The 77th death anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is being observed today (Thursday) with great reverence and respect.
On this occasion, various events will be organised at both government and private levels, where rich tributes will be paid to the founder of the country. Quran recitations will be held for the soul of the founder of Pakistan.
In connection with the death anniversary of the Father of the Nation, various organisations across the country will arrange seminars, discussions, and other commemorative events.
Political figures, representatives of the armed forces, and citizens will visit the mausoleum of the founder of Pakistan and lay floral wreaths.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his unparalleled leadership and selfless struggle for the creation of Pakistan.
In their separate messages, they urged the nation to draw inspiration from his vision of justice, equality, tolerance, and democracy
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said the Quaid-e-Azam not only created a homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent but also gave them dignity, identity, and self-respect.
“His dream was of a progressive, inclusive, and forward-looking nation where all citizens, regardless of religion, caste, or creed, would enjoy equal rights and opportunities,” the president emphasised.
Highlighting current developments in India, President Zardari said the treatment of minorities under the RSS-influenced government had once again validated the Two-Nation Theory.
“Even India’s own minority communities acknowledge that their religious, political, and social rights are no longer secure. These circumstances reaffirm that the creation of Pakistan was not only justified but inevitable,” he noted.
Acknowledging the challenges Pakistan faces today — ranging from economic difficulties and climate change to extremism and institutional reforms —President Zardari said the nation must follow the example of the Quaid-e-Azam and the Pakistan Movement leaders who overcame immense odds through unity and resolve.
“This is a defining moment for Pakistan. Let us reaffirm our resolve to build the country envisioned by Quaid — a democratic state, governed by the rule of law and accountable institutions,” President Zardari urged.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the entire nation salutes Quaid-e-Azam’s political vision and statesmanship, which led to the establishment of an independent homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent despite immense challenges.
Highlighting Quaid’s commitment to protecting the political, religious, economic, and cultural rights of Muslims, the prime minister noted that Jinnah’s struggle bore fruit in the form of Pakistan, the world’s first Islamic ideological state.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised that despite the daunting challenges of partition, including mass migration, resource scarcity, and administrative hurdles, the Quaid-e-Azam laid the foundations of a strong Pakistan and instilled in the people the courage and confidence to move forward.
He reaffirmed that Jinnah envisioned a Pakistan rooted in fundamental principles of religious freedom, equal rights, democracy, justice, and protection of minorities.
“Within Quaid’s political legacy lies the secret to Pakistan’s progress, prosperity, and welfare,” he remarked.
Calling for renewed national resolve, the prime minister urged the people of Pakistan to follow Quaid’s guiding principles of faith, unity, and discipline.
“Making Pakistan a developed nation and a true Islamic welfare state requires collective national effort. It is also our responsibility to pass on Quaid’s teachings and vision to future generations,” he stressed.
