On the 76th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, observed on Wednesday, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need to embrace the guiding principles of Pakistan’s founding father to ensure the country’s continued development and prosperity.
In his message, President Zardari stressed the importance of Jinnah’s principles of “unity, faith, and discipline” as the cornerstone for the nation’s success. He called on the citizens to adopt these values as a means to overcome challenges and secure a prosperous future.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, echoing the president’s sentiments, urged the nation to recommit to building a Pakistan rooted in peace, justice, and equality for all. He reiterated that these ideals align with Jinnah’s vision of an inclusive and just society.
Honoring Jinnah’s Legacy
In tribute to Quaid-e-Azam, top officials from Sindh, including Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, and Interior Minister Ziaul Hasan, visited the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi. They were joined by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, and other provincial leaders to pay homage. During the visit, they recited Fatiha and laid a floral wreath at Jinnah’s tomb to honor his legacy.
Messages from the Leadership
President Zardari, in his message marking Jinnah’s death anniversary, highlighted the nation’s indebtedness to the Quaid for his relentless efforts in securing a separate homeland for Muslims. He praised Jinnah’s leadership, which united the Muslims of India under one banner, enabling them to live with dignity and freely practice their political, cultural, and religious rights.
Zardari lauded Jinnah as a visionary leader who advocated for democracy and equality for all citizens, regardless of their religion. “Jinnah’s struggle not only established the foundation of Pakistan’s democratic system but continues to guide our aspirations for a just and harmonious society,” the president said. He further emphasized that Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan was built on Islamic principles of democracy and socio-economic justice.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to Jinnah, calling him one of the most visionary and capable statesmen in history. He noted that Jinnah’s leadership during the Freedom Movement resulted in the creation of the world’s first Islamic ideological state. The PM highlighted that Jinnah’s unwavering commitment to democracy, justice, and equality laid the foundation for a nation where every citizen could thrive, despite cultural diversity.
Reaffirming the Quaid’s Vision
Both the president and the prime minister emphasized the continued relevance of Jinnah’s ideals in addressing contemporary challenges. They reminded the nation of its duty to instill values like integrity, hard work, and patriotism in future generations, inspired by the Quaid’s teachings.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, concluding his message, stated: “As we honor Jinnah’s legacy, we must renew our commitment to creating a Pakistan that reflects his ideals—a nation where peace prevails, justice is served, and every citizen has the opportunity to flourish.”
