The 149th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is being celebrated with devotion and respect across the country today.

On this occasion, a dignified change of guards ceremony was held at the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi, during which a contingent from the Pakistan Military Academy took over the guard duties.

The ceremony was marked by discipline and solemnity, while rich tribute was paid to the struggles and services of the Father of the Nation.

A public holiday has been announced on Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary, and a large number of people are expected to visit the Quaid’s mausoleum throughout the day to offer Fateha and pay homage.

From early morning, citizens began arriving at the mausoleum to pay tribute to the Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and tireless struggle for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent.

During the commemorative events, the leadership of the armed forces also paid tribute to the Father of the Nation.

On the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their separate messages, paid glowing tributes to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Both the president and the prime minister called for adherence to the guiding principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to effectively address the challenges facing the country.

The leaders said that the Quaid-e-Azam promoted the values of religious harmony, tolerance, justice, democracy and equality, and transformed the dream of an independent state into reality.

President Asif Ali Zardari said that Quaid-e-Azam’s principles of democracy, justice and equality remain a guiding light for the nation.

He emphasised that these principles must form the foundation of national decision-making and institutions.

The president noted that the message of unity, faith and discipline provides a clear direction for the country, adding that national challenges can be overcome through unity and solidarity.

He urged the youth to adopt the Quaid-e-Azam’s principles and play an active role in national development and stability, stressing that true strength lies in unity, integrity, purposefulness and mutual respect.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary offers the nation an opportunity to renew its commitment to his ideals.

He stressed the need to follow Quaid-e-Azam’s principles at the national level, noting that the founder of the nation taught lessons of tolerance and justice.

The prime minister described Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as a great leader and a statesman of global stature who bravely confronted adversaries and defeated imperial forces to establish a new state.

Both leaders said that Quaid-e-Azam’s golden principles of faith, unity and discipline continue to serve as a beacon for national progress, social harmony and confidence.

They reaffirmed their resolve to work with sincerity and dedication by following in the footsteps of the Father of the Nation for the country’s development and stability.