The nation celebrated the 146th birthday of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, today (Sunday) with pledges to uphold his guiding principles of “unity, faith, and discipline”.

The day began with special prayers for the security, progress, and prosperity of the country. The national flag was hoisted on major government buildings across the country.

A change of guards’ ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam in Karachi in the morning, Radio Pakistan reported. Pakistan Air Force cadets handed over the guards’ duty to the cadets of the Pakistan Military Academy.

Major General Umer Aziz was the chief guest on the occasion. He laid a floral wreath at the Mazar and offered Fateha.

The whole nation paid rich tributes to Jinnah for his struggle, sagacity, and leadership that led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent. Public and private departments would hold a variety of events to highlight the messages and vision of Quaid-e-Azam.

Special events are scheduled to be held today to highlight the ideals of the father of the nation, particularly with regard to rule of law, the supremacy of the Constitution, and the upholding of democracy.

Father of the nation

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a true and upright leader whose “devotion and committed efforts” resulted in the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-continent, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

He changed the map of the world with his leadership qualities and his vision. The new generation should make Quaid-e-Azam their role model and follow his principles.

Need for ‘taking right decision at right time’

President Arif Alvi urged the nation to reiterate its commitment to cherish and uphold the vision of Quaid-e-Azam for Pakistan and mobilise resources to tackle the grave issues to move on the path of political stability and economic prosperity.

“On this day, we express our gratitude for carving out a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent where we are free to realize our dreams as envisioned by the Quaid,” President Arif Alvi said in his message.

“Due to his untiring efforts, we were blessed with a country where we can live and breathe as free men and can develop it according to our own wishes and culture and uphold the principles of Islamic social justice.”

Main points of Alvi’s message

• Pledge ourselves to take the right decisions at the right time.
• Ensure the continuation of policies to create stability in the country by embracing
• Quaid’s advice to “think a hundred times before you take a decision, but once that decision is taken, stand by it as one man”
• Pledge to uphold Quaid’s vision of upholding the democratic values.
• Reiterate the pledge to give equal rights to all citizens in pursuance of Quaid’s advice:
• “You are free; you are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste or creed—that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”
• Embrace Quaid’s advice that no nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you.
• Revisit Quaid’s guiding principles on foreign policy and pursue “peace within and peace without”.
• Re-pledge to continue our support to the Kashmiris of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in realizing their dream of self-determination in line with UNSC resolutions.

‘End to internal chaos’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for ending the internal chaos and work tirelessly for the advancement of Pakistan.

“Pakistan was going through a difficult phase at present and the need to follow the principles of Quaid which had become more necessary to follow than ever,” he said in his message. “The best way to pay tribute to the founder was to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state.”

He called on the nation to take guidance from the life of Jinnah and follow his principles to ensure the country’s progress.

Main points of Shehbaz’s message

• Life of Quaid-e-Azam was a practical demonstration of his steadfastness for principles, constitutional struggle, and political sagacity.
• Constitution of Pakistan ‘truly’ represented the 14 points of Quaid-e-Azam
• The PM appealed to parents and teachers to inform new generation about the lives of founder of Pakistan and other leaders of the Pakistan movement