an environment where the people enjoy all facilities without any discrimination. He said Naya Pakistan will be the realisation of dream of Quaid-i-Azam.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) cadets on Friday assumed the guards’ duties at the mausoleum of Founder of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. An elegant change of guards ceremony was held at the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi. Commandant PMA Major-General Omer Ahmed Bokhari was the chief guest and inspected the contingent comprising male and female cadets.
Major-General Omer Ahmed Bokhari offered Fateha, laid a wreath of flowers and recorded his impressions in the visitor’s book.
Sindh Governor Imran Ismail and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Friday. They offered Fateha and laid floral wreaths together at the Mazar-e-Quaid. The two dignitaries also penned their comments in the guests’ book. – TLTP