The 142nd birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was celebrated across the country with traditional zeal and fervor.
In the morning, special prayers were offered in mosques across the country for peace and prosperity.
Similarly, at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi, a ceremony was held for the change of guards with a Pakistan Military Academy Kakul contingent assuming the role. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Imran Ismail participated at the event and laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum.
The day has been marked as a public holiday and the national flag was hoisted on principal government buildings across the country.
Cultural institutions also arranged different programmes to highlight Jinnah’s struggle for Pakistan and promote the views and ideology espoused by him.
Similarly, activities have also been planned in educational institutes and other organisations over the matter.
‘UNITY, FAITH, DISCIPLINE’:
President Dr Arif Alvi has said that it is an occasion for the entire nation to rejoice its commitment to the ideals of democracy, egalitarianism, constitutionalism and rule of law which were upheld by our great leader throughout his life.
“He [Jinnah] steered the Muslim of sub-continent during the most tumultuous times and enabled them to withstand heavy odds and to achieve independence through a democratic struggle,” the president said.
“Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and thoughts are as relevant today as they were seven decades ago. We need to follow his principles of “Unity, Faith and Discipline”, wholeheartedly.”
‘DEMOCRATIC, JUST & COMPASSIONATE NATION’:
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that “Quaid envisaged Pakistan as a democratic, just and compassionate nation. Most importantly he wanted our minorities to be equal citizens. It should be remembered that his early political career was as an ambassador for Hindu Muslim unity.
Quaid envisaged Pakistan as a democratic, just and compassionate nation. Most importantly he wanted our minorities to be equal citizens. It should be remembered that his early political career was as an ambassador for Hindu Muslim unity.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 25, 2018
The premier also vowed that the government would ensure that minorities in the country are treated as equal citizens.
“His [Jinnah] struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only started when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority. Naya Pak is Quaid’s Pak & we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India,” he said.
His struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only started when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority. Naya Pak is Quaid’s Pak & we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India. https://t.co/xFPo8ahJnp
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 25, 2018
QUAID’S PAKISTAN:
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Tuesday said Prime Minister Imran Khan was making a new Pakistan in light of the broad vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Today the entire nation paid tribute to the great leader, who was a man of principals, the minister said in his message on the birth anniversary of the Quaid-e-Azam.
He said the Quaid-e-Azam had a firm belief in constitution and rule of law. He wanted a Pakistan where everyone could live according to their religions, beliefs and ideologies.
The Father of the Nation was an enlightened leader, who had always opposed extremist approach. He (the Quaid) had sacrificed his each and every thing for Pakistan.
The minister said Pakistan and its ideology were keepsake and their protection was a national duty of every patriotic Pakistani.
‘JINNAH DID NOT ENVISION A THEOCRATIC STATE’:
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said that Jinnah, while creating Pakistan, had envisioned a democratic state and not a theocratic or autocratic one in which thoughts and actions of individuals were controlled by a few in the name of ideology.
“Constitutionalism, rule of law and equality without any prejudice of religion, caste and creed are the guiding principles behind the creation of Pakistan,” he said and highlighted the need to introspect the direction the state has taken; whether ideology and religion are being misused to negate the pristine principles of the state and to stifle dissent and free expression.
Zardari added that the PPP reiterated its resolve to defend the founding principles of Pakistan and to fight despotism, extremism and militancy.
