LAHORE – The 142nd birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is being celebrated with national zeal today (Tuesday, December 25, 2016).
The day started with special prayers for the prosperity, development and progress of the country. Ceremonies will also be held to hoist the national flag in all principal government buildings will be held to mark the birthday of the founder of Pakistan.
A special ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony was held at the mausoleum of the Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi. Cadets of the Pakistan Military Academy took over guard duties.
According to Radio Pakistan, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Governor Imran Ismail will also visit the mausoleum to pay respects to the nation’s founder
The national flag has been hoisted atop all public and private buildings. Various events, including seminars, debates and exhibitions, have been planned for the day.
Quaid-e-Azam was born on December 25, 1876 in Karachi. He received his early education in Karachi and then went to London for higher education.
A commonly held belief is that he specifically chose to join Lincoln’s Inn because he noticed the name of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) heading the list of the greatest lawgivers of the world on a plaque at its main entrance.
He completed his law degree in 1896, after which he returned home and kicked off his legal career.
Initially, Quaid struggled for Hindu-Muslim unity in united India as he strived hard for Indian independence, but after facing various disappointments, he began to work for the creation of a separate Muslim state for the Muslims of sub-continent.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah gained special prominence for his 14 points in 1929 in response to Nehru’s report.
The points proved as a turning point for the Pakistan movement as they prompted the Muslims to realize that they needed a country of their own.
With each passing day the demand for a Muslim state gained pace and under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Muslim League gained public support in elections of 1936 and 1946.
On August 4, 1947, Quaid’s dream of a separate homeland for the Muslims of India was realized with the creation of Pakistan.
He became the first Governor General of Pakistan and chalked out a strategy to combat the various issues the country was facing at the time.
Sadly, he only survived for 13 months after the creation of Pakistan and died on September 11, 1948.
His mausoleum stands in Karachi and every year, scores of national and international visitors offer fateha there.
PM Imran’s Message
Today, on the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, we pay our tributes to one of the great leaders of 20th century who altered the course of history by his vision and relentless struggle for the rights of the Muslims.
Our Quaid rekindled a hope amongst the oppressed Muslims of sub-continent, led constitutional struggle and brought into fruition the idea of carving out an independent Muslim state on the map of the world.
While celebrating birthday of the Quaid today, let us reflect as to how far we have succeeded in adhering to the path outlined by our leader. Let us rededicate ourselves today to the vision of our Founder.
Our Quaid had envisioned a state where we could live and breathe as free men, where we could enjoy freedom from fear and want; where we could fashion their lives according to our religious and cultural values, and where the principles of State of Madina could be followed to create a just and prosperous society.
The Quaid had wanted a society where every citizen enjoys the privileges of equal rights; where rule of law reigns supreme and establishment of a state which provides its umbrella to marginalized and vulnerable and also facilitates growth of every individual to his/her full capabilities.
The best way to pay homage to our Quaid is to adhere to his vision and follow his guiding principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline, in our individual as well as collective lives, towards making our country a truly welfare, progressive and prosperous state.
Let us reiterate today that the mistakes of past shall never be repeated and we all will work, as one nation, to transform vision of the Quaid into reality and to take the country to its rightful place among the comity of nations
