Islamabad: Special events and prayers were held across Pakistan to mark the 144th birth anniversary of the country’s founder, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, on Friday, December 25.
The day dawned with special prayers for the security, progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Later, a change of guards ceremony at Jinnah’s sprawling mausoleum in Karachi. Special programs and events were held to shine a light on Jinnah’s life and legacy, highlighting his message of “courage and selfless devotion” to the country.
In their separate messages paying rich tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s president and prime minister urged the nation to follow Jinnah’s footsteps to make Pakistan a strong and prosperous country.
In his special message to the nation, President Dr Arif Alvi said that on the 144th birth anniversary of the father of the nation, “we pay him a rich tribute for his role in the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent and pledge to follow his ideals to make Pakistan a strong and prosperous country.” He added that “Today, we 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.”
Unity, faith and discipline
Prime Minister Imran Khan urged the nation to “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.” In his message, PM Khan said that “In the modern history of mankind, there are a few people who garnered such wide popularity as our Quaid did. His determination to carve a nation out of chaos and relentless deprivation was miraculous and insuperable against all odds and challenges” which made him a “role model for Muslims all over the world.”
On the occasion, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa recalled the words of Muhammad Ali Jinnah that “no power on earth could undo Pakistan.” He said that the country is committed to “upholding his message of hope, courage and confidence” and that “Faith, unity and discipline shall always remain guiding principles of our great nation.”
Paying homage to the nation’s founder, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam, “let his words serve as a reminder to us all, during these trying times of global pandemic: ‘My message to you all is of hope, courage and confidence.’”
Jinnah and his legacy
Born on December 25, 1876, to a wealthy merchant family in Karachi, Mohammad Ali Jinnah is the founding father of Pakistan who served as the first governor-general after Pakistan’s independence in 1947.
In Pakistan, he is commonly known as Quaid-e-Azam (the greatest leader). Jinnah has been described as a distinguished politician, accomplished lawyer, gifted orator, fine statesman, defender of freedom and democracy and a dynamic leader who stood up for justice, freedom and equal rights for all.
“Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state,” said American historian Stanley Wolpert who wrote Jinnah’s biography.
