Marking the 137th birthday of Father of the Nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a change of guards’ ceremony was held on Wednesday at Jinnah’s mausoleum in Karachi, TV channels reported.
Pakistan Military Academy Kakul cadets took over the responsibilities of guarding the Quaid’s last resting place, replacing the cadets of Pakistan Air Force.
A floral wreath was laid on the tomb by Major Gen Nadeem Butt and also prayed for the Quaid.
Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah also visited the mausoleum and paid homage to the leader.
The governor said Pakistani nation needed to follow in the footsteps of the Quaid for this is the only way to confront and defeat the challenges faced by Pakistan today.
Talking to reporters, Shah said that the matter relating to the Sindh Local Government Bill was in the court and whatever be the decision of the court, the government would accept it. He said that the legislations in Sindh Assembly was being done in consultations with the opposition and efforts were afoot to serve the people with consensus and unity.
The CM said the constitution existed in the country and the judiciary has played a key role, suo motu became very popular as the people got relief.
The freedom in the country was no less than any other, he said.
The CM said that the democracy and the institutions have gained strength in the country, the human rights stand restored and now poverty has to be eradicated and the people would get their rights.
To a question, he said that pillion riding was banned for maintaining law and order.
Separately, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA like elsewhere in the country, celebrated the Quaid’s 137th birth anniversary with national spirit and enthusiasm.
People renewed their pledge to strictly adhere to the Quaid’s golden principles of unity, faith and discipline and would work hard in their respective professions to make Pakistan a stronger, developed and democratic welfare-state.
In his message, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shaukatullah Khan stressed to reiterate the commitment to adhere to his principles of unity, faith and discipline; maintain unflinching unity in their ranks and make more productive, constructive and fruitful contributions for ensuring overall national integrity, security, development and prosperity of the country.
Meanwhile, a number of political, social, cultural and educational organisations have organized different programmes to mark this momentous occasion in a befitting manner.
In this connection, a declamation contest on topic of the personality and struggle of the Quaid for the creation of Pakistan was held at Greenwich Public School Charsadda Road Peshawar where speakers threw light on the life and political struggle of Father of the Nation.
The PAF Fazaia Degree College Peshawar also celebrated the birthday with national enthusiasm. A function was held in this connection at the college.
TV and radio channels are presenting special programmes on the life, struggle and achievements of the Quaid, while the newspapers have brought out special supplements to highlight this momentous day.
Similarly, special functions were also held at all the agency headquarters of Fata where national songs and debate competitions among students held.
The befitting way to pay tribute to the Quaid is to forge unity, work hard for progress and prosperity of the country.
