Faith, unity discipline: Quaid’s ideals through Pakistan’s power lens

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday commemorated the 149th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Father of the Nation, with renewed pledges by the country’s leadership to uphold his guiding principles of faith, unity and discipline and to steer the nation in line with his democratic and inclusive vision.

The day was observed as a public holiday across the country. 

It began with gun salutes in the federal and provincial capitals, while special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr for the departed soul of Quaid-e-Azam and for peace, prosperity and development of the country.

The national flag was hoisted on public and private buildings nationwide, lending a solemn yet celebratory tone to the day.

At Karachi’s Mazar-e-Quaid, Pakistan Army cadets assumed guard duties following a dignified change of guard ceremony. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a salute at the mausoleum, where Major General Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry attended the ceremony as chief guest.

To mark the occasion, a series of events — including seminars, debates and exhibitions — were organised at both official and civil society levels to highlight various aspects of Quaid-e-Azam’s life, leadership, political struggle and enduring legacy.

Civil and military leadership pays tribute

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on the occasion, urged the nation to renew its commitment to the democratic and inclusive ideals of Quaid-e-Azam, stressing the continued relevance of his leadership in addressing contemporary challenges.

He said Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, unwavering leadership and guiding principles continued to inspire the nation, adding that his qualities of conviction, perseverance and hard work laid the foundation of Pakistan. The president emphasised that democracy, justice and equality must remain central to national institutions and decision-making.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said Quaid-e-Azam stood for democracy, justice and equality, values that remain vital for Pakistan’s progress, social cohesion and national confidence.

He called upon all Pakistanis, particularly the youth, to hold fast to Quaid’s ideals and actively contribute to building a peaceful, inclusive and forward-looking Pakistan.

Armed forces reaffirm commitment

Separately, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), T Bt, Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation.

In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the armed forces reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a strong, sovereign, democratic and prosperous Pakistan, founded on the principles of faith, unity and discipline.

The statement noted that Quaid-e-Azam’s exemplary leadership, constitutionalism and steadfast resolve continue to guide the nation and its armed forces in confronting contemporary challenges.

“The Armed Forces of Pakistan reiterate their resolve to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to contribute wholeheartedly towards national stability, peace and development, in line with the ideals and aspirations of Quaid-e-Azam,” the ISPR said.

On the occasion, the armed forces also extended heartfelt Christmas greetings to the Christian community of Pakistan, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the nation’s progress and reaffirming commitment to Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of equal rights, religious freedom and harmony for all citizens.

The ISPR added that the Pakistan Armed Forces remain steadfast in upholding the legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and in serving the nation with honour, courage and devotion.

ISPR releases ‘Paigham-e-Quaid’

Meanwhile, the ISPR released a national song titled “Paigham-e-Quaid” to mark the day.

The song reflects Quaid-e-Azam’s sayings, the sacrifices rendered during the Pakistan Movement, and the historic journey towards independence. It highlights national resolve, unity and resilience in the face of hostile designs, while paying tribute to Jinnah’s enduring message.

Legacy of the Founder

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born on December 25, 1876, in Karachi. A lawyer by profession and a visionary statesman, he led the Pakistan Movement that culminated in the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims of the Subcontinent in 1947.

He served as the leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until the establishment of Pakistan and later became the country’s first Governor General, a position he held until his death on September 11, 1948.

Through exceptional political acumen, Quaid-e-Azam successfully countered British colonial authorities and the leadership of the Indian National Congress, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, ultimately securing the partition of British India into Pakistan and India.